Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | 1 year and 1 month old | 2.7 lbs
My chihuahua Dallas is very clingy, he wants me to hold him all day, and he never stops trying to jump in my lap, and he walks around doing little barks all day should I hold him, or tell him no, and we r living in a new apartment, so this has been going on for weeks .
3 Answers
Published on June 15th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Dallas is suffering from anxiety. Dogs can become anxious when separated from their owner (even if it's a quick trip to the store!) or when moving into a new place. I would recommend encouraging independent play by offering Dallas a kong filled with frozen peanut butter or another toy/treat that encourages him to play by himself. I would also look into a pheromone collar and thundershirt to see if that can help him as well. If these suggestions are not enough or you have further concerns, I would recommend either setting up a consult or reaching out to your regular veterinarian for further advice. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Published on July 22nd, 2018
It sounds like Tucker is experiencing some separation anxiety when you leave the house. It's good that he's crate trained, and I would try some puzzle toys in there wit him. Puzzle toys have treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out, and that will occupy his attention. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that will a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with his skin. I also recommend having him seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. It sounds like his separation anxiety is severe, and medication may be helpful for him. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Published on May 5th, 2017
Moving can certainly be stressful for our four legged friends, just as they can be for us! You're doing the right thing by first confining Benji to a smaller area with his bed, food, toys and treats. If he is a food motivated dog, you can try keeping him busy by filling a Kong toy with a bit of canned dog food or moistened kibble, then putting it in the freezer overnight. Sometimes I top this frozen Kong concoction with a bit of peanut butter, but be sure that it does not contain xylitol (this is toxic to dogs). One other thing that you could try would be a calming pheromone diffuser or collar (Adaptil is one brand). For some dogs, this can be hugely beneficial, but other dogs seem less effected. If Benji's anxiety still seems to escalate, you may need to take him to the vet to discuss a short course of anxiety medication (such as alprazolam) to help him to adjust to his new home. I hope that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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