clingydogsblog

Clingy During COVID… on the Main Line

Hello Neighbor! The first indication of a problem was their reluctance to go into the fenced yard alone. This was followed by middle of the night whining and a dog duet featuring early morning howling.…

Hello Neighbor!

The first indication of a problem was their reluctance to go into the fenced yard alone. This was followed by middle of the night whining and a dog duet featuring early morning howling. My husband and I had no idea what was going on with the dogs.

They’re both eating well, walking well, are playful and happy but seem especially clingy. Since quarantine they get extra walks, more closeness, special treats and more cuddles. What was the problem?

A bit of background. The dogs have a fenced yard that was an exciting place they’d go alone. Not lately. And I’m a light sleeper so our two furry companions camp out downstairs overnight while we sleep upstairs. For years, this arrangement worked well for everyone. But these days? Oh dear. The mournful whining during the night led me to suggest bringing them into our bedroom, eliciting a lightning fast rejection from my husband.

After the canine chorale spontaneously serenaded us during three consecutive sleepless nights, the answer explaining this behavior arose one morning like sunshine illuminating a fog-filled dream. I realized that since lock down we’re always with the dogs except at night. Apparently now, with my husband and me working from home and few options to leave, the pups have grown acclimated to our always being together and see us as part of the pack. Even a short separation and our sleeping apart appears to be creating separation anxiety.

Our home remedy is walking without the dogs occasionally and not taking them with us everywhere we go. We aren’t going far but a little time apart from them is working. Their middle of the night whining and early morning crying stopped. Everyone’s resumed sleeping through the night. We’re more well rested since the pack reverted to its two original members. The pups seem to be calmer and are thankfully quieter too. Guess it was too much of a good thing.

Enjoying the quiet,
Jane