The Dangers of Being Too Available for Our Dogs

If another human being was constantly touching you, picking you up, kissing you, drilling you with eye contact, making noises in your direction and generally fussing over you, how would you feel about them? Probably something like, 'well the massages and snacks are great but you are kind of annoying!' And that is the case with many dogs and owners. The dogs do not value time with their owners, because the owners are overbearing and the dogs have seldom been taught to be without them. Anything that is abundant is at risk of losing value. The first step to “engagement” and a good relationship with your dog or puppy is to have them value time spent with you. You should not be so available to your dog that you become a drag.

There are additional downsides to fussing too much over our dogs. Dogs who are not given the space to problem solve on their own do not develop those skills and can become insecure and demanding. As cute as it may be when it's a new relationship or a new puppy, you aren't doing either one of you any favors. Dog and puppies that have their owners made too available to them are not being safely crated and/or kenneled for periods of time during the day. Crate trained dogs will rest in their crates, and this rest is much needed throughout the day. If they are out all day with you, they often aren't getting enough rest. Lack of sleep leads to lack of trainability. Finally, when you are too available for your dog or puppy and make them dependent on you, they may eventually struggle in your absence. In most cases separation anxiety behaviors are created by owners.

So, think about not having your dog or puppy with you at all times. Teach them to be ok with being all by themselves. If you want influence over your dog, your interactions with them should be meaningful and that starts with your dog not having unlimited access to you.