Springer obsessed with me.

[cheeseandbiscuitsplease]

I have 2 lovely Springers, one is nearly 8, one is nearly 4. Both males. Both boys are dearly loved and well looked after, 2 good off lead walks day, big garden etc.
The younger dog has always been much dafter and hyper than the older one. He is obsessed by me and it's steadily getting worse. Sometimes I feel like I can't relax in my own home. He constantly paws at me and needs my attention all the time.
In the evenings both dogs are relaxed and happy with us on the sofa but the younger dog is constantly on and off me, pawing me etc. If I get up or move the whole resettling thing has to start again. He is hard work. I love them both very much but sometimes I feel like it's easier to stay upstairs as the younger dogs need for attention is so hard work and also he actually hurts me sometimes with the pawing.
We do have crates for them and at times I put him to bed as he just won't settle and calm himself down. He only does this to me. The older dog is always so good and well behaved and happy to lie on the rug and literally not move.
I have tried the diffusers and also I have a lavender spray for his paws.
I have been stern with him and he will do as he is told but soon reverts back up wanting to be all over me.
Sometimes he really gets me down with his daftness and constant neediness.
He also licks me a lot and just can't seem to get enough of me.
Any help would be appreciated. I love him, rehoming is not an option and they are both loved and well cared for.

Have you ever taught him to settle on his own away from you?

He settles perfectly when I'm not in the room. Getting him to settle and stay whilst I'm in the same room seems impossible. Thank you for reading.

One of my dogs has tendency like yours. Although she will do this to everyone in the immediate family.

I just said no and got up every time she pawd me. Its a bit tedious but she really got the message quickly.

Has he been neutered? That may be the only answer.

Our 20mo ESS is like this but not so much as yours. He was a lot worse before we sorted his diet. He can't have chicken, lamb, beef, salmon, rice, potato, grains, sweet potato. They all give him wind and loose stools. I would check his diet.

In my experience the only way to manage it is to just ignore him completely. When he does it, stand up and leave the room, or turn your back, or fold your arms and avoid eye contact.

The more you interact with him (even in a negative way) the more you reward the behaviour.

attention rewards the behaviour. The only way I've ever been able to correct unwanted dog behaviour is by ignoring it as previous posts have suggested. Standing up arms crossed, facing the wall or whatever, ignoring the dog until it stops and sits/stays/down etc.

For most dogs, negative attention is more rewarding than no attention. Shouting, pushing them away or saying "no" are all ways to give him attention.

If he learns that behaving in a certain way gets him absolutely nothing, he should stop doing it. But be aware that as it's worked in the past, he may ramp up the behaviour for a while out of frustration - you just need to carry on ignoring him.

Could he be bored? Might need some more mental stimulation. Maybe chop up some hotdogs into really small bits (i get them in Lidl) and fling them around your garden. That'll keep him and his brain busy for 15/20 mins and might help. Alternatively give him a kong with something in it. I have a sori get who i exercise loads same as you described but i try to 20/30 mins of playing fetch when i can. He loves a job and he thinks he's working bringing the ball back to me.

*springer

Thank you for all your replies. I have lots of enrichment toys so I don't think he's bored. I have been trying the ignoring thing and not engaging when he's pawing at me etc and it's going well so far. Thank you all. I do love him so much he's just full on! X

Can I ask what you feed him. My 2 year old springer is just like OP's and I am not sure we have found a food that suits her.

@Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree we feed him raw turkey/duck/pork with denzels treats. We also use natural raw hide 'bones' with duck, turkey etc inside. He also gets Tribal kibble for training etc.