Clingy rescue dog

[Dominicgoings]

Would love the benefit of your experiences and wisdom.
We’ve had her for a few weeks now and she’s amazing She was a handful when we got her but ok with basic commands. She now sleeps through the night and has really come on with walking on the lead.
I want to make sure we’re doing the right thing about her complete and utter obsession with me She’s been like it since day 1. Initially if I went out of her sight she would cry. DH and teens have all been around so it’s not as if she doesn’t have anyone else. If I’m inside she’s reluctant to go out, although she IS improving. If she’s happily playing and she sees me at a window she wants in. If I’m washing up etc she lies down behind me.

We’re doing lots of increasing my time out of the room by a few minutes-sometimes she copes better than others. Also everyone else is taking turns at feeding her. I don’t make a huge fuss of her when I’m leaving the room or when I come back in but giving her lots of love and cuddles otherwise.
I’ve been at work for probably about 60% of the days since we’ve had her and both DH and kids agree she’s much more settled when I’m not here.
I want to get this right for her. Is there anything else I should try in order to reduce the clinginess? For her sake? I know we’re in for the long haul with her and I’m mindful that this may just be something that time will settle. She’s been in 5 different locations ( including the pound) in the last 6 months.

[Dominicgoings]

Just bumping for any advice?

[PollyPolson]

I would say carry on doing what you are doing. You do say she is improving so thats great.

It can take dogs a long while to settle down. It sounds as if she does cope when you are not there so she is not getting distressed when you are out.

Maybe work on a settle on a mat so she can stay in one place when you leave the room on occasions and that can help to relax her.

[Patience1990]

Poor baby it sounds like she's had a tough time. It sounds like your making slow and steady progress with her.

We adopted our rescue five years ago and she still has terrible separation anxiety although she is a lot better than she was. She follows me everywhere (no privacy at all) and she gets really anxious if I'm at home but have a door in the house closed. I think every rescue dog has their own anxieties. With mine, she needs to make sure everywhere is accessible and doesn't like anywhere closed off. She gets panicked by any outdoor noises and won't chill until she sees that there is no one else in the garden. I think she's always with me for extra security.

Keep doing what you are doing

[MrsZola]

Our rescue took a good year to totally settle and relax. Even now she follows me everywhere - she always scratches on the door if I close it when I go to the loo and pokes her head round the shower curtain. I think it's partly to do with her being a staffie and very people orientated - if I'm out she'll bang on DS2s door until he lets her in.
I'd carry on exactly as you are, she will settle in her own time.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

@Dominicgoings
This Facebook group is really good

www.facebook.com/groups/374160792599484/?ref=share

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Have you tried adaptil, @Dominicgoings?

When we adopted a dog from the Dogs’ Trust, she came with an adaptil collar, to help her settle, and it really did help, I’m sure. It comes as a diffuser and a spray too, and I think places like Pets At Home sell it.