Hi all, OH has always wanted a dog (and I was the one that was always reluctant). However, because she lacks confidence it is me that has done the majority of the training (in and out of classes) and the exercising. We both play with him and snuggle with him on the sofa in the evenings ( : staying off the sofa didn't last long!). I think the fact that I have spent more time with him has created a bit of a problem. If I go upstairs (where Harv is not allowed) and Harv is downstairs with OH he very often sits at the bottom of the stairs and whines. Same thing if I go to the downstairs loo. Or nip out to get Fish & Chips. How do we reduce his focus on me and increase it on OH so that he doesn't feel that he has to whine whenever I'm not there (btw, I never go back to him while he is whining so I'm not enforcing the behaviour that way). What do you think?
Re: Excessive focus on one person (separation anxiety?) Who feeds him? If it's always you, can she do that for a while? Could she do some training of tricks (unimportant stuff) to help increase their bond, but it doesn't matter if she gets it wrong, so no pressure? Does she have any one-on-one time with him? Mine are definitely clingier to me than DH because I do all their training etc, but when I take them on their individual walks in the morning, the other stays home with him so has some bonding time. He brushes them, cuddles them, gives them belly rubs etc. I think that's an important time for their bonding with him.
Re: Excessive focus on one person (separation anxiety?) Yes - playing with pups increases the bond, we were both encouraged to play equally with Gypsy, especially tug games where you can put your face safely close to the pup. If Guide Dog pups show signs of this they have a holiday for a week with another puppy walker, it sorts them out very well. Gypsy has had three holidays now - due to us being away - and she works really well for other people and settles well in their homes. Worth a thought?
Re: Excessive focus on one person (separation anxiety?) I agree with the advice so far.....you need to find away to step back a little and have your wife interact more with Harvey. Riley was a joint dog but I got more into the training thing so past basic obedience my OH didn't do much with him. This wasn't great so OH started training him to do tricks in the mornings before work and they had great fun. Their bond improved noticeably because of it.
Re: Excessive focus on one person (separation anxiety?) Everyone in our family plays, feeds, give chews etc. to Hattie & Charlie but the serious training is down to David and I and if our teenage sons can summon up the energy to join us on a walk at the weekends they help with recall training and hiding games too : Would your wife join you for training classes to give her a little confidence? x
