Is my puppy normal?

Question

I have a 3month old puppy who follows me around all the time... He plays very well if I'm in the same room, but once I get up to move or use the bathroom he looses interest... he'll stop what he's doing to get up and see what I'm doing (even stops eating), then sits by my feet until I sit back down. He even likes to climb on me playing with toys and stays really close, even sleeps on top of me, as if I'm going to leave and never come back. I don't want this to become a habit once he's grown a little and I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I've tried a few times to seperate myself from him by sitting in a seperate room or going outside to let him be free, but he'll just sit by the door for a while and then curl up and take a nap until I get back. I give him a lot of attention and show him lot's of love, so I know he's not lonely. I just want him to be happier and independent when I have to cook, clean, use the bathroom, and study for school. Is this normal? And can you help

I love my little man, I just don't want to step on him everytime I'm trying to cook dinner or have him suffer in the bathroom while I "take care of business." He's he sweetest cutiest thing, just wondering if it's normal or if he's gonna still be doing this 3 years from now. I signed him up for classes last month, they don't start until Sunday.

Answer 1

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/slideshow_complete

All five of them and the fosters follow me all the way upstairs to pee. Everyone of them afraid they are going to miss something.

Yours is fine and completely normal happy pup just wants to be with you.

Answer 2

It is normal for a puppy to display these types of habits. You have the typical case of "he's following me around like a puppy". Don't worry, he will grow out of it, he is just emotionally attached and loves you and your company. You are just going to have to do what needs to be done (chores, work, etc.) and the puppy will have to learn that you WILL come back after you are done with business. It may take some time, though. Don't worry about it, it's just natural pup behavior. His independence will come with age.

Answer 3

Your dog is just dealing with separation from his Mother. It's normal for a puppy to follow his owner around. You have to remember that before you brought him to your home he was most likely with his Mother or the breeder at all times. As a breeder I can say my dogs are always with me or with each other. If the puppy following you is bothersome then I suggest you get another playmate for your pup.

Just like a toddler follows his Mother your pup will follow you around until he is out of his "toddler" stage. Depending on the breed that may be as early as 6 months or as late as 18 months. Just be patient with your new friend and make sure you get him into training!

Answer 4

Yes, this is totally normal behavior. Once the puppy gets used to the fact that you are coming back, it will stop this behavior. If you want to help him and thwart any seperation anxiety try behavior modification. dogproblems.com has a lot of information to help with this and their solutions really work.

My vet suggested with my newest puppy, and it worked, to put her in a room with me and block her in. Then leave the room for small amounts of time and go back. Gradually make the amount of time longer. Do this for several days and eventually the puppy becomes more secure and the behavior is modified and any seperation anxiety is soothed.

Answer 5

i think its normal for most puppies to behave in that way... i know my puppy i had he didn't like being by himself at all.. and would cry and whine if my bf or i left the room..
i'm not quite sure what to do about getting him to break the habbit. maybe after some time he'll realize you are coming back and not leaving him for good.. once he's a little older?

Answer 6

Dogs get separation anxiety, just like humans do. You can't feed it though. If he cries because he can't see you or sleep with you, or if he gets fussy, you can't run to him and make him feel better. You have to teach him that being alone is okay, and that you will leave, but you will always come back.

Get a puppy book. I have one for my kitten who has separation anxiety and is food aggressive. It's a good way to teach yourself new ways to handle your puppy and will give you tips on training.

Answer 7

My dog is just the same,She follows me where-ever i go,My dog is now 9years and is still the same.When she was young i asked the vet if it was normal and the vet said that it was just that the dog loves me so much,it is OK and will not cause any problems,Well the only prob to come up is the dog wont let my hubby get into bed at night,I have to hold the dog(lucky that she is only small she is a Yorkie) so that he can get in bed.Don't worry about it as it is nice to be loved that much.

Answer 8

Your puppy is very normal. If you watch puppies before they are weaned, they always follow Mom. It's part of their "pack" nature. You are the head of the pack, he knows to stay with the pack leader. He should become more independent as he matures.

Answer 9

Sounds like a perfectly normal puppy. He will get less dependent on you as he ages, but why have a dog if you don't want him to like you and be with you?

Answer 10

The puppy is showing dedication to you. This is normal if you are the only one taking care of him. He has grown to look up to you, much like a child would.

Answer 11

That's normal for pups but you should start distancing yourself a little bit.

He can't be with you all the time. Someone sugguested a crate, and that's a great idea. He needs some alone time, just like you.