Any animal psychologists out there?

Question

We have a dog, he is a loving , gentle soul and we love him to death. We are kinda confused because sometimes he followes me and nudges me or gets on top of me and will follow me like a fly follows cake. He will not leave me alone and will just stare at me. I dont know what he wants, if I'm on the computer he gets under the desk and pushes me away from it. He doesnt always do it to me he has at times done it to everyone in this household. We dont understand it. It seems like there is something wrong he wnts to tell us that only he knows about, but everything to us seems fine. He is a golden retreiver mix and is 8 years old.

I would appreciate only serious answers please.

Maybe I havent explained it enough, because everyone seems to think that he just needs more to do, but that is not the case he is walked and we play fetch with his toy. He happens to do this in the middle of the night when we are all asleep. He jumps on the bed and sits on our heads, not our feet or our back but our head and he seems restless. He walks back and forth then sits and stares. Its not a normal situation. I have walked out with him at 3 am and he just sits there, stares and wants to come back in.

Answer 1

I believe your dog is a bit jealous of everyone in the household. Pets realize when you are showing 'other things' attention, and it takes it away from them. This is normal and I wouldn't worry about the situation.

Answer 2

A couple of thoughts come to mind. One, your dog may really be trying to tell you something. If that's the case, I can't really help you. Does he need exercise? Water? Is he sick? Is he injured somehow? I would say he's just being very affectionate by following you everywhere, but the fact that he tries to push you away from the computer says otherwise. Does he get lots of attention? (If not, he might feel like this toy the "computer" gets more of your attention than him and he may be a little doggy jealous.)

Two, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions.
1. Does your dog eat before you, or is he free fed?
2. Is he allowed on the couch and chairs without your permission?
3. Does he dart out in front of you when you open a door?
4. Do you often have to walk around him because he's laying in your way?
5. Is he allowed to go everywhere in the house?
6. Do you spend more time watching him than he spends watching you?

If your answer to any or all of the above questions is "yes," then your dog may think he's the alpha dog. The alpha dog always gets choice meals first, always goes through small openings first, never has to move out of the way for anyone else, gets run of the house, and everyone is watching him for clues as to how to react to sitations. In this case, he is simply nudging you off of his computer because he doesn't want you there. If that's it, I would recommend talking to a professional dog trainer. Screen them first.

Good luck!

(PS - "Alpha Dog" doesn't mean dominate dog. It means someone has to be in charge and I am it. Often, the alpha dog is extremely sweet and gentle. In the wild, they have to be fair and good, otherwise, they'd have mutiny. Many a temperamentally submissive dog has had to step up to "alpha role" because they feel it isn't being filled.)

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with him. He is a dog and they are pack animals. The like to be with their pack, meaning you. If you are their pack leader, even better. Proximity to the pack leader is a mark of social standing. Goldens particularly are family oriented, and want to cling to you like velcro.

If this is new behavior to your dog, you can ask the vet to see if there are any underlying health problems. If this has been going on all along, then don't worry.

It can be annoying, though, I know. Try teaching your dog to lay down near you, just not under foot. You can also try the "Nothing comes for free" school of dog communication. This means that your dog can't ask you for anything. If he demands petting, you move away. If he demands his dinner, you make him work for it. This doesn't mean ignore your dog. It means YOU do all the initiating. Call him to you for petting. Make him sit and stay for his dinner, etc. Give him tons of opportunities to do YOUR bidding, then reward him for it, but ignore his demands. I have a collie that wants ALL the attention. I'm starting this with her.

Answer 4

no i am not a professional but i have worked at a dog kennel for 3 years and i also have a golden retriever who does the same thing, it is the golden in him that does this, this breed is very active and hyper, most of the time and is a breed that is easily bored, if he doesn't get enough exercise, he will try to get your attention to play with him. if this doesn't work more than likely he just needs this might work for you i am not a professional but i have found this works.

Answer 5

your dog wants attention. It seems like your family is doing everything but playing with the dog. He seems too be a little insecure and doesn't want to be alone. Play with your dog.

Answer 6

My husbands chow mix does that to me as well - I call it "herding" as he tries to "guide" me through the house by walking so close he's touching my leg, sometimes he moves in front of me and stands there - he also sits and just stares at both of us - It's just his personality - I make sure he gets plenty of attention and he makes sure I know he's there :)

Answer 7

he's bored and trying to get you to play with him.Remember he's part of the family too and occasionally he wants it to be all about him.It's easy to forget about his feelings and needs with life so demanding and fast paced.Next time he does it get up and go play or take him for a ride in the car or a walk while it's still nice out.