we adopted a 6 month old puppy two weeks ago. not sure what he is as he is small but basically looks like a mini GSD/malinois but is only 22 lbs so obviously a mutt of some sort (DNA test currently at lab for breed analysis!). anyway he bonded HARD to me right away. super velcro dog but gets really anxious when Im not in the room- he jumps baby gates to get to me, freaks out (though getting a bit better??) when he is crated during the day though sleeps fine in his crate at night And if I’m in the room, he settles and sleeps right away Vet,rescue everyone says it’ll get better but I’m not sure how much to let him decompress vs trying to correct unwanted behavior
I KNOW we are still in 3-3-3 the decompression period and some things are getting better (somewhat) anxiety wise. My issue is this, he won’t walk for my husband, he doesn’t want to leave me if I’m home and just tries to get back in the house refusing to walk and often not doing his business. He is a high energy pup and my husband is home with him so he isn’t getting the exercise he needs since I am busy working or with the two young kids. Don’t get me wrong, the dog was my idea and I love him (still a bit worried about the mild separation anxiety) but I need help giving him what he needs and as I said my husband is home and the one we planned to help largely with it. i also want to add that he often doesn’t takes treats etc on walks with husband which leads me to believe it’s more anxiety related. He seems pretty comfortable with him otherwise just won’t leave my dang side!
we’ve tried my husband giving him constant treats (randomly and on walks), he feeds him all his meals, tries at least initially to take him on his walks and potty breaks and when we are together he holds the leash and the dog walks totally fine as long as I am there. I try to completely ignore him on walks like that and try to tamp down my affection/attention/play more than I’d like for the sake of lessening our bond and making room for my husband
im not sure how much of this is stubbornness (he prefers me to walk him for whatever reason) vs anxiety and how to make it better. We are starting to have behavior issues (he is getting very mouthy and jumpy, with me especially and constantly suddenly chasing our poor cat who does stand up to him at least…)) due to or enhanced by his pent up energy and it would really be great to have some help. my husband doesn’t have a lot of dog experience so not sure if dog senses his hesitation/uncertainty or what. And he isn't the most patient and I worry he isn’t trying as hard as he can to work on it…
pointers welcome!
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