Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess

When Velcro Dogs Are Beneficial Buddies

You love your pet for their unwavering companionship, warmth on a chilly evening and presence around the house. For many, the idea of raising a velcro dog is a goal. It means having a sweet soul ready to accept attention at a moment's notice and a pair of listening ears whenever the desire to chat with an attentive audience strikes.

When a pet is by your side, they have the ability to improve your health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You might just notice that a velcro dog encourages you to:

• Get outside and walk more often
• Socialize with others at the dog park
• Smile more and feel less stressed

The CDC says pet parents may also experience a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol levels and feelings of loneliness. So next time your dog rubs up against your leg, share a few words of gratitude for being such a good little buddy.

When Velcro Dogs Pose Safety Risks

On the other hand, you may have a dog who follows you absolutely everywhere, including into the bathroom or behind each step around the kitchen. This type of behavior could become a tripping hazard for you or an injury risk for the pet. Velcro dogs also have a greater chance of experiencing separation anxiety and acting out when left alone. This could mean damage to your home, a kennel or to the pet themselves (via excessive self-licking or chewing).

If the clingy behavior is new and uncommon, give the pet a quick look-over. Is there a burr caught in their paw pad causing pain? Did you forget to fill the water bowl and the dog is asking for a drink? Some clingy behavior is simply an ask for attention. Resolve the need and your pet will go back to their usual behaviors.

If your pet could earn the rating of super-duper-extra-clingy, it's time to evaluate your frequency of positive reinforcement. You may be doting on the pet too much and unknowingly training them to follow you around given that they get a reward at every turn, such as gushing attention, back rubs or tasty treats.

Tips for Training Velcro Dogs

If your pet is too clingy, take note of how you're responding to them throughout the day. If you routinely spoil your dog, that overload of affection can trigger velcro behavior. If every time your pet approaches you, you create feel-good moments, the dog is going to stay by your side 24/7. Why wouldn't they?

The first step to training your velcro dog is to learn why your dog won't leave your side. Then, work to resolve that concern. It's a good idea to loop in your veterinarian to be sure there isn't a physical problem with the pet and ask for tips from their firsthand experience managing behaviors for their patients.

If your pet is distant and you'd like them to be more of a velcro dog, flip the script here. Give them more one-on-one attention. Praise them when they are doing good things, like playing calmly with a toy on their own, relaxing in the approved chair or joining you at a time when you want them close. Let them know you're part of their pack beyond dog walks and backyard playtime.

So, what is a velcro dog? It's a pet who will follow you everywhere, seeking your loving attention. This instinctual behavior can make your dog your most faithful buddy or a bit of a nuisance if the condition is fueled by anxiety. Thankfully, dog obedience lessons can reframe your pet's behavior to become more or less clingy, whichever you personally prefer. Remember: You are the leader of the pack. You are in charge of how the humans and pets in your household interact. Here's to happy days ahead with your dog!