I can't bear having a dog.

[Hoopyhoopa]

I love dogs. I wanted one forever. Especially this one little breed. I'm autistic, have social anxiety and thought having a dog would be the most amazing thing. Finally, I got one. He's adorable. I love walking him, I love the cuddles, and I love the cuteness. I love him, he's my baby.

But, I can't bear him. I've had him for 2 years now. He is the most needy creature and I am 'his' human and he is devoted to me. He wants attention from me constantly. He whines at me, paws at me, barks at me for attention. It is really tough. He's not like this with my partner or other family members. I have tried to train him. But he is obsessed with me and nothing seems to help.

I want to give him away, but I can't bear it. He's my baby. I can't bear the thought of never seeing him again. But he is giving me a nervous breakdown with his dependence on me. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe. It's suffocating and I only feel more myself when my family take him for the night occasionally (they can't take him full time unfortunately).

Has anyone ever had anything similar?

It might help you to have set times during the day when he gets a fuss from you, is he allowed to snuggle on the sofa next to you? Will he do that calmly? Having a routine might help both of you. If you do it consistently he will learn.

Personally I find a quick 'ah' is better than just ignoring bad behaviour, because otherwise your dogs might think you've just not noticed them/forgotten them and so they'll do even more to get your attention. Giving an 'ah' tells them more clearly that no that's not the right thing to do. Obviously it has to be used sparingly, done once and then they are ignored.

Have other words for when fuss/sofa snuggles are allowed for him and don't give them any time that he asks. Only when he is invited.