If you’ve ever had to stop and ask yourself, ‘why is my dog so obsessed with me,’ then you’re not alone.
In fact, more and more owners are slowly becoming aware of the OCD-like behaviors of their loving canine pals.
Now, there are a number of reasons why your dog could be taking an excessive liking on you. It could be attention, food, exercise, separation, anxiety, or you may have unknowingly or unintentionally rewarded this behavior.
But here’s the thing…
There’s absolutely no problem with a dog that greets you excitedly when you come home from work. But it can quickly become a looming disaster if your dog is constantly clingy and not willing to give you a moment’s peace to yourself.
So if your furry friend is quickly turning to be ‘your’ dog as opposed to ‘everyone’s dog. You could be dealing with a Velcro dog (a dog who wants to be by their owners’ side at all times) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which results in obsessive behavior.
Overly obsessive behavior can be detrimental to you and your canine companion, especially if they’re hurting themselves.
If your dog is smothering you with obsessive affection, it’s time to know what is causing it and how you can deal with it.
Anyway…
Before we could dive into much detail on what causes obsession in dogs, it’s critical to keep in mind that behavioral changes cannot be stopped overnight.
And you will ultimately need to learn a few training techniques to get your dog off your hook.
So before you do anything else, I’d highly recommend Dan Abdelnoors5 step-by-step calming exercises to bring your dog’s emotional state down a few levels. (see video below)
They’re not a miracle cure for your dog’s obsessive behavior. But if you apply the techniques Dan demonstrates in the video below. I guarantee you’ll be well on your way to having a calm, responsive dog who doesn’t feel the need to be with you every second of the day.
Here’s the link to take a look:5 Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Stop Your Dogs Obsessive Behavior
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Why Is My Dog So Obsessed With Me?
Dogs are known to be playful, friendly, and fun animals to be around. So it’s common once in a while for them to demand a cuddle, a stroke, anything similar.
However, if your dog is continually following you everywhere. Sitting on your lap once you sit down or wrapping themselves around your legs when you are cooking, brushing teeth, or cleaning dishes.
Then they could be interfering with your ‘you time’ or privacy.
Not only that, it’s unhealthy and mentally draining because you lack time to think about your own issues. And it can be difficult to move from one door to another because they want to be there right next to you.
These characteristics may seem ordinary or usual. But to some extent, they may be symptoms of something even bigger.
Dogs with obsessive behavior tend to whine and stare at you and may sometimes show aggressive or guarding behavior towards those close to you, like your partner or children.
If you notice that your dog is overly concerned with a particular element of your life, they could be indicating signs of obsession.
Sometimes obsession may manifest in the form of self-grooming, nail-chewing, and constant licking.
So let’s discuss a number of causes and what makes them more likely.
More Attention
Did you travel out of town and left your dog under the care of a not-so-friendly relative?
Then you could be partly to blame for your dog’s obsessive behavior.
If you recently arrived home, you simply need to give him the attention he deserves, and he will go back to his old self after some time. Dogs are caring and protective creatures; sometimes, they just want reassurance that you will always be there for them.
However, if the obsession was not triggered by your absence or you’ve frequently been giving them enough attention. Then it could be something entirely different that’s causing the issue.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the common causes of obsessive dog behavior.
Worse still, it affects dogs differently and makes it hard for them to leave your side as their minds and bodies get stressed whenever you leave them alone.
Their heart may race, and they can worry themselves into depression.
This will often be accompanied by overeating or lack of eating, self-harm, or destruction around their environment.
Some may even tear or chew things that carry your scents, such as shoes, socks, and clothes.
Note that this is not to prevent you from leaving them, but rather trying to cope with stress.
Related Post: How To Calm A Dog With Separation Anxiety
Reinforced Behavior
If you often give treats when your dog hugs, sits on your lap, or greets you when you arrive. You could be a rewarding obsession and reinforcing it with those treats unknowingly.
Additionally, if your dog was initially obsessed with another toy and you repeatedly buy another when the old one gets damaged or lost. You are again slowly feeding its obsession. And the attention can quickly turn from the toy to you.
If you observe aggressive playing with a toy, the best thing to do is take it away and replace it with another to prevent self-harm and destruction.
Hunger or Thirst
Seasonal or periodic obsession in dogs is mostly triggered by hunger or lack of something that makes them uncomfortable.
It could also be the lost toy we just discussed above.
The hunger session is accompanied by whining, groaning, and frequent speedy moves to the food bowl.
If you are too busy, you may miss the signal, and your dog ends up following you and babysitting you everywhere.
You should be worried if the obsession persists even after feeding your canine. This could mean the obsession is caused by something else.
But before you start scratching your head and biting your nails with worry, make sure you are feeding your dog the right foods.
Because it could just be his sweet way of telling you he doesn’t like what you’ve been feeding him lately.
Fear
If you just moved into a new neighborhood, or your family has been undergoing some stress. It may be that your dog has become fearful and clingy during such times.
They need a lot of support and reassurance for them to get back to their jumpy selves.
Also, if you moved to a boisterous place where fireworks and other sickening noises are too common. Your dog may suddenly become fearful and may seek protection from you.
Know what your dog likes and what may upset or scare him, and you won’t have to deal with fear-related obsession.
Related: 5 Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Stop Your Dogs Obsessive Behavior
Nature and Age
Some dog breeds are known to carry a genetic predisposition to compulsive behaviors.
The Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers often lick what they like excessively, while the Bull Terrier spin more when excited.
German Shepherds are known for tail-chasing whenever their excitement is triggered.
But age also plays a role in obsession, and you might find an older dog may suddenly develop an obsession that wasn’t there before.
In this case, you may want to seriously consider taking your old canine to the vet for some checkup because this signals a medical or psychological condition.
Velcro dog syndrome
A velcro dog, also known as a clingy dog, simply means a dog that follows its owner everywhere.
I’m not talking about puppies here, but obsessive behavior in dogs from childhood to adulthood.
Also, note Velcro dog syndrome is different from obsession caused by separation anxiety. The main difference between the two is the anxiety itself.
Velcro dogs simply want to be with their owner. While dogs with separation anxiety obsession will panic and stress when their owners are away.
Some breeds, such as the lapdogs, are bred to be dependent and are more likely to be Velcro dogs even when fully grown.
Velcro dog syndrome is not harmful, and neither does it lead to self-destruction. It is like a one-year child who wants to follow and play where the mother is.
However, watch out for increased obsession signs.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by compulsive actions and obsessive thoughts.
A dog may be trapped in repetitive thoughts and may portray senseless or distressing behaviors that can be extremely difficult to control.
It’s like an addiction in humans.
The condition is accompanied by an occasional performance such as tail-spinning, air biting or licking, pacing, light and shadow chasing, chewing, scratching, and persistent barking.
So if your dog won’t let you eat, take a shower or reply to an email, they could be having a compulsive obsession, where they are not in control of themselves.
Related Post: What To Do If Your Dog Constantly Wants Attention
How to Stop Obsessive Dog Behavior
Fortunately, not all obsession forms are intense.
A dog is undeniably man’s best friend and will follow through the best way they know best.
But every dog is different; some are fun-loving, others are trouble makers, while others are simply laid-back snugglers.
Others, however, are a little over neurotic.
Personalities vary from one person to another, the same when it comes to dogs.
Light obsessions such as licking you and wagging their tail when you arrive home are not harmful. But if the situation makes you uncomfortable or your dog ends up hurting themselves. Then it’s advisable to learn how you can stop it.
Now that you already have an idea what could be causing the obsession, it’s time to put a stop to it.
Change Your Behavior
How you behave in front of your dog can significantly influence your dog’s behavior.
First things first, don’t force your dog into situations that will make them feel scared or uncomfortable.
If you have to take them to an unfamiliar environment, make sure you are relaxed, talk in a fun, reassuring tone, and convey that you are comfortable. If you have to leave them with a friend or relative, don’t leave until they are fully compatible.
You also owe your dog some time off your busy schedule. They give you all the attention you need, so reciprocate it, and you won’t ever have to worry about a dog seeking attention.
Reward good behavior and not an obsession.
If your dog has separation anxiety, try and desensitize them to your movements.
A lot of dogs automatically believe that standing up means leaving. So your dog will always be like ‘oh uh, he is going somewhere’ And they will rise and follow you.
Practice getting up and standing next to a window or doing something mundane. Repeat this behavior until your dog can stay in place when you get up.
Related: 5 Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Stop Your Dogs Obsessive Behavior
Give Proper Nutrition and Exercise
It will help if your dog gets enough exercise every day so that they don’t need to release any pent up energy on you. Make sure they’re eating the right foods and in the correct quantity. And make sure you practice walking and playing fetch regularly.
If you are dealing with an energetic and active breed, you may need to find engaging activities for them to exercise enough.
Teach Simple Commands
You may think your dog is obsessed with you, but have you thought it could be because you haven’t taught them what to do and not do?
It’s easy for untrained dogs to go extra in their actions, which may be interpreted as an obsession.
For instance, if you have not taught your puppy the stay command, they will follow you everywhere you go. Training to listen and obey your command makes it easier for your dog to behave how you want.
If, however, your dog is not allowed in your kitchen or bedroom. Then teach them that it’s a no-go zone and reward when they comply.
With practice and persistence, you’ll see how easy it can be getting your canine to do the right thing.
Give Them Their Own Special Place
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with having your dog sleep on your bed or share the couch with you. Ensuring they sleep or sit in their doggie space doesn’t make you cruel – it’s just good planning.
So if you haven’t done so already, set up space just for them filled with incentives like toys and treats. And reward them whenever they stay there for any length of time.
Final Thoughts
All in all, your dog looks up to you for cues. And if you don’t like them following you from room to room, then set boundaries.
Instead of bashing or leading them away, offer them an acceptable alternative, and reward them whenever they comply.
There’s nothing wrong with you and your dog loving each other. But even love has limits, and that’s what we call healthy love or rather ‘wanting the other party to enjoy their time alone sometimes.
If your dog doesn’t allow you to rest and spend your own time, you need to find a solution that will work in the long term, not just for your sanity but for your dog’s mental and physical health.
Lastly, no solution works instantly; some discipline, patience, and persistence will come in handy. It is a process…a journey, and once you are there, it will be worth the effort.
