How to Unstick the Velcro Dog

Here's how to get distance from a too-clingy pet.
First understand the behavior.

By CC. Holland
Reprinted with permission from Dog Watch, April 2008
Copyright 2008 Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Some owners have dogs that persist in following them from room to room, angling to be as close as possible to their humans and keeping them always within sight. It's a common enough phenomenon that behaviorists and fanciers have coined the term "Velcro dog" in a nod to the famous invention's sticking power.

Gronia & Stu

A common misconception is that Velcro dogs must suffer from separation anxiety, but that's not necessarily the case, says Julia Albright, DVM, a resident in the animal behavior clinic of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Natural life stages may encourage a dog to stick close to an owner in search of information, reassurance or feedback.

"Puppies are constantly exposed to novel things, and they look for guidance and solace from social contact. Therefore, they find comfort in being close to their humans;' she says. "Older dogs may become more anxious with the loss of sight or hearing, or become confused as a result of cognitive dysfunction; these dogs may look to the owner for comfort:' One note: If your dog, especially an aging dog, becomes suddenly clingy, the behavior change could indicate an underlying medical condition. Have your veterinarian give him a thorough examination to rule out any health problems.

Experiences that are particularly intense or frightening can cause a lasting fear that results in an increased attachment to the owner, adds Albright. And then there's the dog that's learned that good things come to those who cling.

"I have known dogs, and own one myself, that follow the owner everywhere - even to the bathroom! - but do not seem too distressed when the owner leaves the house;" she says. "I believe these dogs have learned that the owner will give them attention or another reward if they stay in close proximity."

For many people, this isn't a problem; they enjoy having a pet that seems so affectionate and bonded to them. However, if your dog poses an annoyance or risk to you or members of your household by constantly being underfoot, or if you suspect that your dog is expressing separation anxiety, it's time to do some behavior modification.

"Velcro-ism per se isn't harmful, but a dog with separation anxiety should be encouraged to be as independent as possible," says Dr. Albright.

Max & Sheli Price

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a condition in which a dog signals distress by displaying behavior problems when left alone. It may be caused by abandonment or a traumatic event (and, as a result, it's more common in rescue dogs), but the condition may also arise after a significant life change, such as a move, a new member joining the household or an owner returning to work.

Signs of separation anxiety include stress-relieving behaviors in the absence of the owner such as:

vocalizing (barking, howling);
destructive chewing, especially at doors or windows;
excessive drooling or panting;
attempts to escape;
self-mutilation (licking, chewing);
inappropriate elimination soon after the owner leaves;
frantic, excessive celebration when the owner returns.

Sheila & Lucas Silva

Don't Go Cold Turkey

If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, you should consult a veterinary behaviorist. While you might consider a fast fix, such as crating your dog or shutting him in a room so he can't follow you, it's not advisable, especially if your dog suffers from separation anxiety.

"If he has separation anxiety, this won't work;' says Dr. Albright. In fact, it may exacerbate things by increasing his anxiety and any associated behaviors. He could seriously injure or even kill himself attempting to escape from a room or a crate to reunite with you. "Desensitization, or gradual separation, is the best approach:"

A Three-Step Approach

Start with Sit: The first step in teaching your Velcro dog greater self-confidence and independence is to get him to master the sit/stay command. "Stay can be tough, especially in a dog with this problem, so I encourage people to seek the help of a behaviorist - especially if the dog has separation anxiety - or a trainer;' says Dr. Albright. Use treats to reward him as he learns to stay for progressively longer periods of time while you are nearby. When he's solid in a sit/stay (or a down/stay) for several minutes while you are in the same room but not touching him, move on to the next step.
Keeping the Stay When the Owner's Away: Ask your dog to sit/stay (or down/stay) and move out of the room. Reward him as before, and work to extend to progressively longer periods of time. Finally, ask him to stay while you move about the house. "Bribe him if necessary with a long lasting treat - Kongs with a sticky treat inside or other treat dispensing toys are my favorite for this;' says Dr. Albright. Your goal is to teach him to amuse himself independently without you by his side; the treats show him that good things can happen even when you're not right there. Other amusements can include electronic toys that move or make noise when touched and puzzle toys that require a dog to work to free a treat or another toy.
Stop Accidentally Reinforcing the Behavior: Every time you pet your dog when he puts his head into your lap, or give an absentminded scratch when he rubs against your leg, you're rewarding him for clingy behavior. To change the dynamic, stop letting him call the shots. "Ignore the dog unless you initiate the interaction," says Dr. Albright."Don't pet him while you're on the toilet, and don't give him a treat from the cookie jar when you get up to get some water. In fact, you shouldn't even speak to the dog. "When you're ready to give him some attention, call him over to get his ears scratched.

Another reinforcer that people may overlook is allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you. Letting him snooze on your pillow may seem sweet, but in an anxious dog or one suffering from true separation anxiety, it reinforces the codependency and prevents him from learning how to be independent. To get him out of your bed, you should again use a gradual approach. Begin by giving him a sleeping pad or a crate on the floor near your bed. Gradually move it closer to your bedroom door, then out into the hallway, then to the final location where you'd like your dog to sleep. If he persists in climbing back into your bed, you may need to tether him in the early stages of this reeducation.

Can Medication Help?

"Medication for Velcro-ism per se isn't warranted; using basic training and treat-dispensing toys to provide appropriate stimulation and interactions is usually enough;' says Dr. Albright."However, dinginess can be a manifestation of a more severe anxiety problem that could be compromising the dog's quality of life. We do have effective antianxiety medications that can be prescribed by a veterinary behaviorist." For a lower-key remedy, says Dr. Aibright, dog-appeasing pheromone can be very effective in some dogs. It comes in various forms, including a plug-in scent diffuser and a collar, and emits a synthetic chemical that mimics a pheromone secreted by lactating bitches to create a comforting setting for puppies. Sold under the trade name D.A.P., it's available at major pet-supply stores.

Other Helpful Tips:

Keep your comings and goings low-key;
Minimize greetings -- wait until your dog is quiet and calm before making eye contact or touching him when you return home;
Provide plenty of exercise for your dog;
Give him structured interaction -- training, massage, play sessions -- that you initiate and end.