There’s a term people use for dogs that stay constantly by their owners: velcro dogs. These canines are akin to the famous fabric hook-and-loop fastener in that they cling strongly to their person and it can be difficult to separate them. Some velcro dogs will also display separation anxiety and become destructive to property or themselves when unable to be with their favorite human. I should also point out that some people have separation anxiety from their dogs and actually seek out or encourage velcro behavior.
I, for one, like being able to go to the bathroom without being dogged or hounded by four-legged critters. Even the terms “to dog” and “hounding” came about from the fact that canines can be hard to get away from. That being said, I do have a velcro dog. Yep, that’s right, Grimm is as sticky as glue–Gorilla glue, not the puny Elmer’s variety. And, alas, if I forget to close the bathroom door completely, private time becomes doggy social hour. Nothing is more annoying than having a live dog rug underfoot when you are trying to urinate or move your bowels. No amount of threats or shoving mean anything to a dog when your pants are down around your ankles. They know a compromising situation when they see it.
Now don’t get me wrong–I like having a loyal dog. Loyal as in, “I will warn you of possible intruders” or “I won’t run away with the first person to offer me a tasty treat” or “I will protect you from bodily harm.” Not loyal as in “I will help you flush the toilet” or “I will trip you when you are cooking hot things because I lay behind you when you are at the stove.” I like to think Grimm would perform well in all of the first scenarios and I know for a fact that he can do all of the second ones. This dog is never more than ten feet from me at all times unless we are outside. Even then, he will keep me in his sight.
Charley, in his old age, has developed some velcro dog tendencies, but only when indoors. Really, he is only attached to me when I am sitting down, like when I’m writing or watching something on television. At times like those, he likes to lay at my feet. I can deal with that sort of attachment.
Zella, on the other hand, is more independent. She likes to sleep on the couch, away from me and the other dogs, when we are relaxing inside. She’ll watch me to see what’s up, but won’t follow me room to room like Grimm does. When outside, she doesn’t run away or try to escape and comes when called, but she doesn’t have to keep me in her sight.George Eliot (who was actually Mary Anne Evans– but I digress) once said:
We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment.
While I agree that we, as humans, seek affection from those who would love us despite our short-comings, attachment and affection are not the same thing. Attachment can become co-dependence, co-dependence can become obsession and obsession can become neuroses. A neurotic dog is not something I want to encourage. I don’t want to find Grimm turning into the canine version of Single White Female.
For now, Grimm is working on his stays and learning some independence. To teach independence, I start by increasing his confidence. To do this, I work him in scenarios that he is not entirely sure of (like walking through ladders, climbing on unstable (but not dangerous) objects, jumping over obstacles, etc.) so that he learns he can do things by himself. When I leave rooms, I make him stay on his dog bed and reward him with low-key praise when I return (as long as he stays on his bed and doesn’t come to me–I go to him). So far, he’s doing well. He shows great aptitude in learning new behaviors.
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to himto be worthy of such devotion.”— Unknown
I wonder if there’s a term for cats like this. Right now mine is sitting at my elbow while I type. He’s gotten very dependent in his old age, even wants everything I’m eating and waits outside the toilet!
At least your dogs can bark off a burglar if it came to it, my cat would wind around my feet, trip me over and get me kidnapped.
Lovely post.
Clingwrap cats, I call them. Really, it’s a supervisory role in cats. They just really want to make sure that you are following their orders as instructed. And the reason your cat would trip you would be to buy himself more time to escape. What’s that phrase? When faced with danger, you don’t have to be the fastest, but you need to be able to run faster than your other companions. Anyways, thanks for the visit!
A bit of a coincidence here for me as I just let our mini-dachschund and our Irish terrior into the house to keep me company because I was feeling a bit lonely – ha! Great post and congrats on the FP thing!
Nothing like a few good pooches to alleviate loneliness. Glad you enjoyed my post!
Congrats on Freshly Pressed! I think the mistake a lot of us make is to not set limits and expectations for our dogs. They will rise to any challenge, and they are much happier with a little confidence!
Absolutely! A little courage can be a good thing. Thanks for the visit!
Lovely dogs! Sounds like you’re doing all the right things. I have one that is obsessed with ball fetching and so, by extension, any person who might throw that ball. I am always being confronted with a saliva sodden tennis ball clamped between doggy jaws and a hopeful expression.
Thanks for the vote of confidence! Sometimes I wonder who is training whom. How can you resist, though, when you know that something so simple as throwing a ball can bring your pooch such joy? If only we (as humans) would remember to be as enthusiastic about the simple things.
Love the photo quotes 🙂 Now I want to go cuddle a dog (wish I had one!).
Grimm makes house-calls, you know. Just don’t leave your shoes around…
I love this! I laughed out loud several times as I could identify with your situation. My daughter’s dog (aka “Doodles”) will stay right with my daughter everywhere she goes when she is home. If my daughter closes her out of a room she is in; Doodles will literally whine and cry. While my daughter is at school, or anywhere else for that matter; guess who she is up under? Yep; you got it, ME : ) Take a guess where she is right this minute. Sitting right beside me on the couch as I am typing this. I can hardly move. Really enjoyed reading your post. Loved the pics too.
So pleased you liked it! Good to know I have sympathizers out there. Glad you are Doodles back-up person!
My dog is definitely a bit over-attached (are you trying to tell me that ‘sitting on the toilet time’ isn’t the cue for ‘present my bum for pettings’?!), but thankfully not to the point of anxiety. I like your confidence-boosters, they’re a good idea for unvelcro-ing a dog.
Congrats on freshly pressed – great dog and blog name 🙂
Thanks! Sounds like your dog and Grimm would have much to discuss in regards to proper toilet interrupting techniques if they ever got together.
Sounds to me like Grimm has a wonderful friend in you. I think Grimm is very lucky to have you as his friend. Thanks for sharing. http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
Well, I feel I am lucky to have him, too, even with all his shenanigans. Thanks for the kind words!
I look forward to looking at more of your blogs. http://www.segmation.com
Thy are super cute! Love them.
My dogs wont even let me put a collar, be it Velcro or leather. 🙂
Thanks so much!
This made me remember my ole’ boy Jake. He was a yellow lab and I had to shut the door to use the restroom or he laid at my feet. Same with showering, he laid outside the shower until I was done. Phenomenal dog but soooo clingy! Thanks for the post!
Clingy, maybe, but sounds like Jake was a loyal soul. Bet you remember those times with fondness, though, even though at the time they may have been a little annoying. Glad you enjoyed the post.
My dog is definitely a velcro one! This post made me smile and brightened my day. Thanks 🙂
You’re welcome! Good to see other velcro dog owners are out there–we are not alone.
Very good post, congrats for being FP!
I’ve never had a Velcro dog, but I have a “reactive dog” (when I first heard that term, I wondered if that had anything to do with “nuclear”…it kinda does).
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I definitely understand when you compare “reactive” to “nuclear”–my other dog Zella is leash reactive, and that explosion of craziness can happen fast. I like that comparison–very appropriate!
Ha. Thanks!
We’re in the process of learning a different reaction (she’s 16 months old) which means that I’m evolving into a human fly with all-around-vision. I also carry about half a chicken thigh in my pocket at all times (no, I’m not kidding…).
The things we do for our dogs! Nothing like squishy meat chunks in your pocket to reward your dog with. My pockets usually have cheese and hot dog slivers in them. You know we’re not normal, right? Normal people have, oh, I don’t know, keys or coins in their pockets. See? It’s been so long since I haven’t had smelly foodstuff in my pocket that I forget even now what normal people carry.
I have a velcro dog! I had no idea there was a name for that. She’s an inside velcro dog, following me everywhere, even a few feet away.
Welcome to the Velcro Dog Owners Club!
This reminds me of my own co-depedant pets. My cat would attempt to sit on my lap while I was in the bathroom. Not the most comfortable setting in the world.
My old cat Thomas would attempt to do the same thing. Apparently, pets think we need their immediate support in the bathroom! Glad I’m not alone.
this is the cutest! my family’s dog was suuuuch a velcro dog when i was growing up. the bathroom thing especially. and like bizarrely when anyone was taking a shower. and blow drying their hair. then there are enablers like my mom, who said it bugged her but defnitely encouraged the velcroness.
So pleased you liked the post! Dogs must think the bathroom is some sort of magical place that they must follow us into. I hate to be the one to tell them, but there’s nothing magical happening in here, my friends.
Great post…I deal with rabbits all the time, so no dogs in the household, but have seen my fair share of velcro dogs in my lifetime. Usually they advise getting a playmate for the anxiety ridden dog, but alas he chose you over the other two fur friends. My rabbits are more independent, but they sure make it known when they want your attention by destroying stuff or poking you with their noses. I’m glad when they come looking for me because it’s a rarer treat than you’ll know…Keep up with the training..If you don’t mind I think I will repost this on my site.
I do not mind at all. Thanks for the encouragement! Rabbits, too, have their own little quirks–but that’s what keeps things interesting, right?
And interesting is far more exciting albeit exhausting.
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Reblogged this on Brain4rent's Blog and commented:
How do you tell your dog that you need your space???
Very cute and all very true
Thanks!
How very right you are! My (now deceased) dog and I were capital V, bold and underlined Velcro with a subheading of italicized neurotic. I applaud your position and your Fresh Pressing.
But I bet there was an addendum of caps lock LOVE there! Thanks for the visit!
My Akita has a tendency to get underfoot, mainly when I’m in the kitchen. When I’m cooking, if I turn around, he’s right there, hoping I’ll give him some of whatever I’m cooking. It can be really annoying at times, but I don’t see him changing at this point (he’s 12 years old). It’s nice to know I’m not the only one!
Akitas are such noble looking dogs! Now you know you are not alone and don’t have to face velcro-dogism on your own.
Velcro dogs, love that thought or idea. I have a velcro 6# chihuahua but I dont mind that. the 120# irish wolfhound though is a bit more of an issue when he wants to join me in the bathroom 🙂
Quite the contrast of dogs you’ve got there! Yes, I could see how the bathroom could get very crowded in a short amount of time!
I have 8 furry shadows under foot and all rescues. I love it:) Nice blog. Take care, Anna
Thanks for the visit and thanks for rescuing all those furry critters!
You are welcome and rescue is what I do…Take care, Anna
Great post. My dog is not as close of a follower although he stays close enough in the kitchen when I am cooking.
He’s gotta be close to catch those crumbs!
What’s the opposite of velcro — teflon? Bring a husky to a park, let him loose, then try to remember the color of the collar he was wearing, because you’ll only see the back of his a** ……………………. tail. Loved your post, and your dogs — especially the ol’ guy — are very cute. Congratulations!
Hah! Yep, sounds like you do, in fact, have a teflon dog, my friend. Won’t stick to anything, huh? Maybe with time the teflon will wear off (like it does on most of my pans) and then your independent husky will start to get a little sticky. Who knows? Stranger things have happened. Appreciate the visit!
My dogs, while they are quite clingy, do not have separation anxiety issues. They love to be wherever I am, two of them love to lay in my lap while I watch TV; however, they also have their own interactions, which I am not a part of; I think all in all, they are pretty well rounded and healthy, both physically and emotionally. Loved the post; sure gave me something to think about. I think if they are too dependent on their human it can turn into them being neurotic; not good.
I agree. Sounds like you and your pooches have a healthy relationship–keep it up!
Adorable post! My dog follows me into the bathroom, too. The door doesn’t catch all the time, so he’s always pushing it open. He even has to peek around the shower curtain while I’m taking a shower, as to say, “Just making sure you’re still there.”
Thanks! Our four-legged friends can be quite sneaky. However, sounds like your dog is just being cautious. After all, he’s gotta save you if you are sucked down the drain!
Inspiring page. Thank you for posting!
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
It’s a heartwarming article, totally awesome! The featured pet looks exactly like Boudreaux (http://whisperingwallsbymissy.wordpress.com/melissa-s-p-nonfiction/) Thank you so much & keep up a good job.
Grimm has a doppelganger! Boudreaux is too cute!
Thank you so much, Oh I’m sure you can see what Boudreaux gets himself into ha-ha! then he gives that “Whatttt? I didn’t even touch that mom!” LOL!:)) Please keep up a good job it’s very inspiring.
Ha-ha! Grimm & Boudreaux are like twins LOL. Thank you again 🙂 Have a good week-end & keep up an awesome job!
your dogs are precious! I def have a velcro dog, but I must admit…i probably encourage it!
Thank you! As long as your relationship with your dog is healthy, then there is nothing wrong in basking in the adoration of your four-legged friend (or even encouraging it at times).
Your end quote left me teary.
I hope in a good way!
yes, in avery good way.
This is great! I just adopted my guy on Friday, actually, and I was terrified to leave him alone for even a second. Well, what do you know–we went to dinner last night, and he survived. In fact, I think he was surprised that we even left at all. It’s great knowing that you and your dog love each other, but you don’t have to have the burden of worrying about one another 24/7.
Congrats on your adoption! Sounds like things are off to a great start. I wish you continued success in your relationship!
I lost my velcro dog today after 16 years of loyal companionship. A sad day but I’ll always have memories of the joy she brought me.
Oh, no! So sorry for your loss. But sixteen! That’s amazing you got to have her for so long! She must have been an awesome friend. It never seems fair, though, that we only get to keep them for such a short time in relation to our life span. Those memories are a precious thing.
So well written. I love it that my dog is my protector, but she does not follow me like Grimm does you. It helped to kennel train her. She is only given treats when she does what she is asked. I know that you are an animal lover by how many dogs you have and the way you describe them in your blog. Thank you for being their leader (top dog). They thank you too! Great post!! 😉
You are too kind! Sounds like you and your dog do great together. I’m always interested in peoples relationships with their dogs. And yeah, I’m a huge animal lover and advocate. After all, it’s what I do for a living.
great post. Any advice for a velcro cat? I wanted a cuddle cat, which sadly I do not have. A velcro cat is always lying on the floor, beside my chair, behind my left heel, in the dark doorway to the bathroom at 3 am. He is constantly being stepped on with accompanying shrieks of horrific dimensions, but he has not learned. I once even shooed him away when loading the dishwasher, rinsed another plate and stepped on him when I turned to put it in its slot. Regardless I do love him, and as long as neither of us kills the other, we will walk happily into old age together.
Sadly, I have no good advice for you. I think, however, that maybe your cat thinks he has a velcro human. Even though you think he is thwarting your movements, have you considered that you are maybe hindering his? I mean, we all know that cats are the true rulers of households. Do you find yourself following him to his litterbox? That’s a sure sign that you are, in fact, a velcro human. Just a thought…
thanks, I needed a good laugh
Excellent. My Frenchie is a velcro dog. I was just grumbling today, “stop hounding me!”
Love those French bulldogs!
Cute puppy pics! This reminds me of my co-worker’s dog. I’ve never personally owned a “velcro dog”. The two cats I share a house with often want nothing to do with me, but the one still follows us into the bathroom hoping to get a drink from the bathtub faucet.
Thanks! Cats like to play head games. Really, the more they act like they don’t like you, the more they really do. They just don’t want to seem too needy–they want you to be dependent on them, not the other way around!
Gotta love Grimm. And you for teaching him with kindness and devotion.
My dog is similar except that she just needs to know where I am. She was a rescue and sometimes I wonder who saved who.
Thank you. That is too true about “who saved who”. There are many times when I feel that maybe I was the one who was rescued.
Cute pictures!
Thank you!
Dogs are the Best !
Dang right!
Woof say’s my yellow lab !
we used to have a pet dog, and we were always close to him treating him as if our youngest brother, and ever since he died we never got another pet because we were always so depressed about him leaving us.
Dogs definitely wiggle their way into our hearts and homes. Sorry you lost such a special friend.
Reblogged this on Althea Champagnie's Blog and commented:
Kaylee is a “Velcro dog” for sure.
Thanks for the repost! Velcro dogs are everywhere!
Brought a smile on my face.. I imagined having a dog while going thru ur post.. Lol..
I wish i cud ve one of them..
How ’bout I loan you Grimm for a day? You know, for the full dog experience? Thanks for visiting!
Hahaha. . 😉
This is a wonderful post. My dog, Cayman though completely independant has become over the years a bit more of a socially interactive dog. Of course this is done totally on his terms : ) great pictures!
Thank you. Cayman is a cute little guy–love the picture of him sitting in the pumpkin patch on your blog!
Interesting!
Glad you thought so!
Yeah Milou (our bichon frise) has gotten more attached as he has gotten older. Now that I am usually alone at home while the rest of the family works (since I am unemployed at the moment but won’t be for long I hope!), taking Milou out has become my responsibility. He has gotten used to having someone home 24/7 and will not leave me alone. If I leave the room longer than 30 seconds, he will follow. Wherever I decide to sit down for the day in the house and write cover letters, he will lie down at my feet and stay there. If I take a shower, he’ll take a nap in the hallway outside. He is 13 years old so we’re not about to change his behavior. He likes having his humans around and we indulge him in his old age. 🙂
Nothing wrong with that! Sounds like your older (doggy) friend might be a little lonely when you go back to work. Good luck in your search.
Reblogged this on gottopickapocketortwo and commented:
Great post about the habits and behaviour of dogs and their importance in our lives.
Thanks for the re-post!
No worries.
Hilarious post!
When did you move in my home – that’s the only explanation for your in-depth understanding of my relationship with my Beabull (Beagle-English Bulldog mix).
Congrats on being FP!
Ha! Thanks! Wait, you mean you haven’t noticed me and my doggy entourage traipsing through your halls?
[…] Too Close Posted on October 2, 2012 by RazoR Burnes Too Close. […]
Cute dog on your header pic! Thanks for the re-blog.
I really liked your article, especially the quote at the end. I have had dogs in the past that were just pets, but the one I have now is like a son to me. The quote hit me hard because some time ago I spent an enormous amount of money to save his leg. In fact, on my blog, I dedicated a page to his story. Funny thing about him, he is like all of your dogs wrapped in one. Independent when he wants to be and velcro when he wants to be, I am definitely alpha when I am around, but the minute I’m gone, the house (or truck) is his to defend against anyone (even shopping carts).
Yeah, I really like that quote, too. Wish I knew who originally said those heartfelt words. Sounds like you have a truly loyal friend.
Loved your blog – DaisyDog displays velcro tendencies but we put it down to the fact that we are purely her `minders` whilst her owner is away.
Seems like you might have a velcro goose on your hand after reading some of your blog!
I can relate, I have 3 fur babies who follow me everywhere and yes bathroom time is never without a 4 legged friend.
I sympathize! Although at this point you’re probably like me and feel like something must be wrong if you are alone in the restroom.
I have a very goofey, slobbery oaf of a velcro dog who provides great joy in my otherwise serious life. . .And I think I will start refering to him as velcro dog. It’s a great descriptive phrase. Thanks for a fun and enlightening post.
A dog does have an uncanny ability to provide comic relief when needed. Showcase your velcro dog with pride!
the are super cute
Thank you–I think so, too!
I baby sat a dog like that, he was a mini Yorkie, so I was constantly tripping on him, and he would have to sit in my lap. It was probably partly my fault because I was holding him a lot since my dog is a big lab and just wanted to play with him. My other dog doesn’t mind being alone unless I”m leaving the house then she follows me everywhere! Good luck with Grimm’s training! All your dogs are so cute!
Thank you! Sometimes those big furry kids don’t realize their size, but the Yorkie was probably happy for your comfy lap!
Congratualtions on being Freshly Pressed! I feel like a dog person without a dog. We recently lost our dog several months ago. We thought about getting another dog, but she was so smart that it would be difficult not to campare. So I guess we will wait for a bit and let time heal. We have two cats I am greatful for them.
Thank you, and I am sorry to hear of your loss. It is difficult when you lose a good friend and it is hard not to compare a new furry companion to the old–we’re only human, after all. But when (notice I said when, not if) you decide to adopt a new canine buddy, remember that you are not replacing your old friend, but instead giving another dog a chance at a happy life. Give yourself time to heal, as you said. You will know when you are ready.
Thank You That’s the conclusion we both came to as well. And you are right it is not If we get another dog but when. :+) But until than I will enjoy blogs like yours and read stories and look at sweet pictures. :+)
Get your drift about hesitancy to get new puppy after the passing of the best dog on the planet. Happened to us not long back. No new K-9 could compete, I postured and pouted for near a year. Then “dog beach” buddies began to e-mail links of pics and particulars of a doggie dude or dudette (sp) waiting out the day at some rescue joint for their very own forever home. Forget-about-it.
Right. I have spent the last year and a half with a baby moose of a Lab/Malamute mix with never-mind manners, and on a good day, the sense to get out of rain. Actually he’s a good boy, his main problem being, he’s so damn young.
And therein lies my caution. If it’s been awhile since you have dealt with a straight up puppy, think hard about how much time and effort it takes to puppy proof the abode, housebreak and socialize, try this food or that, and chill to the constant chaos it’s sure to be.
We forgot. Subsequently, that forever home often felt: here today gone tomorrow. And during it all, I thought an older dog would have been the way to go.
But, tail-wags all around, the young hound still bounds. Now go find yourself a buddy.
Amen, Doug! Love your last line. Chaos though it may be, I like to think it’s a controlled chaos. Dog people really do need dogs.
We actually had a cat that my daughter named “Velcro” when it was kitten because of the way it stuck to her. In his later years, after my daughter was out on her own, Velcro always seemed to stick to me–how do they always know who is not the cat person in the family?
Ha ha! Cats just seem to have a natural inclination to want to force their affection on those who want it the least, don’t they? It’s their superpower, apparently.
If you want to call it that. I still prefer dogs, thank you very much!
[…] Too Close. […]
My old lab who sadly not with us now was like Grimm who’s name is so cool. But given time he got over it when we got him a friend but I found that when my medical condition was bad he would never leave me which helped me throw tuff times. I miss him everyday even thou iv got another day now emy that is 11 and we care for my sisters doing he’s a ridge called archer but none of them are like my prince maybe because I was ten back then.
Dogs seem to know when we really need them. Glad you had your Labrador buddy to help you through the tough spots.
Thanks for sharing your canine experiences. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog.
Glad you enjoyed my posts! Thanks for the visit!
mine are more soccer type dogs, they guard doorways against you walking through them especially the bathroom and they guard stronger when you really need it the most. If you do score (get into the bathroom) the go for the sit down, or lay down strike so you ha ve to take large uneasy steps to clear your way out.
Ha ha! So they hold you hostage in the restroom, huh? All that trouble to get in…I guess if they can’t control your entry, at least they can thwart your exit. Determined dogs you have there!
My labradoodle isn’t exactly a velcro dog although she does want to be in the same room with everyone and if we are in different rooms she lays in the hallway where she can keep an eye on everyone. Now the cat is a different story, she has to be underfoot, in the same chair, or right next to someone, she doesn’t care who. On holidays we have to put the cat in the dog’s kennel so she doesn’t trip anyone as we eat. Large family so it’s always pot luck and help yourself meals.
My sister had a lab that was totally velcro. When she was in the bathroom the dog always brought in a toy and drop it in her lap. Unfortunately he died this past Saturday. They were playing ball and somehow he broke his back running after the ball. She had to have him euthanized. It’s been a rough week for her, missing her velcro dog.
I had to chuckle at the vision I got of your cat, in a dog kennel, eyeing everyone who passed her while in her prison. But…your poor sister! What a freak accident–so very sorry for her loss.
It was really freak, but not as rare as you would think. When she went in to work on Monday, one of co-workers had lost his black lab a few years ago the same way.
The cat glares, it’s one of those large wire cages and it’s in the dining room/kitchen so she can see everyone eating. She hates it she’s a worse beggar than the dog. Actually the dog just sleeps through meals. The cat climbs up and tries to get everyone to feed her.
Good luck! It sounds like you are doing well. I really miss having dogs. I think they are one of the best things anyone can ask for in life.
Thank you! I agree with you–dogs, even with all their mischief, really enhance the human experience.
Lol Very funny and sadly true!
Thanks for visiting–glad you got a chuckle.
My dog has decided that my time on the toilet is a perfect time for me to throw the ball to her. I swear she can hear the zipper on my pants unzip. Luckily, that is the only time she is my velcro dog.
Your dog has awesome timing! At least you can say that you can multitask like no other!
So true.
As I read your blog and read these comments it seems its not the dogs who need our care but it is us, humans who need their unconditional love and support. I believe this goes to all pets other than dogs. (although I personally think dogs are BEST!!!!)
So true! We are a needy bunch (like velcro dogs, really): emotionally, spiritually, physically. We are a social species, as are dogs. This is why we get along so famously. Dogs (and other pets), unlike other humans, aren’t so quick to point out our flaws, judge our actions or treat us unfairly. This, I feel, is why we seek their company–we get friendship, companionship and, like you pointed out, unconditional love and support–without all the drama.
Ah- so true. Its also something to learn. Our quick judgement on others without really knowing who they are always bring hurtful situation(we’ve all been there). Maybe we need to learn to trust another human being and give them chance to fix things. And give them dog kisses like my sweet girl gave me just now! 🙂 haha
You know, that is a great idea! I don’t know if you have read this post (http://imissyouwheniblink.com/2012/09/25/four-simple-ways-to-freak-out-mean-people/) or not, but maybe if we just started to lick someone when things got hairy, we could prevent a lot of grief and anger…or maybe we’d get punched in the face, who knows. Dare you to try it!
Just like kids…always. I miss my Lab. Here he came, happy, loving. Yours is such a wonderful story.
Thank you. Yes, just like kids. Always wanting to be in on the action. Dogs and kids…kindred spirits.
I do understand the bathroom situation….It seems like in our household the need is definitely both ways; not quite the Velcro syndrome, but close. Four dogs, eight cats and all different personalities….Life is good.
Active household you must have! Yes, indeed, life is good. Thanks for the visit!
You got it…Are they rescue dogs? Doesn’t matter really, just a question. Still warm in Vegas so we have been swimming everyday…Exercise, sleep, eat…Life is really good.
Yes, all three of mine are rescues.
Grimm was a parvo pup and his original owners didn’t want to treat him, so to save him from euthanasia, I had them sign over ownership to me.
Zella was originally from a backyard breeder selling pups outside Wal-Mart. By the time she was 5 weeks old she’d already been through 2 “owners”. I decided enough was enough so I took her.
I rescued Charley almost 15 years ago when he was about 4 months old. He had been dumped in the country and run over.
(All of their stories are detailed further in my blog.)
Anyways, sounds like you and your crew are staying active! It’s still warm here, too, so maybe we’ll hit the lake when I’m off from work. Can’t get much better than exercise, eat, sleep!
You know you are loved…All mine are rescued, cats included…Dogs, Moxi (Boxer/Jack Russell Terrier) Moe, (Shepard, Rott, Chow–only male in the dog family), Juno-(Chi-wa-wa & Pug) Devilina is her middle name; she was so abued before she came to us and last but not least, Mandy (18 year old Mini Schnauzer–blind, deaf, dementia–but healthy and happy)
Oh man…bathroom time! I get two dogs and two cats. Little dog with paws on my thighs, big dog with face in lap, two cats weaving in and out of my legs. If I shoo them away it usually takes, but you think by now they’d have gotten the message.
You really do have an audience! The mysteries of the toilet definitely lure critters in like a moth to the flame.
Carissa, yup you got it…Big dog with head in lap and little one on your thighs. Oh yes and we have a cat that loves to urinate in the sink, not all the time, just when she has an audience. Love them animals.
Wow…what a crew. I’ve got but a single velcro varmint. He’ll follow and hang and clog the sea lanes of this single family hang-out if allowed. Which it is and more than it should be. But like you, I play the cop and “place” him. For the most part he complies. As for the bathroom. Always been a no go.
Fun post.
Regards,
Teaching these young dogs manners and boundaries can be challenging. Thanks for the visits, Doug!
HAH,i like dogs..
[URL=http://www.mbeatsbydrdre.com]beats by dr.dre[/URL]
Me too! Thanks for stopping by!
My dogs just love me for me, love the mornings when younger one wants to play boxing and when the older one gets my attention younger one howls great family fun. Great blog.
Thank you. That’s the awesome thing about dogs–you don’t have to pretend to like something or act a certain way when you are around them–they’ll love you no matter what. You can be silly, dumb, boring…and they won’t judge you for it. Plus, you can always say you were talking to the dog when people catch you talking to yourself!
Boy, I dunno. I have a blue heeler whose top priority is to be with me, not in a neurotic sense, but because it is her job. Wouldn’t change it for the world. Like your blog very much!
I bet she’s great at her job! Nothing like having a truly loyal dog. Thanks for the comment!
…sounds just like my alsation, shera! he will follow me everywhere…but the bathroom is a definite no-no….he always waits outside though! but, hey…perhaps you can help we here…today i had a real nasty scare….i was walking him in the local park, off leash as always, when i noticed another dog walker, a lady with a terrier….i normally keep on my guard whenever i see a dog that is not a regular, as shera will naturally go take a look…and a fight sometimes ensues, especially if the other dog’s a male…anyway, we normally do a few rounds of the park, so when the lady and her dog came nearer, of course, my dog went over to have a sniff etc…all was ok and he walked back to me.
the 2nd time around, i didnt pay any attention to the other dog or mine, knowing taht they were ok with each other….BUT….suddenly i heard growling and whining…looking around i saw shera astride the little terrier, who was on his back in the submissive position….by this time the lady was screaming and shouting, so i rushed over to stop the fight, but it went on and on…with both dogs running out of the park across a busy road etc…
anyways, cut a long story short, i got shera back and gave him a good shouting…in fact i felt like giving him a few good thumps as well, but managed to control myself….on my way back, i of course apologised profusely to the lady and showed her where her dog had gone nearby, and she walked by muttering abusive language at me….thats fine.
my question is this…how do you stop your dog getting excited every time it sees another one?
Well, sometimes dogs who at first seem okay with each other can turn out not to like each other at all. You’ll never know what precipitated the fight, even if you were watching the whole interaction like a hawk. Subtle eye shifts, lip licks, stiff posturing (and this can be really difficult for us to see when they are moving around each other) and other signs may have been there. Plus, if the other owner was tense at all, her dog may have picked up on it.
I know that giving a dog some freedom to run around and watching them frolic is something we, as owners, like to do. I do the same thing with my dogs. However, I never let my dogs interact with unknown dogs–ever–until I have watched the other dog for a while. I also leash my dogs when in the company of other dogs and ask the other owner from afar if they can meet. There are times when they say no or times when I say no, but I always respect the others decision. I also always watch my dog or dogs 100% of the time and interfere when I see signs of stress or if I feel things are getting a little heated.
For me, because I have pit bulls, even if they don’t start something, I can’t let ANYTHING happen. That’s a responsibility I have to take in owning this breed. In the 15 years I have owned pit bulls and pit bull mixes, I have NEVER had one of my dogs scuffle or fight with other dogs (knock on wood). This is not because my dogs have been perfect, but because I don’t let them or put them in situations where they may fail. If they do, because of their breed, they could lose their life. This is not a risk I am ever willing to take. You have to do what you feel will work best for you. This is what works for me (and very well, I might add).
As for your question: you have to work really hard on counter-conditioning. Teach your dog commands like “watch me” or to do another behavior when another dog is spotted. This can take years to train. My dog Zella is leash reactive and freaks when she sees another dog when she is on a leash. She’s not aggressive, just over stimulated and excited when she sees another dog, but try to tell that to another owner when you have a muscular pit bull straining and salivating at the end of a leash. When they are calm, then they get to meet other dogs.
I would recommend working with a really great dog behaviorist or trainer who uses a positive approach to training to help you. Sounds like you and your dog have a great relationship. Good luck with your pooch!
thanks for your advice…as you can probably guess, its the first time we’ve had a dog, so we jumped in at the deep end so to speak…and most of what we read in books was total nonsense…we learnt it the hard way! anyway, re the fight, as i say, my dog is normally very docile, and to see him act like that really shocked me…altho it was all bark and no bite, it looked like he was going to kill that little terrier from the sounds it was making….no wonder the woman swore at me…im fine with that…ive become so used to having him off the leash but looks like ive got to be even more vigilant than i already am….i do know he doesnt like rottweilers at all for some reason, so immediately i see one, i put him on the leash…several people have told me to have my dog’s “goolies” cut off…hope u know what i mean…by doing that, the dog MAY calm down…well, my question to that is what if he doesnt calm down…then what…the poor guy would have lost his marbles for no reason? and i know several dogs who had it done, but didnt change. best thing is as you say…be extra vigilant, any dog that you see may act differently…put mine on the leash straight away….the other day, in the same park, a girl who has 2 very strong dogs, an akita and a bull mastiff…got in trouble when the mastiff got attracted to a small jack russel who was in season…the owner picked teh jack russel up in the end…but teh mastiff wouldnt back down and started jumping up onto the other owner, who was damn scared…the mastiff is massive…i dont know what happened in the end as my dog was luckily on leash and i just walked the other way….but its people like taht who should know better…if your dog is in season, keep her on a leash…just common sense i would ahve thought!
I have two dogs who ALWAYS follow me in the bathroom. Apparently when i go to the bathroom, it means play time. They are either wrestling, trying to jump on my lap, or tugging at my pants or SOMETHING. If i lock them out of the bathroom they whine and scratch at the door. SO obnoxious. Haha
Funny how the smallest room (usually) in the house is where they decide to be the most boisterous…maybe because they realize the’ll have a captive audience for at least a little while. They must think they are missing out of the action when not allowed in! Thanks for stopping by!
Great work. Great post!
Thank you–glad you liked it!
Well said! I have a velcro dog, too. While occasionally adorable, it is most often somewhat physically awkward (she’s nearly as big as I am), mildly annoying, periodically unsafe and always a concern since it’s a given that eventually I’ll have to leave the house without her. It’s always nice to know we’re not alone in our canine challenges!
Thank you. No, we are not alone. There’s a little bit of crazy in all of our dogs–and in us.
Amazing blog mate
Glad you think so!