Re: Acting very clingy

In Reply to: Acting very clingy
Posted by:  Brian
Posted on:  October 30, 2001 at 13:31:03

: Strange question for you. We have a 1 1/2 year old female who has been acting very strange lately. Its not a problem at all, just curious if anyone has had similar experiences. She always has been the type of dog that has to be in the same room as me or my wife, but recently she's been acting very clingy. Whenever we are watching TV or working on the computer she'll walk up to us and raise both her front paws because she wants us to pick her up. It's pretty funny actually...she looks just like a little 3 year old toddler raising both arms to be lifted.

: Not sure if she's doing this because she's at that dog/toddler stage. Some people actually have told me it is because my wife is 5 months pregnant. They said Dog's can sense this and start acting differently.

: Any similar experiences?

: Thanks,
: Brian

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Hi Brian,

Congratulations to you and your wife on your impending new addition!

Well I can only tell you my own experience with this breed and I have to say my boys aren't called "The Velcro Brothers" for nothing. It's not enough to be in the same room with me, they have to be "on" me whether it's laying next to me or putting a paw on me. There has to be that physical contact just about always.

This is one of the reasons this breed can be difficult for people that don't really like to do too much interaction with dogs. A JRT requires and needs it in order to be happy.

Now would be the perfect time to start to get your girl ready for the new baby. A class in obedience school will be real helpful if you haven't already done this.

You can also start getting her ready by making sure to let her see and sniff all the new baby items that will be coming into your home. This way she will be used to the many new sights and smells so when baby arrives she isn't jumping and leaping all over the place. Let her smell the baby powder and such so she is used to it all.

If at all possible get some type or make a tape of baby noises and start to play it for the dog so she gets used to the unusual baby sounds.

When the baby arrives make sure to bring home something the baby has worn and let your dog sniff it. Do this before the baby gets home so she will already know a familiar smell.

Once your baby comes home please make sure to take time out to spend with just the dog. This is so important to make this an easier transition. You always want the dog to feel like it is still a valued member of the family...always remember she was your first "kid"...hairy to be sure, but she will still see herself as the main focus of your lives. Make sure she stays an important focus and you should have less troubles when the baby comes home.

Get yourself a book like "Child-Proofing Your Dog" by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson. It can be found in paperback and will be a really helpful tool in this important period in your lives.