Relearning "Velcro Doggie" Behavior?

[fureverywhere]

You folks know more about canine behavior than I ever will-
A question: Are there some ways to help Ophie see hubby as an alternate human if need be? Ophie is one of those ultimate velcro doggies. Anywhere I walk in the house she is there. Not like when we first got her and she would wrap around my legs even if I was washing dishes. Now she lays at a vantage point so she can travel room to room.
Hubby works long hours so he isn't home very often. When he is he'll talk to her, share snacks, give her a good scratch, lay with her. But if I'm sick she won't go outside or even downstairs with him. When she was in the car the other night and I had to get out suddenly to take care of Kashi hubby had to keep her in the car with him till I got back. If he had tried to get her in the house off leash know she would of taken off looking for me.
How could I socialize her even a bit to it's okay to do what hubby says too?

[suziriot]

I would start by having your husband do some training exercises with her, with positive reinforcement. Having her come to him when called, sit/down/stay/release, etc. Training not only reinforces a positive bond, but it will also help Ophie look to him for leadership.

[fureverywhere]

Um...I'm kind of embarrassed...she doesn't follow any commands with me really...I'm really soft spoken so just kind of mutter wait and she stops or isokay and she walks past a distraction-think she watches visual cues instead

[suziriot]

Even more reason for your hubby to do some basic training with her. You and Ophie obviously have a great bond, but your husband can use training to build a better relationship with her.

[maryellen]

when i pee sadie is sitting there staring at me... total velcro dog lol

[suziriot]

Sept 14, 2011 16:36:53 GMT -5 maryellen said:

when i pee sadie is sitting there staring at me... total velcro dog lol

Hehe! I keep telling Brook that we need to get a baby sling so he can carry her around with him. She literally wants to be touching him at all times. I should try to get video of it. It's kind of pathetic.

[maryellen]

if your husband starts feeding her /walking her doing obedience with her she might listen to him.. every dog is different. rufus normally wont listen to anyone but me, but there are a few select that he listens too. sadie listens to anyone cause she is dumb lol

[melonie]

Rhett is totally velcro as well. Also Lilly is right now too. often times if my daughter truest to let Rhett out, he will either hesitate or just not go outside at all.
The days your hubby is home have him feed her meals. The training will do wonders for her, and bonding!

[fureverywhere]

Thanks maybe they'll have fun with some basic training together, he likes playing fetch with her. So cute he sounds like a kid again sometimes. He walks her some nights but he's got a shoulder condition...I trot along at her speed, hey maybe he can teach her walking without making like a sled dog? yay
Oh Ophie comes in the bathroom too, and Sushi...and sometimes Delilah and Ninja...Mom's in the tub c'mon in!!!!!!

[emilys]

my old sick boy Ozzy has recently decided to become velcro... to the extent that he is constantly standing BEHIND me. How many times will I trip over him before I remember this new behavior??????????

[fureverywhere]

Hum, do wonder where ya can find a snugli for a sixty pound doggie...heeheehee