When we have food or snacks, our dogs love to be around us. They may cling to us during feeding time if they believe we will share. But it can worry us when our dogs suddenly become clingy for no apparent reason.
Our goal is for our dogs to be independent and never need us. Unnecessarily clingy behavior isn’t much better, even though we obviously don’t want our dogs to ignore us.
Clinginess in your dog may appear out of the blue if there have been changes made to the home, the environment, or their regular routine. They may be in heat or about to give birth, you may be menstruating or pregnant, age-related complications, fear of loud noises, feeling threatened, bored, or sick.
With so many factors to take into account, it is best that we delve a little deeper to make sense of everything.
Continue reading to learn the causes of your dog’s sudden clinginess and how to correct it.
#5: You moved out of the house
Dogs love to have their own place in the house. Therefore, a sudden change in location could send them into a panic.
When you move to a new location that your dog is unfamiliar with, clinginess results. They tend to follow you around because they only know you.
They might even want to sleep in your room with you, if possible.
Your dog will approach you if it doesn’t have a comfortable, familiar place to go.
Spend some time and go together around the house. To help your dog feel at home, scatter some of their favorite toys there.
Soon, you’ll find them roaming around the house. This will enable them to look for the ideal location where they can feel more at ease.
#8: There’s a change in your daily routine
Consider the case where you and your furry friend used to go for daily walks.
Once your schedule became hectic, someone had to step in. Whether it’s a relative, a close friend, or the neighbor’s dog walker
It’s good that someone you trust covers for you when you’re not there. However, they did not raise your dog, so there is no close relationship.
Therefore, if your dog suddenly becomes overly attached, recall an activity you two used to enjoy.
You might think that going for a walk in the park is a small event. To them, it’s a way of living. Taking some time to spend with your dog won’t hurt.
Have someone else do it if you really don’t have that much time. But be sure the person is reliable and knowledgeable about handling dogs.
Note: Having someone assist you with your dog’s daily activities isn’t always effective. If your dog has trust issues, refrain from doing this.
Get Your Dog Used to Different Movements
If your dog associates the kitchen with always receiving food or treats, he’ll probably cling to you there. The same goes for any situation where your dog anticipates you to engage in a particular behavior that piques his interest. Therefore, try acting in the opposite manner in these places to desensitize your dog to your movement.
FAQ
Why is my dog suddenly more affectionate?
Higher stress levels and an unfamiliar environment are the causes of this behavior. Dogs have also been observed to become more loving and calm when their human companion becomes ill or weak. They are aware of their companion’s fragility and frequently make an effort to care for and support them during this time.
Why won’t my dog leave my side all of a sudden?
Although there are other possibilities like they are ill, bored, aging, or reacting to a lifestyle change, the most frequent causes of your dog suddenly refusing to leave your side are fear responses, you have something they want, or they are starting to develop separation anxiety.