Hyper Attachment: A Symptom of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Hyperattachment in dogs is the most common problem among puppies and older dogs. This article outlines the causes, symptoms, and solutions for hyperattached dogs.

What causes hyperattachment in dogs??

Dogs can develop hyperattachment problems for a variety of reasons. Dogs that have deficits in their sensory perception, such as sight and hearing, are likely to develop hyperattachment. Attachment problems are also common in puppies that have been adopted from a shelter. Such dogs become overly attached to their owner if they have been abandoned or traumatized prior to adoption. Therefore, they often require extra care and sensitivity.

What are the symptoms of hyperattachment?

Dogs that suffer from attachment problems are often called Velcro dogs, because they are always attached to their owners’ sides. Hyperattached dogs show signs of nervousness and anxiety when they can’t be around their owners. Dogs often become overly attached to one member of the family. You can test this by having everyone in the family in one room and then watch the behavior of the dogs as each person leaves. If the dog gets up to follow you or is restless while a person is away, it is likely that he is too attached to that person. Hyper-attached dogs often suffer from dog separation anxiety as well. This behavior is a reliable indicator of separation anxiety because it can be seen while you’re home, while something like barking while you’re away is harder to detect.

What can I do with Hyper Attachment?

Hyperattachment in dogs can be treated with some specific training exercises. These exercises may include desensitization and counterconditioning. One exercise is the “Steps” exercise. It is useful for puppies and older dogs. Start by getting your dog to sit. Then take a step back. Reward the dog for staying and being quiet. As you repeat the exercise, keep moving away until you are out of sight. Stay out of sight for a few seconds, then go back and treat your dog. If your dog is nervous, wait for him to calm down before giving him a treat. Never reward anxious behavior. Gradually increase the time and distance so that you can put your dog in another room away from you without any change in his behavior.