British Dalmatian Club

sjl8740 · Joined: 08 Oct 2015 Posts: 1

Hi everyone, I have a 13 week old pup, Max. He's doing very well and seems happy in his new home.

I just wanted to ask whether it's normal for a 13 week old to be extremely clingy and follow me from room to room and fret a little if I even go upstairs for 2 mins to get something.
Whilst I love him being with me I'm worried as we're still waiting for him to finish his vaccination rounds so I can't properly socialize him yet.
Im hoping that as soon as I can this will help him be more confident to be in a room by himself.

Is this common with Dal pups? I've had experience with other pups before but this is my first dalmatian.

Thankyou!

Nkosi-Kibibi · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Yes we had this with our first one, they are not called velcro dogs for nothing Very Happy

Our second one tended to follow both us and our older boy so didnt appear to be as clingy.

Whilst quite sweet we discouraged it as it can cause issues with separation anxiety. We dont allow the spots upstairs so we had a stair gate which he would sit and whine at, if I was carrying things upstairs I let him come up initially as they are terribly nosy too. If I was going to have a bath then I wouldnt let him come up but made sure the TV was left on plenty of toys were around. It is difficult as they are still getting used to new house people and routines,my boy loved his crate and I would often find he had taken refuge in there (covered with a blanket) so he felt safe.

Best of luck Very Happy

ZingDog · Joined: 20 May 2015 Posts: 20 Location: Maple, ON, CA

I practiced this, as with anything else I wanted from my dog. I'd spend lots of time with her but also made sure she was comfortable being separated from me and/or alone.

I used a baby gate to keep her apart but still in sight of me while I did other things. Keeping them occupied with a chew treat or toy would help make it easier. sometimes I would go over and give her a moment of attention, praise her then walk away again. I would also leave the house, sometimes for a minute, 5 mins, 10 mins, etc, building up the time. Food rewards for the behaviour that I wanted.

I want my dog to be able to be left alone. Of course I am fair about it, she gets a good run or walk in the morning, plenty of attention and mental stimulation. I think it's an important skill for a dog to have as we simply can't bring them everywhere.
_________________
Steve (Owner) & Misa (Boss)