I have just got a 2 and a half year old rescue dog, how can i stop him continuously following me around?

Answer 1

Good for you for rescuing!
This sounds like the beginnings of separation anxiety. Just as you would be nervous in a new environment, your new dog is showing you that he needs time to settle in to his new digs. You can show him easily that he doesn't need to worry, that you will reappear every time after you 'disappear'. Begin this by closing doors behind you when you go from room to room. Start by closing the door for just a second or two - then reopen the door and carry on as you were. Don't be dramatic about it - in fact, it's better if you ignore the dog.
You'll want to gradually increase the time that you 'disappear'. It really helps to teach the dog that his crate is a great place to be, too - rewarding him for going into his crate, feeding him in there, and only letting him have his chewies etc when he's in there. Acclimating him *gradually* and positively to the crate will mean a lot less anxiety for him.
Remember that coddling him, trying to console him by saying "It's ooookkkkkaaaayyyy....." and rewarding him for being worried are all things that you really must avoid. A Google search for "dog separation anxiety" will help you.
Good luck!

Answer 2

This may seem "sweet" (as others have said) but it could be the beginnings of a BBBIIIIIGGGG problem - separation anxiety. Don't give him time to see if he adjusts; he could just grow into this behavior and things can get worse.

As a post above said, close doors behind you when you go into another room. Start at just a few seconds, then gradually increase the length of your absence.

You can also use a crate, baby gate, or tether to keep him in a room when you leave it. These are especially useful if you can't use a door to separate you (going into the kitchen, for instance). Again, leave for just a few seconds initially, then longer.

Teach your dog that your absence means good stuff for him. Give him a Kong toy stuffed with treats, a pig's ear, a Nylabone Edible, etc. just before you leave the room. Put it away when you come back into the room. If he only gets this yummy goodie when you are not nearby, he won't mind being alone so much.

If you find that he is still anxious, you might want to use Comfort Zone for a few weeks until he is more relaxed.

Answer 3

Train your dog that it is desired behavior to be on his own when you do not wish to interact with him. My method is to do sit-stay training at the end of the training session.

1. Do paw, beg, lie-down, fetch, rollover and sit-stays until your dog begins to lose interest or focus

2. As an end to your Play/training session take the dog to his area (hopefully he has a secluded spot to nap or a dog bed or even better a crate) perform a sit or lie down and Stay. Walk away slowly ensuring the dog stays. After a few minutes reward the dog with a small treat or a pat on the head.

3. Repeat this a couple times a day and once the dog stays without worry remove the reward. Eventually you can substitute "GO LIE DOWN" as a single command and the dog should report to a separate area knowing your interaction is over.

4. Try it for a few weeks. If the dog is not responding try to work on his focus and exercise him more than usual.

Answer 4

congrats on your new pet- He is going to follow you - you make him feel safe probably- He is unsure of his home still. Play inside ball with him . Teach him to fetch something for you make him feel important - He still may follow you some dogs are just like that. They love to be around you all the time . most dogs. Give him a chewy while you leave the room-or something he likes and see if he will stay- if not well let him follow you - give him lots of love.

Answer 5

At this point I wouldn't. The dog sees you as his pack leader and is adjusting to his new home. He needs the stability of being close to you. Take it as a compliment. As he gets more adjusted, chances are he will be less clingy. That said, my dogs follow me around the house some of the time. I just got used to it.

Answer 6

Consider this as a supreme compliment. Your dog recognizes you as his savior and pack leader.

This is his way of both bonding and showing respect to you - acting on your orders, being at your beck and call. He's coming to you for reassurance.

Consider yourself blessed.

But as with many other respondents - enroll in a good obedience course - now - a great activity for both of you.

Answer 7

he's obviously insecure.....he's worried he'll be abandoned again. As he gains security and feels safe maybe he won't be on your heels constantly. But, he might be a dog that just wants to constantly be with his person. What do you know about his past? Sometimes knowing a dog's history will give you some insight and understanding into his behaviors. He needs you....don't reject him.

Answer 8

I think he just really likes you, my dog was from a purebread, and he follows my mom EVERY where. I like it when he follows me, but it can get annoying when he is the way of things and you are affraid to trip over him.

Answer 9

Get some training for the both of you....obviously he is asking/trying to tell you he needs something...maybe just a bit more affection -playing with...

Answer 10

oh so sweet. he is needig love and reassurrance.

give him all the loive you can now. if you go to 'vacuum' then place him outside or on the couch or whereever he feels safe and reassure him it'ok. if he follows you, pick him up and palce him back in the same place and again reassure him.

it takes time, he is obviously suffering from anxiety.

keep reassuring him, but at the same time, reward him for being on his own, in short spats....