We’ve had our new chocolate lab (around 2-4 years old) for two weeks now, and she’s incredibly affectionate. Every time I’m on the couch, laying on the floor, or even in my work chair, she’s constantly trying to get up in my face, crawl on top of me, and smother me with licks. I love being affectionate with dogs, but this feels more like anxious behavior rather than just showing love.
I know she’s still adjusting to the new home, but I haven’t had a moment to relax without her being glued to me. She also pants a lot and seems a bit on edge at times, but we haven’t been able to get her to the vet yet. Any advice on how to give her reassurance without reinforcing this behavior too much?
It sounds like she’s looking for reassurance from you, which is completely normal in a new environment. Stick with her, it’ll get better as she becomes more confident. My dog did the same thing when I first got him, and he eventually became the most chill dog ever. Just give her some time.
ChrisH said:
It sounds like she’s looking for reassurance from you, which is completely normal in a new environment. Stick with her, it’ll get better as she becomes more confident. My dog did the same thing when I first got him, and he eventually became the most chill dog ever. Just give her some time.
Labs are naturally like this, very affectionate and sometimes clingy. Start training her to give you some space by using basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’ Gradually create more distance between you two. You could also move her bed around the house, so she gets comfortable being a bit further from you.
ChrisH said:
It sounds like she’s looking for reassurance from you, which is completely normal in a new environment. Stick with her, it’ll get better as she becomes more confident. My dog did the same thing when I first got him, and he eventually became the most chill dog ever. Just give her some time.
I miss my ‘soul dog’ so much! They really can become the most loyal companions.
She’s still settling in and feeling anxious. It typically takes about 3 weeks for a dog to feel comfortable in a new home, and during that time they can act a bit clingy. Start working on simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to give her some structure. Over time, she’ll get better at giving you space. Just be patient and take it slow.
sirigwen said:
She’s still settling in and feeling anxious. It typically takes about 3 weeks for a dog to feel comfortable in a new home, and during that time they can act a bit clingy. Start working on simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to give her some structure. Over time, she’ll get better at giving you space. Just be patient and take it slow.
sirigwen said:
She’s still settling in and feeling anxious. It typically takes about 3 weeks for a dog to feel comfortable in a new home, and during that time they can act a bit clingy. Start working on simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to give her some structure. Over time, she’ll get better at giving you space. Just be patient and take it slow.
Isn’t the ‘3-3-3 rule’ more like 3 days to settle, 3 weeks to adjust, and 3 months to fully feel at home?
sirigwen said:
She’s still settling in and feeling anxious. It typically takes about 3 weeks for a dog to feel comfortable in a new home, and during that time they can act a bit clingy. Start working on simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to give her some structure. Over time, she’ll get better at giving you space. Just be patient and take it slow.
Isn’t the ‘3-3-3 rule’ more like 3 days to settle, 3 weeks to adjust, and 3 months to fully feel at home?
Yes, that’s the correct breakdown. But it’s more of a guideline since every dog adjusts at their own pace. Just remember to give her plenty of time and understanding.
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Mia said:
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Thanks for the advice! I tried doing this for about 15 minutes, but I was getting up every few seconds and it was exhausting. I guess I need to stick with it longer?
Mia said:
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Thanks for the advice! I tried doing this for about 15 minutes, but I was getting up every few seconds and it was exhausting. I guess I need to stick with it longer?
Yep, it takes time and a lot of patience, but it will pay off. Stay consistent, and she’ll eventually understand that calm behavior gets her the attention she’s seeking.
Mia said:
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Thanks for the advice! I tried doing this for about 15 minutes, but I was getting up every few seconds and it was exhausting. I guess I need to stick with it longer?
The key is not to touch her or engage when she’s being pushy. Even standing up is enough of a signal that her behavior isn’t acceptable. It’s tough, but once she starts getting it, things will improve. You can also break it down by teaching her to stay in place while you slowly get closer or further from her.
Mia said:
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Thanks for the advice! I tried doing this for about 15 minutes, but I was getting up every few seconds and it was exhausting. I guess I need to stick with it longer?
It’s just like leash training—when she pulls, you stop walking. If you stay consistent, it will click, but if you cave in every now and then, it will take longer.
Mia said:
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Thanks for the advice! I tried doing this for about 15 minutes, but I was getting up every few seconds and it was exhausting. I guess I need to stick with it longer?
It’s definitely going to take some patience. She’s probably feeling very insecure, and you’re her safety net right now. Give her time.
Mia said:
The second she starts climbing all over you, stand up and remove yourself from the situation. That way, she learns that this behavior won’t get her what she wants. Reward her when she stays calm and gives you space, like sitting beside you. It’s similar to teaching a dog not to jump up on people—consistent removal when the unwanted behavior happens is key.
Thanks for the advice! I tried doing this for about 15 minutes, but I was getting up every few seconds and it was exhausting. I guess I need to stick with it longer?
Yes, training takes a lot of patience. Stick with it, and make sure you’re only sitting on the floor when you’re ready to train. She doesn’t know what you want yet, so you’ll need to guide her with consistent actions.
I think ignoring her completely might make things worse. She’s seeking reassurance right now, and it’s important to help her feel secure. Maybe try giving her something to chew on while she sits next to you—something like a Kong or a chew toy can help satisfy her need for comfort without her being all over you.
They really can become the most loyal companions.