16 reasons why your dog is so clingy

Your dog is clingy and follows you everywhere you go? You can’t get up and leave the room without your dog following you? Does he want to be petted non-stop and constantly seeks your closeness?

I’ll go into a little more detail about the reasons why your dog is so clingy in this post.

One reason why your dog is so clingy could be that he currently has to stay alone longer than normal. At times when you are with him, he is especially affectionate and seeks your closeness. Your dog misses you and is perhaps so affectionate for this reason.

But also other factors can play a role why your dog is so affectionate.

#1 Your dog misses you

Dogs feel most comfortable when they are in the midst of the family. No dog likes to be alone. For example, if your work situation has changed and your dog now has to stay home alone more often, he may just miss you.

It can be that your dog does not leave your side during the time you are at home. He wants to be stroked by you all the time, lies very close to you.

If possible, take your dog to work with you. If you work nearby, go home during your lunch break and take your dog for a walk. Alternatively, try a good doggie daycare.

#2 Your dog is not well exercised

If your dog becomes or is clingy it may be because he is not well exercised.

If you do not keep your dog physically and mentally busy for a long period of time, your dog’s behavior may change.

Among other things, he may become much more clingy than before and seek your closeness. He basically wants your attention and to be kept busy.

Exercise more with your dog. Make walks varied for your dog and don’t just let him walk beside you.

#3 Female is in heat

Some female dogs are especially clingy and love to cuddle when they are in heat. But, as we all know, time passes. Just enjoy the time when your dog seeks your closeness.

#4 Your female is pregnant

When your dog is pregnant, she may be much more clingy than before.
Enjoy the time when your dog seeks your closeness and make her feel comfortable.

#5 You are pregnant

Dogs are sensitive to our behavior. Pregnant women often report that their dogs sought their proximity more during pregnancy and wanted to lie with you.

This may be due to the smell, which changes due to pregnancy hormones, or the general state of mind. Dogs can sense when you are not feeling well.

Take advantage of the fact that your dog wants to be with you. Petting animals relaxes us. When you’re relaxed, it’s better for your baby, too.

#6 You are sick

When I was sick on the couch, there was always a dog that wanted to be with me. As explained in the previous reason. Dogs sense when you are not well

They then want to lie with you and cuddle so that we feel better.
Just enjoy it when your dog wants to be near you when you are not feeling well.

#9 Your dog is just cuddly

There are dog breeds that are very cuddly and some dogs who don´t want to cuddle . They practically love to lie on top of their owners and cuddle with them.

A prime example is our Cane Corso. She loves to be petted and cuddled and actively demands it.

In contrast to this is our Broholmer, who also loves to lie directly with us, but is sometimes annoyed by too much petting. With the Cane Corso it can never be too much.

There are also breeds that have been specifically bred to be cuddly. These include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Havanese or the Maltese. They love to be petted by their owners.

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Find out in advance exactly about the different character traits of dog breeds.

#10 Fear of strangers or other dogs

If your dog meets new people or other dogs, these encounters may seem threatening to him and he may become afraid or insecure.

If your dog suddenly becomes anxious in new situations, he may become more affectionate and cuddly.

However, you should not comfort him now and cuddle him excessively. This way you reinforce his behavior and show him that he is right to be afraid and it may become stronger next time.

Either get him out of the situation and move away with him or try to distract him. It is also important to get your dog used to new situations in small steps. It is important to socialize your puppy from the beginning.

#11 Your dog cuddles to feel love

Most people relax when they cuddle and lie with their dog. We then release oxytocin. Oxytocin is also known as the cuddle hormone.

Dogs can smell oxytocin and release their own oxytocin in response. Simply put, this means that dogs can smell when we love them and because of that, they love us even more.
Enjoy.

#12 Your dog is afraid of thunderstorms

If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, he may be extremely affectionate because he is seeking shelter with you. Dogs notice weather changes long before we do and become anxious.

You can take action when a thunderstorm is approaching and calm your dog during thunderstorms. Just be there for your dog during this time.

#13 Your dog is stressed and therefore clingy

Dogs are sensitive to change. If serious things have changed in your life such as a move, new roommates, different pets, etc….

Your dog may suddenly become more clingy than before because of a change in your life.

Unfortunately, there is little you can do about it. Your dog has to get used to new situations just like you. In time, it will become normal again for your dog.

#14 Your dog is clingy because he is sick

Your dog can’t tell when he’s feeling bad. Some may withdraw and others may deliberately seek your closeness and cuddle very close to you.

If your dog has not sought your closeness to that extent before, a visit to the vet is definitely recommended.

#15 Changes in everyday life

Has your everyday life and therefore the everyday life of your dog changed? When familiar situations are suddenly no longer there, this can lead to “anxiety” in dogs and they become more affectionate than before.
Your dog will get used to the changes.

#16 Your dog is getting older too

Your dog no longer jumps around the living room full of energy and is active but prefers to lie next to you and enjoys every stroke?

This is perfectly normal for many dogs. Enjoy the time when your dog just wants to lie relaxed next to you.

Accept that your dog also changes. Enjoy the relaxed time with him.

Conclusion: Why your dog is so clingy

In most cases, there is nothing wrong with your dog being clingy. Many situations are temporary and just show, empathetic behavior of your dog towards you or family members.

He simply loves you and wants to be with you.

However, if you fear serious health problems, the first thing to do is to go to the vet, just to be on the safe side.

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