Will she grow out of it?

Question

I have a 7 month old Doberman Pinscher. She's very big already, almost as tall as my German Shepherd. She constantly wants to sit in my lap, and does so if I'm sitting on the floor. If I'm in a chair, she'll jump up and lay her upper body and head on my lap. She does this also if I'm in the car, her need to climb into my lap, which has stopped me from bringing her riding. At night she insists on sharing my pillow with me, and nudging me until I raise up the covers for her to sleep under. Basically, she sleeps like a human. She steals my pillow too, and I can't make her move unless I go to the other side of the bed to sleep, then she gets up and does the same. I love her dearly but sometimes it's too much, because she's so big. I have several other dogs, but they act like dogs, not like clingy children. She gets worried too if I'm not around; she paces back and forth. Plus, she doesn't really like anyone but me and my mom. Am I stuck with a big baby? Or will she grow out of this?

I don't really see this as a question of dominance. She knows who the boss is and is submissive by nature. I've always had it to where if she wants something she has to earn it by a command. She won't even touch her food unless I give her the ok.

Answer 1

That's a Dobie for you. They are called Velcro dogs for a reason. Many of them are VERY needy and don't ever grow out of it. I tell people not to get a Dobie if they want to have privacy ever again.
Learn to love it because it sounds like you have a very needy Dobie! I have one like that too and she is my pride and joy!
You can modify her behavior with training, but she will always be a needy personality. Most Dobies are.

Answer 2

You're not stuck with a big baby - she is treating you like the baby! She constantly feels she needs to be with you because she thinks you need looking after. In groups, dogs form a hierarchy - one will become the leader and it is that dog's duty to look after the other dogs (or people, in a pet/family situation). You and your family should be at the top of the hierarchy - not a dog.

You need to stop her doing this while she's still young otherwise it will be almost impossible to change her when she's older.

For a start, DON'T let her sleep in your bed. If possible, not even in your room. She won't like this if she's been used to being with you but she'll learn over time. Treat her exactly the same as your other dogs - no extra attention. If she gets a cuddle, make sure she sees that your other dogs get cuddles too. Now all she sees is that she's the centre of attention - which in her mind is what the leader should be. She picks and chooses who she likes - you and your mom - and who she doesn't. As a "normal" member of the pack/family she won't expect this privilige and will treat everyone in the family equally.

I know it will be difficult to change your habits and your dog will take time to adjust but it will pay off.

Good luck. xxx

Answer 3

No, she needs to learn some rules. 1. no more lap sitting push her in the back of the car or get one of those restraints so she can't get to the front seat. 2. If she wants to jump up on your lap when your sitting in a chair push her off and say no, be consistent it will take a while. 3. Sleeping in bed thats more of a dominance then if she's stealing your pillow, thats not cool, she's pushing her limits with you to see how far she can get away with it, either make her lay at the end of the bed, or kick her off. Doberman's are protective and are hyper you're right they are big dogs make sure she gets out everyday twice a day to run, not just walk. I hope this helps I've been doing this all my life.

Answer 4

I'm just wondering if you have had her since puppyhood. If so she is taking on a mimicking personality. She didn't learn from the other dogs, so she wants to learn from you. You may at some time spent more attention on her and she craves that all the time.

Obedience Classes are good idea, but won't take care of this problem. How are the other dogs? What do you do with them when you go to bed?

I might suggest you try a crate. Maybe play some music to calm her down. Just don't play into her hands. If she sits on you, put something in her way, block your lap from her. maybe a box. As far as going away, no it won't. I've seen this in Great Danes. Funny at first, but sitting in your lap all the time..no.

Wish you the best

Answer 5

If she is getting affection and petting and such by doing this then she will most likely continue this behavior regardless of how big she gets. If you let her do it then you are reinforcing it.

If you want her to stop, you need to teach her to down-stay on her own bed, keep her off the furniture, make sure she doesn't lean up against you. She needs to be able to stand on her own feet and feel good about being independent. This is true whether she thinks she runs your life or whether she thinks she can't survive without you.

It helps to have a long lasting chew or something to occupy her while she does a down-stay on her own bed. She begins to learn that being by herself is a good thing which also helps with separation anxiety.

Socializing her with many, many friendly people (they can feed her treats) will help as will obedience training. Once you get her to stay by herself, you can always invite her onto the furniture and the bed but that is your choice, not hers.

I'm sure this is easier said than done but it is much better for her that she gets this training now rather than later. Here is some more information on separation anxiety:

http://www.metpet.com/Reference/Dogs/Training/separation_anxiety_in_dogs.htm

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Well...you are allowing her to do this. When she jumps on you for love...you love her back. So, she thinks this is okay. When you put her to bed, you bring the covers over to her and take care of her. She is obviously very fond of you and loves being in your presence. If you don't want her to do these things, you will need to teach her how You want things done...it appears she is letting you know how She wants things done.
She does sound a little insecure...and maybe after growing up she will be better at accepting when you are away.

My dogs are very clingy to me too and follow me everywhere. When my boyfriend is over and I have to run out to the store or something...he tells me they pace from one end of the house to the other looking out the window for me and whining. It's kind of funny to me...because I don't see that. They also have to lay next to me at my feet, or on the couch with me. And, when sleeping they are right next to me.....my little dachshund under the covers and my cocker laying up near my head.

I have a feeling she will probably be like this even after she grows up. It sounds like that's the kind of dog she is.

Answer 8

she will stay that way because it sounds like you let her....but if you want you can try this: every time she tries/looks like she is going to jump into your lap make a loud noise (such as clapping your hands and saying NO!) and stand up (even if she is already on you push her off and stand up). she will eventually get the message.

Answer 9

I have a 6 year old black lab, same thing. I think you're stuck with a big baby. Unless you can stop the behavior now.

Answer 10

sounds like she really loves you a lot some times the bigger the dog the bigger the baby enjoy it some people never get that lucky