I don’t know about you, but I haven’t peed alone in about 3 years.
If I stand up to get a glass of water, there’s a pair of paws clicking on the hardwood right behind me. If I move from the desk to the couch, there’s a wet nose nudging my elbow before I’ve even sat down.
In the dog world, we call these “Velcro dogs.” It’s that intense, "I-must-be-touching-you-at-all-times" kind of love. And while it’s incredibly sweet to be the center of someone’s universe, let’s be real: sometimes you just want to walk across the kitchen without tripping over a Golden Retriever.
So, why are some pups so... clingy?
It’s Literally in Their DNA
We can’t really blame them, we kind of built them this way. If you have a Vizsla, a GSD, or a Labrador, you’re dealing with centuries of "work with me" genetics. These breeds were developed to look to humans for every single cue. In the field, that’s a professional asset. In your living room? It means they think watching you fold laundry is a high-stakes team activity.
The "Safety Net" Factor
To your dog, you aren't just a roommate; you’re their source of everything good. Food, safety, belly rubs, it all comes from you. For a lot of Velcro dogs, being physically close to you is how they regulate their own stress. If you’re right there, the world is safe. If you’re behind a closed door? Well, clearly the world is ending.
When the "Stickiness" Gets Stressful
There’s a big difference between a dog who just loves your company and a dog who is genuinely panicking when you’re out of sight.
If your pup starts pacing, whining, or looking like they’re having an existential crisis the moment you head for the garage, they might be dealing with some real-deal separation anxiety. It’s hard to watch them go through that, and it’s even harder to leave the house feeling guilty.
A Little Helping Hand: We’ve all been there, trying to sneak out the front door like a ninja so the dog doesn't notice. This is exactly why we created Sea Biskitz - Advanced Calming Treats. We wanted something natural to help take that frantic "edge" off. Tossing them a couple of Biskitz about an hour before you need to leave (or even just when you need them to settle on their own bed) helps them realize that being "alone" doesn't have to be scary. It’s not about sedating them; it’s about giving them the chill they need to actually relax.
How to Reclaim Your Personal Space (Gently)
You don’t have to hurt their feelings to get a little breathing room. A few things that actually work:
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The "Stay" Game: Practice having them stay on their bed while you walk just three feet away, then come back and reward. Gradually increase the distance until you can go into another room for five seconds without a meltdown.
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Don’t Make a Scene: When you leave or come home, keep it low-key. If you make a huge production out of saying goodbye, you’re essentially confirming to your dog that leaving is a Big Scary Event.
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Mental Exhaustion: A dog who has spent 20 minutes solving a puzzle toy or sniffing out treats in the yard is way more likely to take a nap than one who is bored and looking for a human to follow.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, having a Velcro dog is a compliment, even if it’s a slightly annoying one. It means you’ve built a bond so strong they never want it to end.
So, the next time you trip over your pup in the hallway, just remember: you’re the most important thing in their world. But also, maybe give them a Sea Biskitz and tell them it’s okay to take a nap on the rug for five minutes.
Wishing you calm seas and wagging tails,
The Sea Biskitz Pack