Do YOU have a 'velcro dog'? How to tell if your pet's clingy behaviour is normal - or something to worry about

Is your pup always desperate to be by your side? If so, you might have a 'velcro dog'.

On social media, pet owners have shared clips of their clingy pooches following them everywhere with absolutely no regard for personal space.

Although this behaviour might seem adorable, experts say it could be a sign of deeper issues.

According to scientists, your so–called 'velcro dog' could really be suffering from a case of separation anxiety.

Before you panic, experts reassure that that clingy behaviour does not necessarily mean that there's anything wrong with it.

Professor Bonnie Beaver, a dog behaviour expert from Texas A&M University, told the Daily Mail: 'Dogs are like people in that they can have a variety of natural personalities, including some that are naturally anxious.

'It is important to appreciate that not every dog that remains near the owner is a "velcro dog."

'Some owners have rewarded close behaviour because they just like having the dog close.'

If your pet pup is always right by your side, you might have a 'velcro dog', and experts say this clingy behaviour could be a sign of separation anxiety 

On TikTok, the term 'velcro dog' has gone viral, as owners share what it is like living with such closely attached animals.

In one clip, a pet owner showed how their 'velcro' dog followed them around the house as they tried to complete various chores, writing: 'She just wants to be part of everything we do.'

Another showed how their dog followed them around the house and barked when ignored, joking: 'Working from home with a Velcro Shepherd is not for the weak.'

Dr Charlotte Inness, vet and founder of VetMedi.co.uk, told the Daily Mail: 'A "velcro dog" is a term affectionately used for a dog that sticks to your side no matter where you go – even if you’re just popping to the loo!

'They thrive on physical contact and prefer to be attached to you at the hip, following you faithfully from room to room just to stay close.'

Dr Innes says that this behaviour is more common in breeds that have been bred to work closely with humans and focus on their owners, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and toy breeds.

While many owners might welcome the companionship, experts point out that this clingy behaviour can actually be a sign of canine anxiety.

Studies have estimated that around 70 to 80 per cent of all dogs show at least one anxiety–related behaviour, with noise sensitivity and fear of unfamiliar dogs being the most common.

Studies have shown that almost 80 per cent of dogs show at least one form of anxiety behaviour, with a small subset experiencing separation–related anxiety 

How can you tell if your velcro dog actually has separation anxiety? 

The key difference between a dog that just likes to be near its owner and a dog with separation anxiety is how they behave on their own.

Many velcro dogs will follow their dog everywhere but are happy enough to be left by themselves.

If your dog becomes distressed when left alone for short periods of time, this can be a sign of anxiety.

Common symptoms of distress include, urinating in the house, destroying furniture, excessive barking, shaking and panting.  

Some dogs also develop a condition known as separation anxiety, in which they become increasingly distressed when they can't be with their owners.

Separated from their owners, these dogs often resort to problematic behaviours such as destruction of property and excessive barking.

However, there is a big difference between a dog that suffers from separation anxiety and one that just wants to be close to its owner.

Experts stress that not every velcro dog will have anxiety, even if the difference is not always easy to spot.

Professor Hannes Lohi, professor of veterinary bioscience at the University of Helsinki, told the Daily Mail: 'Some dogs are naturally highly human–social and simply enjoy being near their owners. Others may stay close because they are insecure or fearful.'

The key difference is not what the owner sees while they are around, but what happens after they leave.

He adds: 'A dog that follows its owner around the house but sleeps, eats, and relaxes comfortably when left alone is unlikely to be suffering from separation anxiety.

'In contrast, a dog that panics when separated, vocalises excessively, destroys property, attempts to escape, or shows physiological signs of distress may have a separation–related disorder.

On social media, pet owners have taken to calling their clingy pooches 'velcro dogs'

Experts suggest that pet owners could use a webcam to check in on their pets while they are out to see how they react.

If you want to ensure your dog doesn't develop this condition, current research suggests that early life and training are the key factors.

Dr Charlotte Burn, associate professor of animal welfare and behavioural science at the Royal Veterinary College, told the Daily Mail: 'Dogs are social animals, and this behaviour usually develops as puppies when they are separated from their mum and littermates and are still dependent on caregivers for food and safety.'

In a recent study, Dr Burn and her co–authors analysed the risk factors that make a puppy more likely to develop separation anxiety.

She says: 'The most startling finding was that it was more likely to develop in puppies whose owners had punished them more.

'In some ways this isn’t surprising, because we already know that punishment makes dogs more anxious generally, so the research suggests that the anxiety also applies to when dogs are alone.'

On the other hand, increased socialisation and lots of experience meeting other people and dogs were associated with lower anxiety levels.

However, separation anxiety can also be triggered by a single traumatic event related to being left alone.

The key difference between a 'velcro dog' and one with separation anxiety is whether they react badly when left alone. Only a small number of dogs typically show these behaviours 

For example, in a study from the University of Waikato, researchers reported the case of a dog that developed separation anxiety after it was left locked in a bathroom for eight hours while the bathroom flooded with hot water.

While there does appear to be a genetic basis to anxiety, recent research suggests this is unlikely to be breed–specific.

In a recent study, Professor Lohi surveyed 13,700 pet dogs and found that early life was the single most important factor.

Mixed–breed dogs did show particularly high levels of anxiety, including separation–related behaviour.

However, this could come from the fact that mixed–breed dogs in their dataset were more likely to be rescues, and therefore to have had a traumatic puppyhood.

Professor Lohi says: 'There is no such thing as an "anxiety breed". Breed differences indicate differences in average risk, not destiny.

'Genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.'

What to do if you have a velcro dog

Some dogs, such as cocker spaniels, are simply predisposed to enjoy being close to their owners but this does not necessarily mean they have separation anxiety

What do do if your dog does have separation anxiety?

Encourage gradual independence: Teach the dog that brief periods of separation are safe and predictable. 

Maintain predictable routines: Many anxious dogs cope better when feeding, exercise, rest, and owner departures occur in a reasonably predictable pattern.

Prioritize socialisation and positive experiences: For puppies especially, exposure to different people, dogs, environments, sounds, and situations helps build resilience later in life.

Provide enrichment and exercise: Adequate physical activity, opportunities for exploration, training, and species–appropriate enrichment can improve emotional wellbeing and reduce stress.

Avoid punishment: Punishing fear, clinginess, or anxiety–related behaviour generally worsens the problem. 

Seek professional help when necessary: If the dog shows significant distress during separation, consultation with a veterinarian.

Source: Professor Hannes Lohi, University of Helsinki 

If you have a dog that won't leave your side, the most important thing to do is not to punish them for the behaviour.

Punishment, known as aversive training, is one of the biggest risk factors for anxiety in dogs, so this will only make the condition worse.

Instead, experts suggest that owners should use a combination of positive reinforcement and gradual desensitisation.

Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing Officer at the Royal Kennel Club, told the Daily Mail: 'The aim isn’t to stop a dog enjoying your company, but to help them be relaxed when you are not immediately beside them.'

Owners should start small and build up their dog's confidence gradually, introducing short periods of separation and extending these over a long period.

If your dog is particularly anxious, you can even start by using a stair gate so they can still see you at first.

Owners can then build up to small periods of actual absence, even just stepping outside the house for a few moments before returning.

Ms McNamara says: 'It’s important not to rush this process: if you increase the time too quickly and your dog becomes distressed, you risk making the experience more difficult for them.'

If your dog's clingy behaviour becomes problematic, experts suggest gradually introducing periods of separation and using positive reinforcement

Scientists call this process systematic desensitisation, and the idea is to slowly get the dog used to your absence.

Dr Rebecca Sargisson, a dog behaviour expert from the University of Waikato, told the Daily Mail: 'Owners should aim for consistency and moderation in their absences from their dog.

'Also important though is that the owner should leave the dog alone regularly. A dog who is never left alone will react more strongly to suddenly being left than one who is accustomed to being alone.'

At the same time, owners should also use positive reinforcement to help their dog feel happier about being apart from them.

'When leaving the dog, give it a treat; this is called counterconditioning,' says Dr Sargisson.

'The "happiness" associated with receiving a treat is incompatible with the "anxiety" of the owner leaving, so it can reduce feelings of anxiety.'