We've had Hugo just over three weeks now and he's just turned six months. He's really wonderful but has a little problem which I know must be sorted out now before he gets any older. Every time I leave the room, whether it be for a few minutes or longer if I go out shopping etc. he greets me as if I've been gone weeks. He yelps uncontrollably and jumps up at me hanging out of my clothes by his teeth! At any other time he responds well to a sharp "NO" if he's being naughty, but never on this occasion. Someone suggested shaking a plastic bottle with stones in it at him, which I did, and it worked instantly~the noise seemed to terrify him and he immediately cowered down on the floor, but I hated getting that re-action. It felt cruel doing that to him when all he was doing was being pleased to see me. Am I being too soft with him?

Michele

One of the best things I have witnessed to work with this type of behaviour is to totally ignore him when you walk in the door. Don't touch him, look at him or acknowledge him in anyway - the same must apply to any other members of your household. They must totally ignore him too. When he has calmed down, and he will - honest, and been calm for a couple of minutes, then call him to you and cuddle him. The second he jumps up, stand look away and fold your arms. As with all training, the key is consistency. He won't cower or anything like that but soon learn that he's not the thing you'll go for as soon as you walk in the door, but that his time will come - especially if he is calm.:)

hth

Pam n the boys

This really is the best method. Also when you go out ignore him for a time before leaving so that he doesn't feel your absense as keenly, no goodbyes, it causes stress and aprehension in very velcro type dogs!

Hi Michele,

I have the same problem with Stan, except he doesn't hold on with his teeth. He jumps up high and cries and whimpers when I get back, even if i've only popped out to for a few minutes. I've watched him when my other half arrives home, and even with me there, he does the same thing as the door is opening. As he doesn't try to hold on to us with his teeth, I've never really bothered to correct this behaviour. This doesn't help you I know.

However, Stan does take fright at sudden unexpected noises, and goes and cowers and runs behind a chair. I think you have to be a little bit careful and sensitive with how you discipline them accordingly. I think ignoring him is probably the best advice, as offered in the other posts.

I was drinking a cup tea the other day, and blew on it noisily to cool it down. Much to my amazement Stan went and ran behind the chair. It took me ages to work out that he associated this noise with me blowing hairs out of the electric trimmer I use for his grooming (he hates the electric trimmer!). This is just an example of how spooked they can get with certain noises and actions. They're not normally a nervy breed, but some things just seem to set them off.