This dog thinks I gave birth to it! HELP ME!!!

Ok- first off all my 9 month old puppy is wonderful with the kids and myself. WONDERFUL!!!!! this dog is super duper friendly and we've had her for over 6 months and she barked 4 times and they were little barks. She loves people and loves kids. LOVES kids- not just my own.
The issue? She thinks she is my 5th daughter. I am her everything. She loves me so much but she is the neediest dog ever!

Now that the weather is nicer and I go out for 2 hours at a time, she is suworse when I come home and it lasts for hours. It's like she has separation anxiety.

She is like a little kid- she has to see me when she goes to pee or poo. If she hears me close the door behind her she runs back to me as if I'm going to leave her. I admit I enable it b/c to solve the issue I leave the door 1/4 open she she goes outside and when she'd done she pushes it open to come in.

She follows me everywhere. I go upstairs, she goes upstairs, she follows me in every room and follows me down again. She follows me to put the kids to bed. Like I said,she thinks I gave birth to her.

I sit down on the couch she is putting her paws on mouth, trying to give me a hug and a kiss.
She wants constant attention from me and guests that come over. She gets plenty,believe me we are a family of 6 and I'm a sahm so the kids are playing with her constantly.

My question is... Will dog training make her less needy? Just want to clarify that I love her, want her and I really love her personality but at times it's too much and I really need her to be less needy.

She is a chocolate lab.

Any advice?

Message edited 6/11/2010 9:52:51 AM.

Re: This dog thinks I gave birth to it! HELP ME!!!

I think training is an absolute must, given what you've said, and that she is a highly intelligent breed that needs her mind occupied. I am of the opinion that every dog deserves to be trained by their owners.

Training will help both of you. You, to learn how she thinks, what she needs, and to reinforce your role as pack leader. Her, to get stability and the discipline she needs, to know that it's "OK" to be independent and to gain confidence.

Labs are naturally dedicated to their owners and it's to be expected that if they are in the vicinity, you will never be alone. It's one of the most endearing things about them and probably a big reason they're the #1 breed in America.

However, it could be out of necessity because she's fearful or has abandonment issues. There are a lot of methods you could learn about instilling confidence in her and not enabling her to continue her behavior.

There are a lot of training resources in our area but I caution you to learn about the different training methods and tools and make an informed decision before you choose. I don't have experience with specific trainers because I do my own with my Labs but I'd be happy to answer any questions here or via FM.

Message edited 6/11/2010 9:48:30 AM.

Re: This dog thinks I gave birth to it! HELP ME!!!

Posted by greenfreak

I think training is an absolute must, given what you've said, and that she is a highly intelligent breed that needs her mind occupied. I am of the opinion that every dog deserves to be trained by their owners.

Training will help both of you. You, to learn how she thinks, what she needs, and to reinforce your role as pack leader. Her, to get stability and the discipline she needs, to know that it's "OK" to be independent and to gain confidence.

Labs are naturally dedicated to their owners and it's to be expected that if they are in the vicinity, you will never be alone. It's one of the most endearing things about them and probably a big reason they're the #1 breed in America.

However, it could be out of necessity because she's fearful or has abandonment issues. There are a lot of methods you could learn about instilling confidence in her and not enabling her to continue her behavior.

There are a lot of training resources in our area but I caution you to learn about the different training methods and tools and make an informed decision before you choose. I don't have experience with specific trainers because I do my own with my Labs but I'd be happy to answer any questions here or via FM.

Re: This dog thinks I gave birth to it! HELP ME!!!

Let me know if you do anything that works. I resuced my cocker and he is constantly in need of my attention. HATES when we leave the house, wants to go with us everywhere...

Re: This dog thinks I gave birth to it! HELP ME!!!

I also think it is important that dogs have boundaries to teach them it is okay for them not to be with you some of the times. For example, there is one room in my house my dog is not allowed in EVER, he is not allowed on our bed, and he cannot be in the bathroom while we are showering. He is exactly how you describe your dog. Always with me, wanting attention, etc. I noticed this from when I first brought him home and instilled the boundaries immediately. If I were you, I would ease into some boundaries very very slowly. Also don't make a fuss over it, or goodbyes, or coming home. Ever. Good luck.