– Kristi Robinson, Bedford, N.S.
A: Your stalker has formed a hyperattachment to you. Like most behavioural problems, this occurs when pet owners unwittingly encourage attention-seeking behaviour. It's easy to do. When a dog is lying quietly in another room, do we reward that behaviour? No. Conversely, do we ignore a dog that is dancing around our feet, being a nuisance? No. Bingo!
You're going to need the help of a veterinary behaviour specialist to retrain your pet. There are several steps, including providing a safe place for your dog to be left alone, rewarding calm behaviour and ignoring demanding behaviour, practising departures, and keeping arrivals and departures low-key. Though not a cure, anti-anxiety medications may help your dog during training.
The good news? With their owners' diligence, most dogs can learn to wait contentedly for their loved ones' return.
Read more:
• The true cost of owning a pet
• Are you ready for a pet?
• Quiz: What kind of pet owner are you?
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