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Spaniel being suddenly needy.

4 replies

difficultdayahead · 27/10/2021 11:40

And it's driving me mad! He used to be a calm, settled dog, then we got a kitten and it's been downhill from there!

He:

-paces the house constantly

  • is under my feet every time I stand up
  • whines and cries if you go to the toilet or a different room
  • comes and paws at you incessantly as you're sitting down
  • wants to rest his head on your lap and gaze into your eyes every second of the day. You can't even sit down for a second without him dashing over, trying to jump on your lap, pushing his head into your hands, trying to lick you constantly

I know he's feeling displaced by the kitten and it's triggered some sort of anxiety in him, but I've tried everything to reassure him, but nothing's working and the behaviour is now taking a toll on all of us. So far we have:

  • upped his walks
  • showered him with love and affection, lots of cuddles and praise
  • been careful to pet him when the kitten is around and being stroked
  • given him new toys and the odd bone to keep him occupied for two minutes

I wfh so he's never left in his crate for more than an hour or two during the day if I have to go to the supermarket or something. He's with us practically all the time, if we go out then we take him with us if we possibly can, he's only in his crate regularly overnight.

Any words of advice please would be brilliant!

OP posts:
thereisonlyoneofme · 27/10/2021 12:11

How old is the dog? If an older spaniel could be a medical problem, just co-incidence that the kitten has arrived

Ellmau · 27/10/2021 12:13

How long has the kitten been in residence?

thereisonlyoneofme · 27/10/2021 12:14

Why no edit button ! My spaniel exhibits all the behavior you mention. She is a bit of a needy dog too but is the only pet. Could you try one of those calming plug in thingies ?

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difficultdayahead · 27/10/2021 12:59

Sorry, should have said, he's 20 months old. We've had the kitten for about 7 weeks.

A plug in thing is a good idea actually! Hadn't thought of that.

OP posts:
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