My rescued pup leans against the door when we are leaving the house. we can hardly walk through the house because she stands on her hind legs jumping on us to pick her up. if i go in the bathroom and close the door, she will scratch at the door until i come out. when i sit at the computer, she scratches my arm or leg until i pick her up. she is really sweet and a joy to have, but it feels like she is obsessed. I want her to be happy and not depressed when i cannot pick her up. I take her for 1 mile walk everyday. my kids and i play with her. she has dog toys. I thought that maybe she needs another dog to keep her company, but she may be territorial and not like another dog. telling her "no" is not working. Does she need another dog playmate?
2007-01-20 01:17:42 · 5 answers · asked by Nicole D 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's not just normal maltese behaviour, it's pretty much normal for any of the toy breeds - they've never had any job other than to be companions. Then you factor in that she's a rescue and you have to realize that she's likely pretty insecure. Just keep on doing what you're doing, lots of exercise is good, she just needs time to get some confidence. You might try a little obedience with her, too - I don't mean classes, just work with her at home. When dogs succeed at something, it increases their self-confidence, all of which should make her a little less clingy. She needs time and patience right now, and I don't think this would be a good time to bring in another dog - wait until she feels more at ease and then decide if you want another dog.
2007-01-20 01:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal Maltese behavior, my pug acts the same way. Since toy dogs were bred to be companion pets, you Maltese is just doing her job. My pug even wants on my lap when I am on the toilet.
Even when we pug sit, she tries to get on my lap. At times, she and the cat will try to nudge each other off of my lap to get the most comfortable position. So, if you get another one, you'll have two who want your lap. But, they will probably entertain each other a bit more.
A friend of mine has two pugs who she has had both since they were puppies. They aren't as needy with laps, because it's always been a competition with them. They are content with sitting next to you. This might be because she got them at the same time. You may not have the same experience because you would be bringing a new one home after yours is already established its place in the household.
Maybe when you leave, give her a Kong or a marrow bone to get her focused on something else. Dogs love food and maybe it won't be so bad when you leave.
2007-01-20 09:35:02 · answer #2 · answered by Monica T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a very normal behavior. Something I did with my Maltese and other puppys, I would put them in a carrier and sit them beside me while I was washing dishes or other task. They were with me and I could talk to them, they were reassured I was there, but they got use to not having to be sitting on my feet or scratching on me to pick them up. Move the carrier farther away as time goes by.Hope it helps and good luck>
2007-01-20 09:34:19 · answer #3 · answered by Candie H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is very common with rescue dogs, they feel very unsecure and need constant reassurance that you won't leave them. It takes quite a while sometimes for them to learn that you will always be there for them.
It's possible that she might feel more secure with a dog playmate, but I would give her a chance to get accustomed to your home before considering that option.
2007-01-20 09:25:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a doggy basket and set it next to your computer and put her in it while you are on your PC. That's what I do with my little Chihuahua. She curls up in her little blanket and falls asleep while I am on the PC.
2007-01-20 09:32:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋