Velcro Dogs: How to Manage Your Dog’s Clinginess?
You are likely to be the pet parent of a Velcro dog if you refer to your dog companion as your shadow. This name is after the hook-and-loop fastener VELCRO (r), used to join two items. A dog’s behaviour towards its human companion is described as clingy but loving. Here are some tips for velcro dogs.
What is a Velcro Dog?
Dogs prefer to live with a pack. Your pet may not be navigating the wild, but the American Kennel Club reflects their instinct to live in a pack close to you. A certain level of closeness between you and your dog is normal.
If your dog is constantly slipping, you might need to reevaluate your daily life. According to the AKC, how you treat your dog and train him can significantly impact his behaviour. It could be that you are encouraging your dog to be velcro-like and close to other dogs. Velcro dogs can be a win for some pet parents. They could pose a problem for some pet parents.
How to identify a Velcro Dog?
If you are looking to adopt an existing dog, a typical Velcro dog will approach and show affection easily and follow you around while you greet each other. Although it can take some time for dogs to get used to being pet parents, they will be more comfortable with you if they are well-adjusted and interested in you.
The Innovative K9 Academy Utah suggests that clingy behaviour may be a breed-specific trait. It could be due to your dog being with you everywhere or if they haven’t been socialized enough with other people.
The Animal Rescue Site funds animal rescues by funding the following breeds:
- Labrador retrievers
- French bulldogs
- Papillons
- Golden retrievers
- Chihuahuas
- Shetland sheepdogs
- Pugs
- Australian shepherds
- Italian greyhounds
- Doberman pinschers
Also, puppies are known to be velcro dogs. According to the AKC, they are young and impressionable, so they tend to follow you wherever you go. As dog’s age and become more domesticated, they acquire new behaviours and learn from their pack leader.
How Can Velcro Dogs Be Beneficial Buddys?
Your pet is loved for unconditional companionship, warmth on cold nights and presence around your house. Many people see the goal of raising a velcro dog as a dream. It’s about having a sweet soul who is willing to listen to anyone and everyone, no matter their mood.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can improve your health by being with you. A velcro dog might encourage you to:
- Walk more often and get outside.
- Enjoy socializing with other dogs at the dogpark
- Smile more, feel less stressed
According to the CDC, pet owners may experience a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lonely feelings. Next time your dog rubs against your leg, say a few words to express gratitude for being such an amazing friend.
How Can Velcro Dogs Pose Safety Hazards?
You may also have a dog that follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom. This behaviour can pose a danger to you and your pet by making it difficult for them to get around. Velcro dogs are more likely to experience separation anxiety and act out when left alone. This can cause damage to your home, your kennel, or the pet (through excessive self-licking and chewing).
Give your pet a quick check if the clingy behaviour seems unusual or new. Is there a burr in their paw pad causing them pain? Is it possible that you forgot to refill the water bowl, and your dog asks for a drink? Clingy behaviour is a request for attention. Your pet will return to its normal behaviour if you resolve the need.
If your pet could earn the rating of super-duper-extra-clingy, it’s time to evaluate your frequency of positive reinforcement. It’s possible that you are too attached to your pet and training them to follow you everywhere, even if they get a reward like back rubs, gushing attention or tasty treats.
Tips for training Velcro dogs
Pay attention to how your pet responds if they are too attached throughout the day. Over-stimulation can lead to velcro behaviour in dogs given too much affection. You can make your dog feel good every time they approach you. They wouldn’t want to leave you alone; why would they?
To train your Velcro dog, you must first understand why your dog won’t let go of your side. Next, address the issue. To ensure that there aren’t any physical problems with your pet, it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian and get tips about managing their behaviour.
