If a dog is underfoot at every turn or is the owner’s shadow its likely it could be a Velcro dog. Various resources suggest dogs learn this behavior through inadvertent training and reinforcement of clingy behavior. Also, certain breeds that are more prone to clinginess than others.
We’re sharing articles about dealing with the Velcro behaviors and teaching the dog to be more independent. Separation anxiety is not always the cause of Velcro behaviors, however the two can coexist.
Sources:
- Why your dog follows you around the house, Puppies and Pooches, January 15, 2021. Link.
- Velcro dogs: Managing your dog’s clinginess, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, August 27, 2021. Link.
- How to tell if you have a Velcro dog and how to fix it, Women’s Day, January 29, 2020. Link.
- Why is my dog so clingy? PetMD, November 1, 2021. Link.
- Ten dog breeds that are extra clingy with their owners, iheartdogs.com, Link.
INSIGHTS: Articles like these help dog owners realize the importance of their leadership in managing dog behaviors and helping them be better household citizens. Share these in social media posts, newsletters or with new pet resources.