MadWoofter Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 (edited) Tess has always been a real sook, but just recently she's turned into a nightmare, wanting to be close constantly and she's now at the point where she'll sit looking at me and will start crying if she's not able to sit right next to me (or half on top of me) I'm taking her to the vet to rule out anything physical, but she doesn't have any symptoms that I can tell - no obvious pain or discomfort, stools fine, no vomiting. She's very 'sensitive' at the best of times, and I know she picks up on my vibes (others have said this too, it's not just me). I've been a bit down lately, but she's never been this bad before, and I am a tad worried. I'm not looking for any answers (don't think there are any ), but just wanted to know if others have got particularly sensitive or sooky hairies. Any suggestions on getting her out of the doldrums? Edited July 28, 2011 by MadWoofter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W Sibs Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Emmy is a very soft dog. A firm NO can really really upset her. But, she's not clingy like your girl though... she likes checking up on me, but she doesn't have the need to be with me 24/7. Do you crate or pen her? Have you taught her to be on her own? You have to be strong! Don't give in to her puppy dogs eyes. Em is also huge on routine and rules. As long as she knows what's happening next or what she is allow to do and not to do, she is quite happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I haven't had one that sensitive before, although I have seen other peoples dogs become clingy when they praise it...perhaps you're rewarding it without realising? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karelea Aussies Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Dont forget to check the teeth. Between fortnightly checks my girl had managed to chip the inside of her canine and ended up losing that and 3 pre molars to infection. She was very sooky, very whingy and clingy and just generally off, but eating normally. We did urine and bloods but it turned out to be the teeth. Talk almost 3 weeks of vet visits and tests to find out what was wrong...so check the teeth :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadWoofter Posted July 28, 2011 Author Share Posted July 28, 2011 Thanks guys. Bit more background - she's about 9 & I adopted her 5 years ago. She's used to being on her own (well, with Fleming) so it's not like she's suddenly being left by herself. I certainly don't reward her for being sooky, in fact the opposite. I only let her come & sit with me once she's stopped crying. Other behaviours (of mine that is) haven't changed - I'm still pack leader, leader order hasn't changed between her & Flemo, they get greeted when I say so, they come up on the furniture when I say - I really can't pick anythere there that has changed enough to upset her. Thanks for the teeth info thelinks. I hope it's not that - she's only got about 3 left !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuffles Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 (edited) Em is also huge on routine and rules. As long as she knows what's happening next or what she is allow to do and not to do, she is quite happy. One of mine is very sensitive to body language and thinks the world is ending if she gets in trouble. I'd probably try upping the rules in the house, possibly even restrict her access to couches etc so she cannot sit as close to you. Or, make her stay on her bed instead and invite her for pats/cuddles on your terms. Just ignore the whining which may get worse before it gets better! I'd get a vet check first just to be sure, though. And I'd possibly go get yourself a checkup by your doctor. Dogs can be very good judges of when something is 'not quite right'. Edit: Sorry, you posted while I was typing My girl doesn't get clingy, she does the opposite - goes and hides! Edited July 28, 2011 by wuffles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CassandBel Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Maybe try a herbal remedy like Bach Flower Remedy or speak to a vet that believes in holistic remedies. I had a very anxious kelpie that improved considerably after my vet provided me with a flower essence combination. Relieving the anxiety should reduce the clingyness. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indigirl Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I have italian greyhounds who invented the word 'sensitive' lol. I find being firm with them works well in terms of unwanted behaviours. I will says 'no thats enough' and wont give into them if they are sooking etc. My golden rule is I NEVER pat/cuddle etc a dog who is jsut sooking. I wait until they stop then i go to them. Havign said that I have owned an anxious kepie cross in the past, and I know how frustrating it can be at times. If you cuddle them when they are anxious though it only reinforces the behaviour. I have a storm phobic dog. When we have storms I put a thunder jacket on her, put her in a crate and cover the crate with a blanket then basically ignore her. I have found this settles her far more quickly than any other method, even though it sounds heartless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pollywaffle Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 my little girl has been known to tremble if I don't give her total attention..I or OH have never raised a finger to her (nor would we ever), but she sits by my chair of an evening I have to constantly stroke her...if I stop she nudges my hand....so yep, sookiest of females! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 If the vet check doesn't find anything physically wrong with Tess, maybe get yourself checked out by your GP as well... I used to have a dog that got very funny when around ill people - even if the person didn't know they were ill... T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicko Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Yep i have a dog the same. Misha my leonberger is pretty clingy..she picks up on my moods really well. She picks up on that time on the month and if im sad shes VERY VERY Clingy. Ive learnt to pretty much ignore the behaviour as it used to annoy me as she would get in the way etc. She is better now but will still check up on my, espically during the night. She is also very protective when my partner isnt home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harley Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 If the vet check doesn't find anything physically wrong with Tess, maybe get yourself checked out by your GP as well... I used to have a dog that got very funny when around ill people - even if the person didn't know they were ill... T. I agree with this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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