Clingy puppy

[Driznay]

I have a 9 week old mini dachshund who I've had for a week now, and he doesn't seem to ever leave me alone. Anytime I'm in the house with him, he has to be with me. He isn't happy unless I'm holding or touching him. When we go for a walk, he stays two feet behind me at all times. Even when my wife is playing with him, as soon as he sees me he has to come over to lick me. I know he sees me as his mother now, since I'm the one who feeds and walks him mostly. He IS fairly social around other people and dogs though, and when we crate him he only cries for a minute or two then he's fine..so I know he's not suffering extreme SA. I realize that he needs a lot of attention, and I probably give him too much actually. I have been trying to get better about ignoring his whines to sit on the couch with me at all times. I guess my question is this...Is this normal behavior that will eventually go away, or is it something more serious? We're enrolling him in puppy training class at Petsmart when he gets to 10 weeks old, so I'm hoping the behavior training they provide will help.

thanks
Bill

[ihartgonzo]

Hi Bill. : )

It sounds like you have a normal, affectionate puppy. Make sure he's getting plenty of socialization with other people, of all ages (100 people a week!), and you're setting boundaries for him... but, otherwise, it just sounds like your pup loves you and looks up to you, which is a good thing! You could start NILIF training just to boost his confidence and give him boundaries, I started when my pup was his age.

[Max's Dad]

I have to agree with Gonzo. When I first got my pup, he stayed with me 100% of the time, either on my lap, at my feet, or following me around the house. It's taken him two weeks to get used to the house and all the goings-on in our apartment complex, but now he runs around like he owns the place. I wouldn't worry too much, it sounds like your pup's just having some bonding time with you. Good luck, and have fun raising them.

-Tim

[Buddy'sParents]

Much agreed with Gonzo. Good luck!

[Zoom]

Agreed, nothing much to add other than get used to it! I haven't gone to the bathroom alone in over 3 years now, ever since I got my dogs. They are ALWAYS right by me.

[rosesmom]

Oh poor sweet baby. He left his mom too early and probably is missing her.