My dog is constantly following me, and never wants me to leave him alone. If i am not touching him or cuddling him, he is nudging me to fuss him. He is fine as long as I am touching him, for example, If he is sleeping in his basket, as long as I have got my hand on him he is fine. I don't even have to fuss him, but as long as I am touching him he settles down. I love him so much and constantly give him attention and feel sorry for him when he is asking for it and always give in to him. I usually end up sitting on the floor letting him cuddle into me as he is not allowed on the furniture. I am too soft I know. It is so hard to just ignore him. I don't know whether there is somthing wrong, or whether I have made a rod for my own back by giving him the attention when he wants it. Could he be depressed? Please can somebody give me some advice.

Claire, you don't say how old your dog is or how long you have had him. It depends on the dog as to whether you are making a rod for your own back, some will take advantage where others won't. Where you may have a problem is when you have to leave him for short periods he may feel insecure and panic while you are away. This will not be good for him. Ensure you leave him for short periods in a different room while you are away from him in the house, if this is a problem a child gate is very good as they can still see and hear you. If leaving him for a couple of hours isn't a problem then I wouldn't worry too much but would try to gradually wean him off of needing constant contact as there will be times when you can't give it and he will not be happy in the long run if he doesn't find some independence.
Sandra

hi

the more you try and combat such behavior,the more your dog is rewarded for the behaviour as he receives your attention.if the behaviour is reinforced in this way your dog will perform more frequently.
Telling him off,will make the situation worse because he is still receiving a form of interaction/attention from you.
It does not matter if the attention is unpleasent.
If he receives a physical punishment for demonstrating such behavior,the result will be that he will display defensive behaviour.

it is possible to reduce his attention seeking as follows.

IGNORE all attention seeking behaviour
DO NOT look at,SPEAK to OR touch your dog
IF necessary you must turn away OR get up and leave the room

REMEMBER
BEHAVIOURS that are REWARDED INCREASE and
BEHAVIOURS that are ignored DECREASE

hope that helps :)
jane