Dogs from Pounds - query

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fernando

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About 5 weeks ago I got a 4yo collie x lab from a pound, he was a surrender so I know nothing about him. He is a lovely really sweet dog.

The little problem is that he is soo unbelieveably attached to me, I can't go out of the room without him crying for me, and if he is in the same room as me, he has to be right beside me and I HAVE to be petting him.

I understand that he will be attached to me given that I took him out of the pound etc but he is a little obsessive. Just wondering how long this will last??

Any ideas peeps??

Thanks in advance

Lou
 
At the moment it sounds like is is craving attention from you.......given his current/previous situation its not suprising.
You need to reduce the amount of attention you are giving him and allow him to become comfortable in his own company.
Ignore him until he settles.....then treat him when he is settled.....to reward this behaviour.
Where is he sleeping at the moment?
Is he ok when you leave the house?

I think when people rescue dogs, they lavish attention.....sometimes take holiday leave from work to settle the dog in.....which of course is neccesary....and spend alot of time with them in general.

I would crate train him......this will introduce him to his own little space where he can feel secure.
If you introduce him to it gradually....when you are around/in the house......and give him treats.....like kongs/long lasting chews.
If you are not keen on a crate try using the kitchen and fit a baby gate so he can still see/hear you.
When it comes to going back to work and leaving the dog alone once again........the dog begins to experience seperation anxiety.....which can lead to excessive crying, destruction, messing in the house/room which they are left e,t,c.

How about some piccies
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I was actually going to pm you, but didn't see you online!!! I knew you'd be the girl (i assume!!) to help me.

At the moment he is sleeping in the kitchen, the cat and him need to be separated so he is in the kitchen at night and in between the kitchen/ sitting room during the day (walkies and toilet breaks outside - we are getting a pen built).

I have been trying to ignore him but its hard, if you ignore his request for pets he goes and gets his toy and plants it at my feet for me to throw it. We are trying to leave him alone a good bit so that he will settle in but it seems to be taking agesss!!

Piccys on the way.
 
Collies are notorious for this behaviour......I actually have a rescue collix lab in at the moment.....she was displaying the exact same behaviour.

It is very hard to ignore the behaviour....esp when they thrust the toy upon you......but it important too.
I only play with my collie xs toys in the garden and not in the house...........as above I totally ignore all her attempts of attention seeking......she does eventually go and lie down.....I then stroke her head very quickly with no fuss and give her a treat......It has not taken her long to figure out.....unless she is lying quietly she gets no attention.

It took about a week of strict no attention to get mine to where she is and she happily goes off into her crate now to spend time alone
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I would definatley ban the toys inside and play outside......this way he has nothing to thrust at you.....when you are ignoring him.
 
If he is very persistent....you could even try placing him in the kitchen..........then allow him back in after a short while......allowing him to remain in the room with you only when he is settled......other wise back out again....repeat this until he begins to settle.......when he does eventually begin to settle......praise and treat him in the settled position.....but dont over praise.
 
The ones in my siggi you mean......ones an akita
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Just had a new rescue one brought in
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will have to post some new piccies had a few new arrivals lately inc!!!

Old English Sheep Dog
2 X cavis
A shepherd
Cocker spaniel
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you can have one or all of those if you like LOL
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trust me, if I didn't have to work I'd have them all.

OH needs to tell me everyday "no more animals"
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And yet again, hats off to you and your mum for the great work you do!

Hows the lurcher/ greyhound doing?
 
You could also try teaching some basic down/sit stay commands......during your play time with him in the garden.......and rewarding him.....this will better aid you to give him a command inside...... to go off and lie down when instructed.
 
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Here is mine.....well shes a rescue.....so will be re-homed eventually.
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Sitting content in the corner.....she never used to though
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She is colli x lab....mostly lab
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Not happy as woke her up for this shot
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What a lovely trusting and gentle face! My rescue coliie cross was exactly like this. It's very hard because you feel sorry for them and also quite flattered that they want to be with you all the time. However it does wear you down not being able to go to the toilet without a dog howling and scratching on the other side of the door! I'm afraid I was too soft with Dillon and did nothing but he slowly got better when he realised I never go anywhere for very long. Every time I went out for the few months he lay on the front mat with his head out of the cat flap waiting!
 
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