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A common issue with newly adopted dogs is that their insecurity and unsureness about their new role cause them to create a \u201cjob\u201d of following their new parent(s) around the house. It is OK for a puppy or new dog to check in with you and follow you a bit at first but, once it becomes obsessive, you need to train them to stop.\u00a0 In other words, it is NOT OK for a dog to always follow you.<\/p>\n
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After all, they should not be nervous about you leaving the room any more than your 4 or 5-year-old child would. Sure, if you\u2019re gone for 15 mins, go see what\u2019s up! But you should be able to get a drink or go to the bathroom without an escort.<\/p>\n
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Allow your dog to relax, learn to trust, and know you\u2019re coming back!<\/p>\n
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Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
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Instead of allowing your dog to follow you around the house, take this \u201cjob\u201d away from her and replace it with more constructive jobs! Do these things to help:
1. Shut doors to bathroom, bedroom, etc and make her wait outside
2. Don\u2019t give her attention when she does follow you (ignore her)
3. Leave her (on-leash if needed) with a friend or family member when you go to the bathroom or kitchen for a few mins, etc. If you\u2019re alone, tie her with her leash to the furniture.
4. Once she knows \u201cstay\u201d and has been tied successfully, use the stay command to keep her in position as you go out of sight for brief periods.<\/p>\n
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Your dog will soon understand that they needn\u2019t be your shadow and they can relax and continue to play or rest when you\u2019re walking around.<\/p>\n
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Want more free training tips? Here are a bunch of things we\u2019ve put together to help you train and challenge your dog. https:\/\/www.poochcoach.com\/category\/tips-from-the-pooch-coach\/covid-19\/ <\/a><\/p>\n