Attachment is not a bond
Does your dog follow you everywhere you go?
Does your dog follow you everywhere? Doesn't let you out of his sight? Can't bear to be without you? Warning: This has nothing to do with bonding!
Such attachment is simply a puppy's natural instinct to follow, which quickly fades. If an older dog behaves this way, it is insecure. It lacks the trust that only a stable social environment can provide: the trust that nothing can happen to it. That its "leader" will take care of everything important. And that its owner will always come back.
A dog with a good bond should appear at peace with itself. It doesn't need to constantly check on the whereabouts of other family members. Such a dog uses periods when no one is looking after it or when it is alone to sleep. Since dogs need almost twice as much sleep as humans, such rest breaks are welcome. Super-attached dogs, on the other hand, are so busy chasing after people, watching over them, and demanding attention that they never get a chance to truly relax. They are constantly stressed and become increasingly nervous. The fact is, being left alone isn't a rest break for such a dog, but rather a time of suffering.
On the other hand, the clinginess of insecure dogs is no guarantee that the dog will actually orient itself towards the human when it matters. A clingy dog will by no means always respond to a recall or trust human leadership in difficult situations. You may also find that the dog displays aggression, runs away, or ignores you altogether. A genuine, reliable bond must be developed!
Instead of rejoicing in your dog's immense love and affection, you should start building a bond as quickly as possible. This works best when you consistently take the lead. Establish clear rules—from a designated sleeping place to proper leash walking—and enforce them. Build closeness, for example, through hand-feeding. Take the initiative to play, cuddle, and engage with the dog, instead of simply reacting to the dog's commands. All of these things give the dog a sense of security within the family—the foundation for a strong bond and a calm, confident dog.
