You need to kind-of make yourself “boring” to him. If you're not constantly reaching down to pet his head, talking to him, giving him things, he should eventually lose interest and begin to wander off. Don't neglect his need for affection, but, rather, try not to constantly “dote”.
You can train your dog to go to their bed or crate when they're getting underfoot. If you ignore excessively clingy behaviors, such as your dog whining or pawing at you for attention, eventually, they will stop.
Dogs are clingy for three basic reasons. Your dog may have great anxiety about being left alone. Various illnesses may cause the dog to seek comfort from your companionship. And a female dog about to be in heat may tend to stick closer to her owner.
Separation Anxiety Can Cause Your Dog to Not Leave Your Side
Some dogs even try to prevent you from leaving. Dogs with separation anxiety will sometimes start barking, pacing or exhibiting other distressing behaviors after a short time after being left alone.
Just like humans, dogs are social creatures that don't like being alone. Giving them company all the time could spell trouble, since they might learn to be too dependent on you. At its worst, a dog that is too used to the constant company of its paw-rent could develop a case of separation anxiety.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's most likely a sign that they love and adore you. When dogs interact with someone they like, the hormone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' and makes you feel that warm glow when you're around someone you like.
Ignore the dog when he is being clingy. Make being at your side boring and non-stimulating. If you've previously responded to needy, attention-seeking behavior with attention or fuss, you may have accidentally trained your dog to become clingy.
It's not uncommon for certain breeds to over-attach to their owners, particularly dogs in the working or herding groups that are bred to work side-by-side with their humans.
Any time a dog develops a new behavior issue, your first step should be to talk to your vet. Many behaviors that look like a dog is just being obnoxious can be a result of illness or injury. House soiling, fear, aggression, guarding, hyperactivity, ignoring you, destructive behavior, etc., can all be symptoms.
Some level of closeness is completely normal and to be expected from your dog. However, if a dog is underfoot at every turn, it might be time to take a closer look at daily life.
Most times, when your dog is touching you they are either trying to show you attention and affection, or they are desiring something for you. Your dog loves you and you are their pack leader, so any bit of touch brings them comfort, warmth, and love to some degree.
Velcro Dog syndrome is a phrase people use to describe the behaviour displayed by clingy breeds. It is not, however, full-blown separation anxiety and as a responsible pet owner, it's a good idea to make sure you know the difference. So-called Velcro dogs will often: Follow you from room to room around the house.
Signs your dog imprinted on you.
They follow you around closely. They mirror your behaviors. They follow your commands more readily than they do other people's. They check in with you frequently when in new environments or situations.
Humans and dogs have had a special bond for thousands of years—we see it in the way dogs work, play, and live with us. Most experts agree that this relationship developed when the wolf, the dog's ancestor, and human came in contact with each other.
Often called clingy, velcro dogs have a desire to be close to their owners. Companionship. Perhaps the most obvious reason, some dogs simply prefer the companionship of their human owners. Over the process of domestication, natural selection has shaped dogs to become companions for humans.
Most dogs who act demanding and pushy are not being “dominant” over you. They act that way because they learned to act that way. They have learned the easiest and fastest way to get things from you is to be pushy and demanding. Its that simple.
WHINING, CRYING, AND HOWLING
It can be a sure sign they're feeling neglected. That may mean more exercise, engagement, or training sessions are in order. But be sure to keep an eye on your dog's progress with this, as whining and howling that don't get better may be a sign of anxiety or pain.