Skip to content

My puppy loves me- TOO much!

Moved Basenji Training
  • I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with a pup that gets very attached to them? I love my little girl so much but I worry that when life goes back to normal and I go to work she'll get sad that I'm gone! She whimpers when I go to the shower or when I sit in a room alone and close the door. Does anyone have any tips on how to handle this? I don't want my little girl to get depressed when I have to go back to my 9-5! It may be worth mentioning that my boyfriend works from home so someone is home at all times of the day to play with her and give her attention.

  • Lay the groundwork now for when you will be back to work. Start with short trips out and coming home quickly, and do not make a fuss over her when leaving and returning. Be as "matter of fact" as you can. Increase the amount of time you are gone, and have your boyfriend be just as matter of fact as you are. No drama. If she fusses, ignore it. When you return, ignore her for a few minutes (hard to do, I know). When she is quiet, that's when to make a fuss of her and cuddle her. Try not to reward attention seeking. Ideally you want your dog to calmly notice your return but not be excited by it. Too many people feed the anxiety their pets display by making a big deal out of "reunions", and thus separation anxiety becomes an issue.

  • Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the advice :)

Suggested Topics

  • The puppies first practice

    Basenji Training
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    BasenjimammaB
    Lisa..we will have to be there…I live in Waller-ish...about 10 minutes or so away..too cool.
  • Puppy Kindergarden

    Basenji Training
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    4k Views
    MacPackM
    Way back when, Topper was the 'demo dog' for his puppy and adult classes, he would always do the new things, but get annoyed if the instructor kept asking him to do it again. "Hey Lady, I know what I'm doing, no need to repeat it!" Nicky became the demo dog for agility as she is fearless and loves heights. She did like to make the teeter-totter slam to the floor, and jump off grinning. Basenjis ARE smart and seem to excel at all sorts of classes as long as it's fun for them. Have fun with Kismet!
  • Puppy training by breeder

    Basenji Training
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    C
    Thanks for the ideas! I had forgotten the collar training totally - as well as walking in leash nicely. Fortunately I have some training collars at home, before my order of measure made sighthound leather collars will arrive (at age of 8 weeks). We have now -20 Celsius and 1 meter snow in South-Finland, so it is impossible to start potty training in the garden ;) More ideas are welcome!
  • So much sleep!

    Basenji Training
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    7k Views
    JazzysMomJ
    Both of my Basenjis - aged 4 and 2 – sleep ALL THE TIME. If they are not actively playing, they are napping. They go to bed between 10 and 11 PM, and unless I have someplace to go in the morning, I just open their crate in the morning and they usually come out around 9 AM. They'll go out to potty, come in and eat, and within half an hour or so are in their chairs napping. If the weather is good, they'll head out to sleep in the yard where they will remain for hours on end. They love to sleep!
  • So MUCH pee!

    Basenji Training
    37
    0 Votes
    37 Posts
    18k Views
    tanzaT
    @mhergom: Hello, I have an eight-month female, She is peeing at least 5th times per day. Many times she waits t o be back home to make pee. I do not know what to do I am getting crazy with pees I had nightmares Thanks in advance for your help If she is not spayed, she may be in season and they do pee lots more (marking behaviors)…. and this can and does start before you even might see bleeding. 5 times a day is not that much really....
  • Puppy crate question

    Basenji Training
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    12k Views
    QuercusQ
    Sounds like progress! I am sure he will adust perfectly!