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The doghouse

Needy dogs

8 replies

Nojeansplease · 29/01/2020 16:28

My puppy is driving me a bit crazy
He won’t stop crying

Vet check all ok
Not hungry
Doesn’t need the toilet

It’s getting worse over the course of weeks
He gets lots of attention, playing, training and age appropriate walks

But we’ve been building up to him spending time alone with us out
And time alone with us home.

The time alone with us home (or just in the car with someone driving) is the problem and seems to be getting worse
He cries non stop.

I’m not expecting to leave him for hours
But he’s 4.5 months and I think it’s reasonable to give him a toy or chew (after he’s fed walked toileted and been played with already) and expect him to play or settle for 2 minutes whilst I go for a wee!

Any tips for needy dogs?

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unlikelytobe · 29/01/2020 20:48

I don't have much advice as I think you're doing the right things but it's taking time. Has he been to puppy training classes? Worth asking a dog behaviour expert.

I have a clingy dog - he's 4 and just seems to have that personality, being particularly attached to my DH. He gets separation anxiety. He doesn't really want to be away from us and just relax, play, sleep on his own but is fine if we're nearby. We love him lots so may have unintentionally pandered to this but I want an affectionate dog. Your puppy is young and learning still.

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Wolfiefan · 29/01/2020 20:52

That was mine. Three years ago. She memorably tried to eat through a wall when I left her to go for a wee!
You can’t leave the pup for any longer than it’s happy to be left. For now that may mean that you can’t leave it at all. Bloody difficult. But the only way to avoid full blown separation anxiety in the long run.
Have a look at dog training advice and support if you’re on FB. They recommend flitting. Let the pup follow you around as you move about and get a few things done. Eventually it’ll get bored! Also aim to teach a settle. Pup calm on bed near you and you quietly let it have a treat.

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Whynosnowyet · 29/01/2020 20:53

My lurcher is 6 and still camps outside the bathroom.
.

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weaselwords · 29/01/2020 20:54

Some breeds are much worse for this than others. My buggers (Weimaraner) are 11 now and still need to be glued to me at all times. Every time I move they launch themselves at me. My very own furry fan club.

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Nojeansplease · 29/01/2020 23:13

@Wolfiefan he’s generally fine if he’s on his own though! I have a camera to watch him and occasionally he barks for a second but then quickly just starts playing, eating, or goes to sleep. He’s been left for a max of 1.5 hours and he’s absolutely fine.

I tried when I was in the house to never leave him alone, never get him to the point of being panicked and if anything he got worse.

I’ve noticed if I’m obviously doing something - like cleaning up, he’s happy to watch from his pen.
But if I’m doing something he doesn’t seem worthy - like working on my laptop etc.
He will cry non stop

I do think it’s a want for attention, rather than separation anxiety as such

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Nojeansplease · 29/01/2020 23:14

I can also be sat right with him, on the floor where he plays, but just not playing with him
And he cries then too. So it’s not just SA I don’t think

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talia66 · 29/01/2020 23:24

Snap! My 6 month old puppy is such a moaner. Like you I could have ticked all the boxes, puppy class, training, walking playing - not too little but not too much - but still he can be a moany little sod. I have just stared ignoring it and I must say over time he has improved.
Also - is your puppy starting to teeth? Mine had an extra moany time and then I found a couple of his baby teeth so I think that might have made him worse.

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Wolfiefan · 30/01/2020 07:41

Sounds like it OP. So do the boring things in another room if he’s fine being left or do them for a really short time and then give attention before the noise starts.
Jeez they’re hard work aren’t they??

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