Dutch Shepherd Forum

Lately my partner Axle has been super clingy, once we are off duty and home he will not leave my hip even when he is off the leash. It is somewhat annoying, but makes me wonder what is going through his mind. He wont chase his tennis balls or softballs he just sticks right next to me. Any ideas of what he is thinking/feeling?

It could be any of a number of reasons. Have you been away for a longer than normal period of time? Have you had any recent accidents? Are you in good health? Is he in good health?

A good animal communicator can tell you what he is thinking. I use two in the midwest who are excellent.

Thats odd. Ditto what Carole said. My girls are clingy but they will go off on their own or play ball. There must be something going on in his head.

I have not been gone for any lengths of time, He works right besides me everyday. I did however have surgery april 11th but I am 95% recovered. He is in tip top shape just seems a bit odd.

Sometimes the stress of the day in, day out job can take its toll on a dog just like it does us.

Maybe try to make his "off" time more independent and stimulating? Feed his rations via a self rewarding toy. Play just ball, instead of "find something to earn your ball" kinda stuff. Maybe also work a place command in the house so you have a formal way of asking him to move away from you and stay there when you walk out of the room, but make it the most rewarding place in the house.

I'm working with a service dog right now who is completely burnt out. I assume some detection dogs would go through the same thing.

With horses, we have, or we should more often, have a "let down" period. Usually at least 6 months. Race horses and horses who also are burnt out just get put into pasture an just be horses. I have done this a few times, with a pony and a horse, and its like a new beginning after a year, they were totally different, much happier and calm.

surgery 4/11. is that when clingy behavior started? [or] how old is your dog? yes, probably he needs more FUN QUALITY time [ no purpose except fun and companionship], but do not rule out that he may know something about your health or his that is not obvious to you. if he is not young, consider carefully if there are other subtle changes with him that have happened so slowly or are so minor that they were hardly noticeable except now in retrospect. a highly motivated, strong DS [ otherwise in great physical condition] is not going to let developing internal health issues detract from his duties, but he may try to cut 'optional' activity like ball chasing in favor of seeking safety of his human.

I take mine every day to the park and throw a Frisbee for at least half an hour. He enjoys it tremendously and it helps him relax- otherwise he will follow me around the house all night.