advice for clingy 2 year old jack russell

victory

The dog is a jack russell, 2 years old and is very clingy, if a human gets up and goes to the loo, dog follows, if the washing machine door gets open, the dog's head is in there, if the door is open the dog is looking, if the oven door is opening the dog is in there,if the tumble dryer is being loaded the dog has it's head inside having a look, if a cupboard door gets open the dogs head is in it, if the floors are being moped the dog is walking alongside,if the hoover is on the dog is walking alongside up and down, any human movement the dog follows, every single moment of every single movement the dog follows, right by feet so it is a case of literally trying not to step over the dog...

If the door is closed behind say from living room to kitchen so it is possible to open the oven door without a dog being there, the dog creates merry hell, scratching the paint work off the door, jumping to try to get to the handle and barking at the door, whimpering and making such a huge fuss, it has a dog cage and goes mental to put into it.

It is impossible to go upstairs without the dog going off, the dog it seems is very needy and has to have human contact every single second which is impossible, however many times no no is said,stay where you are,step away or go into your basket or get away from the oven door or try to go to the loo in peace the dog wants to be in amongst it at all times. Whatever command is used the dog is right around your legs walking or going wherever human goes regardless.

Whatever human is doing dog wants to know/be right in it, exhausting and unnecesary so how to stop it?

joansgirl

My dog is exactly the same I'm afraid. She follows me everywhere and has to be in on everything. I just put up with it. However she will go to her bed when told to so I can do things without her "helping" sometimes.

19lottie82

Sounds like separation anxiety.

There are many types of "treatment" but the main one, if I remember correctly, is to spend a set period of time each day, "ignoring" the dog, so to speak.

Also, remember, at only 2 years old, the dog is still effectively a puppy, and it will still take a while before he fully matures.

victory

19lottie82 wrote: »

Sounds like separation anxiety.

There are many types of "treatment" but the main one, if I remember correctly, is to spend a set period of time each day, "ignoring" the dog, so to speak.

Also, remember, at only 2 years old, the dog is still effectively a puppy, and it will still take a while before he fully matures.

Thank you, googling 'seperation anxiety' and training lessons, will email them to see if that helps

elsien

Some comprehensive advice off another poster.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4932989


Edit - the sticking the head into fridges, washing machines etc is probably just nosiness. Mine does that - I'm now working on him sitting first then having a treat for keeping his hooter out of places it shouldn't be.
How long have you had the dog? Gitdog is ok when we go out, but has taken 6 months to learn it's ok to be in a different room if I'm in the house. And he still has to come running to check once in a while, although he'll now take himself off elsewhere if there's a patch of sun that requires his presence.

victory

Also has anyone had a behavioural therapist or dog training are they always payable (goggling £30 per session) or are there any MSE free ones?:D

krlyr

I would really recommend Nicole Wilde's book on separation issues, and the Kindle version is quite a reasonable price IMO
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leave-Seperation-Anxiety-Nicole-Wilde/dp/0981722733


Some trainers or behaviourists are happy to give advice for free but would generally charge for a session - it's often their main, or only, way of making a living! However, many insurers will cover the cost of a behaviourist so that could be an option.
http://www.apdt.co.uk and http://www.apbc.org.uk are two websites I'd recommend in finding a good local trainer. They're not guaranteed to be the best trainer, but if they're member of either association then they adhere to follow certain codes of conducts - which excludes usage of old-fashioned, harsh methods like shock collars, choke chains, etc.

Katiehound

In the meantime one of the things you might try is a DAP diffuser- either the plug in kind or the non aerosol spray. Widely available and possibly cheaper from somewhere like VetMedic than your own vet. Would google price comparisons
Here's info about it:
http://www.dapdiffuser.com/

I think there is also a collar?

victory

Thank you very much for all the help and links:D

Katiehound

Another thing you might try is a baby gate/dog gate, especially if you can borrow one! It might just work if you build up the time very gradually. The dog can still see you- if you are trying to open the oven door unaided!- rather than a solid door which is just that- allows no sight of you.

pipkin71

I would second the baby gate.

Our four year old Jack Russell went through a separation anxiety stage after we first got him and can still show signs now, if I go out of his sight but he s a lot better than he was.

He has just discovered a love for water and will try and jump in the shower with us so safety gates are a necessity. It also means that he has no choice but to be separated and he is used to this now, not worrying so much.

I also use rescue remedy in his water bowl so that is something else you could consider