Pitbull Terriers are well-known for their habit of walking in the shadow of their owners. They are true people dogs who love any attention.
They are bred to be companion dogs, so their affectionate nature is something that all Pitbull owners can relate to.
However, how much attention does the Pitbull require, and why are Pitbulls so clingy? Let’s look at it from a different angle.
A majority of Pitbulls are clingy which can cause serious problems. The new pet owners aren’t aware of the extent to which your dog demands your focus.
They’re not just pets that do not require your attention. Being a pet’s parent is a big responsibility and your Pitbull needs a lot of attention.
Pitbulls may also display strange behaviors such as displaying anger, etc. If you don’t pay adequate attention to the Pitbull and they become frustrated and nervous, which affects the rate of growth.
Pitbull stops growing after a certain point due to a variety of reasons, but not paying enough attention is just one reason.
Why Are Pitbulls So Clingy?
Pitbulls are famous for being affectionate due to the way they’ve been raised; they were designed to be companions in modern times. Due to this, Pitbull would want to be with their owners wherever they go and are more prone to suffer from separation anxiety.
If you aren’t sure you’re able to handle this level of demanding nature then you might want to consider a Pitbull Terrier really isn’t the pet for you.
They’ll constantly require you to be watched closely and therefore won’t be a good fit for someone who has a hectic schedule.
They also have high energy and must be very active all the time… It can take a while before they are calm from their puppy stage.
If this will bother you, take a look at the various smaller dog breeds that are thought to be independent, such as Beagles, Cairn Terriers, Jack Russells, Miniature Pinschers as well as Scottish Terriers.
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Here are some reasons that you think your Pitbull is so affectionate:
1. Due to a Strange Person
Your Pitbull is clingy because there’s a new guest in the home and you are giving your full attention to the stranger. It could be a brand new baby, partner visitor, or pet. The changes in your behavior could cause them to feel nervous and can cause them to become emotional.
Not just dogs, but all pets require regular care and time. If you are planning to adopt an animal like a Pitbull be sure you are able to dedicate time to him.
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2. Change in Your Behavior
Pets are able to tell when something is wrong in your life. It is well-known that animals have a head start on humans in the ability to predict natural catastrophes. Therefore, if you’re upset or sad your pet is the first to learn about it.
If you experience a small shift in your mood, your Pitbull will be the first to be aware. If you don’t allow the time they require to recover, they’ll be depressed and may try to be intimate.
It is also possible to notice each time when you leave the house or return and your Pitbull appears to be the first person to meet you at the door.
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3. Change of Environment
Another major reason for your dog becoming too attached is the fact that you move to a different home and location.
Your dog is used to the idea of staying with you at the previous home as well as being aware of the surrounding that makes them feel secure.
4. Changes in the health
Like humans, dogs are also terrified when they’re injured or are suffering from a condition.
The fact that they were suffering from a disease rendered them vulnerable and weak, and they require more care than normal.
Being a pet parent, you should be aware of how crucial it is to look after your pet and ensure they feel at ease in their home.
If you feel that your Pitbull is becoming too affectionate, be sure to keep a watch on their food intake and their health.
Dogs are also anxious when they begin to have issues with their hearing or when their eyesight decreases.
4. Aggression
It is possible that your Pitbull is becoming too clingy because they’re struggling with issues of anger.
When they are new or you move into the new home the dog is unaware of their surroundings, any sudden noise can cause them to become angry and they will hide behind you.
For instance, if there are fireworks or music festivals and your Pitbull might be nervous and begin to show an angry reaction because the loud noises disrupt their sleeping.
They may also exhibit a change in behavior after they have a meeting with an animal and are afraid which is why they become too attached.
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5. Mental Problem
It’s not just for dogs. If you wish to see the healthy growth of your pet or other pets, you should involve them in different brain-teasing games. Dogs tend to be clingy in the absence of mental stimulation.
Your dog requires mental stimulation to demonstrate the expected rate of growth. Dogs who exhibit slow growth can become physically and mentally weak which is a negative sign.
If you observe that your dog displays excessive affection, it is important to bring them to the vet for a proper examination.
6. Separation Anxiety
Being a pet owner of Pitbull is not an easy task as they can be very difficult to understand. They are more sensitive to other breeds of dogs and will spend the whole time with you once they are attracted.
You must be aware that your Pitbull is not lonely and is happy with you.
If your Pitbull detects that you’re taking too much time with your job and not paying attention to them. Then they begin to feel scared and alone and this causes them to be more clingy than normal.
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7. Insecurity
We all know that dogs are prone to crying when routines are followed. If there is a change in the routine, it will directly impact your Pitbulls.
Your Pitbulls are prone to feeling anxious about any situation. Even minor changes can cause Pitbulls to feel anxious and may cause them to be more clingy over time.
8. Age
Pitbulls’ brains naturally begin to deteriorate as they grow older. You could be putting yourself at risk of becoming more intimate with them and providing them with more certainty and security than they enjoyed when they were younger.
It may not be the case for all Pitbulls, but if yours have problems being around you or feels more vulnerable since they may not be competent in taking care of themselves, they may become quite dependent.
Currently, you must speak with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for making the transition to adulthood as smooth and stress-free as possible for your Pitbull’s changing demands.
9. Noise
Even in the midst of a storm your dog or Pitbull is prone to feeling anxious and would prefer to be in a safe place or stay away from individuals until they feel better.
In these kinds of situations, most Pitbulls will be searching for a family member or handler to provide security or comfort if they are fearful or sick.
This is why you shouldn’t think of this type of clingy behavior as an annoying one because it could be a sign of health issues.
If you’re worried about it or are unsure, take your Pitbulls examined by your veterinarian in your area to confirm that there’s no problem.
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10. Health Risk
If you’re Pitbulls suffers from any type of health issue, then you could find your dog becoming close to you.
The health issues are very uncomfortable for Pitbulls, and they may be associated with clingy behavior.
Therefore, you shouldn’t avoid any type of affectionate behavior as it could be a signal to have your Pitbulls examined by your veterinarian local to you.
The lack of mental stimulation
Pitbulls are prone to becoming bored or even feeling bored when they don’t get enough exercise or when there’s no activity for them to do.
They don’t just start screaming, but many dogs also search for something interesting to do. And in this order, they’ll take you by the hand and follow you wherever you go, even when they have nothing to have to do with you.
Thus, a lack of stimulation for the mind can cause the development of clinginess in your Pitbulls.
This is one reason that Pitbulls can become dependent on you as they are the primary outlet for them to entertain themselves.
If you notice your Pitbulls are very enthusiastic when they follow you around, then it could be a clear indication that he’s bored and seeking some activity to entertain himself.
Dog Breeds
There are certain breeds of dogs that have been designed in order to become more clingy so that they can function alongside their owners.
They rely heavily on the direction of their owners for guidance as well as their owner’s body communication.
The Toy breed of dog which has developed in recent years is being selectively bred to become lapdogs.
There are other breeds such as Akitas as well as German Shepherd that are commonly acknowledged for their closeness to a single person.
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How to Lower the Clinginess of Pitbulls?
It is not difficult to deal with a dog that is close to you. Dealing with a Pitbull’s obsession with you, on the other hand, is difficult due to their sensitive nature.
It’s not ideal to have a pet that is constantly around you, and having one that is continually surrounding you can make you feel anxious.
If you’re looking for your Pitbull from a safe distance, you may use several tricks to keep the obsession at bay.
It is critical to teach your dog to be more self-sufficient and to help him overcome his dread of being alone.
Here are some things you may do to help your Pitbull become less cling to you.
1. Learn to teach them to be commanders
It is essential to provide an appropriate training program to your dog in order for them to follow your instructions.
If you’re in the kitchen preparing food and don’t want your Pitbull to follow you, train them to pay attention to you and stay in your living room.
Begin by educating them about distances, then on to more complex stages.
2. Instruct them to go to their Corner
Your dog should be able to relax and unwind in a safe and secure environment. If your dog enjoys entering your bedroom and spends most of its time there, you’ll need to teach them how to respect their own space.
To educate your Pitbull to be comfortable in their own area, use a mat or a bed.
It’s also a good idea to provide them with toys and tiny snacks to make it easier for them to follow your instructions.
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3. Spend time with them
If you want to get rid of your Pitbull or another Pitbull’s attraction, you need to spend time with them and show them how to be calm while you’re not around.
You can teach your dog a few games and techniques that will assist them in their time in your absence. You could also bring them to the park to play or walk around so they feel relaxed and content.
4. Stop Them
If your Pitbull is always following you from one room to the next, present them with a diversion to keep them occupied. When dogs are bored, they start staring at you and teasing you.
Give them toys or allow them to roam around the yard so that they are able to stop their clinginess.
When should you be concerned about your Pitbull’s clinginess?
Clinginess can turn into separation anxiety. If you feel that your Pitbull has separation anxiety, you should always seek professional treatment to change the behaviors that are connected with separation anxiety.
This sort of behavior is similar to anxiety problems in people, and if not addressed properly, it may become harmful.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from Velcro dog syndrome, investigate the cause.
If you discover that the major cause of the increased clinginess is boredom, it’s critical to provide the dog with a more interesting or mental job to accomplish.
If a bored dog is left alone, he or she is likely to engage in destructive or clingy behavior.
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Do Pitbulls need much attention?
Yes, due to their affectionate nature, they are extremely impulsive canines and are vulnerable to separation anxiety, so they are not happy being in a home environment for any length of time.
Here’s an inventory of things you may not be able to accomplish due to the attention Pitbulls require:
- It’s possible that you won’t be allowed to leave the house.
- When the doorbell rings, you might not be able to shut them in a room.
- It’s possible that you won’t be able to snuggle with your partner or children.
- It’s possible that you won’t be able to use the restroom without them barking and scratching at the door.
- Without doggie daycare, you might not be able to go to work from 9 to 5.
- When you hurry into a store, you might not be able to leave them in the car for a few minutes.
They are, nevertheless, simple to move due to their tiny size. When you leave your Pitbull alone at home for a lengthy amount of time, boredom or tension might lead to destructive behavior.
You should not get a Pitbull if you are juggling job responsibilities or a schedule that prevents you from giving it the time and care it needs.
Another option is to consider buying many Pitbulls. Many Pitbull owners feel that when their dogs are in a group, they perform better.
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Do Pitbulls become attached to a specific other
Yes, Pitbulls have a propensity to become drawn to only one person in many cases. Clingy behavior and, in certain cases, aggressiveness against other dogs can occur when the person they consider their primary caretaker becomes the focal center of their existence.
However, this is not an all-encompassing policy. Pitbulls, on the other hand, are more attached to a single person than other dog breeds.
What does separation anxiety look like in a Pitbull?
Separation anxiety is influenced by all of these factors. Pitbulls should not be left alone in a room for lengthy periods of time since they will be unable to cope with the stress.
The following are the traditional indications to look for when determining if your Pitbull has separation anxiety:
- Defecating and peeing in a new location.
- The heavy panting, the pacing, and the drooling.
- Howling and barking more than normal.
- Digging your garden, chewing your stuff, and being destructive.
- The attempt to escape from the property or the yard such as under or over fences.
You can lessen your Pitbull’s fear of separation after you leave the house by following these routines:
- Always remain calm and put them at peace.
- Don’t make a huge deal of it after you leave home.
- Create a safe and cozy place to sleep.
- Do not leave the home only for short periods of time at first.
- Use positive reinforcement.
- Keep your Pitbull content and entertained by playing with toys.
- Make sure you keep your Pitbull fit and active to eliminate extra energy.
- You can hire a dog walker or doggy daycare service in case you’re absent for a short period of time.
- Consult your veterinarian for advice from a professional, and if you are considering medications.