German Shorthaired Pointers are affectionate dogs that love human company. However, there are times when they can become too needy.
So, why is your
Let’s look at the reasons why your
Why Is My Springer Spaniel So Clingy?
German Shorthaired Pointers become clingy or needy due to separation anxiety, underlying illness, a female’s behavior during her heat cycle, old age, stress and trauma, insufficient enrichment, attention-seeking and learned behavior.

Are German Shorthaired Pointers Clingy?
Yes, German Shorthaired Pointers are naturally clingy dogs. A
This breed loves attention and needs to feel like they are part of the family. They often bond strongly with their families and can be very clingy, which is the personality of the breed. This is what many people want, a breed that is affectionate and will stick by your side, but this is not for everyone and can drive some owners mad!
Clingy behavior is not to be confused with separation anxiety, although some dogs can have both. Velcro dogs have extra clingy personalities.
Apart from this personality trait, other factors such as illness, and old age can make a
Signs of Clinginess in German Shorthaired Pointers
It can be sometimes difficult to differentiate between typical affectionate
- Following you everywhere
- Crying or whining constantly to get attention
- Wanting to constantly sit with you
- Refusing to eat when you’re not around
- Destructive behavior when you are away
- Overexcitement when you return home
- Demanding affection when you are doing something
Reasons Why Your Springer Spaniel Is So Clingy
Separation anxiety
A
They become very anxious when they sense a separation or departure from their owners and are usually overly excited when the owner returns home.
German Shorthaired Pointers are very susceptible to separation anxiety because they are people-oriented dogs that thrive on human companionship. This means that they love being close to their human owners and family.
When separated from their owners, they tend to suffer from separation anxiety by feeling insecure.
This is accompanied by other behaviors that include pacing, whining, and destructive behavior such as digging, or defecation in the house.
Related:
Underlying illness
Illness can cause a
If your
Look out for these symptoms and more unusual behavior changes which can be indicative that your
See Also:
Clingy behavior during a female’s heat cycle
A female
This behavior is often seen during the first half of the heat cycle and can last for up to two weeks. She will follow you around more than usual, seek out physical contact, and become agitated when left alone.
This clinginess is normal and is not indicative of any health problems. The behavior is also temporary and she returns to her normal self after her heat cycle ends.
However, if the behavior persists after the heat cycle has ended, it is worth consulting a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Old Age
Old age affects the cognitive ability of a
An old
Stress and trauma
A stressed dog will try to find comfort in you by being unusually attached to you. Stress can come from environmental triggers such as loud noises, changes in their routine, or home environment.
You can identify stress as the cause of the attachment by taking note of when the clinginess occurs, that is, if it is triggered by events or situations in the home or your dog’s environment.
Trauma experienced by a
Insufficient enrichment
German Shorthaired Pointers require mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and well-rounded. If they do not have these, they get bored and have nothing to do and instead will tend to get attached to their owner.
Boredom also encourages a
Attention seeking
A
An attention-seeking
Learned behavior
Clinginess can also be due to learned behavior whereby a
This means that there is a chance you inadvertently encouraged their behavior by having them be with you all the time and did not train them on being separated or having alone time.
This also includes constant kissing, cuddling, praising, and having no boundaries for when they can be with you such as on your bed or in every room in your home.
Therefore your dog got used to being clingy and attached.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Get Attached to One Person?
While German Shorthaired Pointers can form strong bonds with all members of their family, they may be particularly attached to one person. The contributing factors include socialization, attention, positive association, and a person’s personality. These solidify the bond between the dog and a family member, which makes them become more attached to one person.
While they may have a special bond with one person, German Shorthaired Pointers are still social creatures who need plenty of interaction with their family.
Male vs. female Springer Spaniel clingy behavior
Male and female German Shorthaired Pointers have different behaviors. Male German Shorthaired Pointers are more likely to be clingy with their owners with the need to be close to them all the time.
Female German Shorthaired Pointers are more independent and not as clingy as their male counterparts. However, both genders of German Shorthaired Pointers are very loyal and devoted to their owners.
How to Deal with A Clingy Springer Spaniel
Identify the cause
Assess your
You can do this by assessing when the behavior started if they have not been so clingy and also when and where the behavior starts, to be able to pinpoint the possible causes of the clinginess.
By knowing the possible cause behind your
Don’t worry if you can not identify the cause on your own, the next step is to talk with your veterinarian to help in the determination of the underlying cause.
Consult with your veterinarian
Talk to your veterinarian about the surrounding circumstances making your
The veterinarian will determine if the problem is due to an underlying illness or if it is a behavioral issue that needs to be corrected by an animal behaviorist.
From this assessment, the veterinarian will either recommend treatment or a certified animal behaviorist to help train your
Training
Behavioral training is essential in teaching a
Care for your clingy female in heat
When your female
While this can be sweet, it can also be frustrating if you’re trying to get things done. Here are ways to deal with a clingy
- Give her extra attention. During this time, your dog will crave attention and affection more than usual. Make sure to give her plenty of both. Spend extra time petting her, playing with her, and just being near her.
- Set aside time for cuddles. If you can’t give her constant attention, set aside specific times for cuddles and affection. Let her know when it’s time for cuddles so she doesn’t get frustrated waiting for attention.
- Take her on a daily walk. Walks help relieve stress and also give your dog a chance to focus on something other than you. Plan one or two walks for the day when she’s likely to be at her clingiest.
- Be patient. She’s just trying to get your attention. Don’t yell at her or punish her for being clingy. Instead, try to redirect her attention to something else she can chew on, like a toy.
Avoid encouraging the behavior
You can stop encouraging this behavior by teaching them the command words such as “ stay” to discourage them from following you everywhere in your home and also your dog learning how to be separated from you.
Consistent training on the desired behaviors with positive reinforcement helps to stop clinginess.
Spend time with them
Clinginess can be a simple need for your dog to spend time with you. This is normal because German Shorthaired Pointers are naturally people-oriented and love people’s company.
So if they sense that they need attention from you, your
Schedule time to spend with your
Exercise and activities
A bored
This includes the provision of puzzle toys, chew toys, daily walks, and exercises appropriate for your
Research has shown that early life experiences and daily exercises have an impact on your dog’s welfare, which also reduces their stress.