If you own a Pitbull, then you might have realized how clingy it has become. Not surprisingly either, because they have been bred to love attention and be a true companion to their owner.
They are known for being clingy, wanting to follow their owners no matter where they go. Whilst this can be adorable, it can also cause a Pitbull to suffer with separation anxiety.
However, because of this natural characteristic of theirs, if you can’t give a dog as much attention as a Pitbull needs, then it certainly isn’t the one for you.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at Pitbulls in more detail, and why they need so much attention.
Is It True That A Pitbull Only Becomes Attached To A Single Person?
It isn’t uncommon for a dog to become more attached to one single person.
This is because they see their owner as the leader who cares for them, and this is what can cause them to become super clingy.
On the flipside, this can also cause a dog to become aggressive towards other people, which can bring out an aggressive nature.
Saying that, most dogs do not claim one person as their ‘favorite’, however Pitbulls are known to do this.
Does A Pitbull Need Plenty Of Attention?
Yes, Pitbulls do require more attention than some other breeds.
Because of this, the breed isn’t suitable for those who are going to leave their Pitbull for long periods of time, such as whilst they work.
They may even struggle just being left for a short amount of time, and this is because they are known to suffer from separation anxiety.
Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking about owning a Pitbull:
You might struggle to leave them alone in the house, even to run errands. This means you might have to take them with you.
They might become aggressive to seeing you cuddle your kids or partner – though this is a worst case scenario.
If a guest arrives who is scared of dogs, you won’t be able to shut them in a room.
They may even bark and begin to scratch at the door when you use the bathroom.
Do keep in mind that these are signs your Pitbull is suffering with separation anxiety. If they are left alone they may even show signs of suffering from destructive behavior.
This means they may damage the home out of either anxiety, or just feeling bored.
For this reason, it might actually be worth having two Pitbulls. It is said that they do very well together and can relieve some of the symptoms associated with the breed.
How Can You Spot Social Anxiety In A Pitbull?
Generally, you should never leave a Pitbull alone for hours on end. Doing so can bring on destructive behavior as they struggle to cope and can become stressed.
Take a look below at the most common and well-known symptoms associated with social anxiety in a dog:
They might begin drooling, pacing the room, and panting quite heavily.
They could begin both defecating and urinating in a place they normally do not.
Destructive behavior is quite common, which could include damaging things inside the home, chewing items, and even digging in the garden.
They might try and escape.
Lastly, they may begin to howl and bark more than they usually do.
How Can You Ease Social Anxiety In A Pitbull?
Obviously, there will be times you need to leave the home without your beloved dog, so how do you make it better for them? Here are a few things to consider:
When you are around and they seem on edge, remember to stay at ease. If you start to panic, then it will only make them worse.
Make sure their bedding and the area that they sleep is both comfortable and relaxing.
When you leave the home, don’t make a song and dance about it.
When you first get a Pitbull, only leave the house for short amounts of time and then gradually build up the time you are away
If you are struggling to cope with your Pitbull’s clinginess, speak to a professional like a veterinarian or trainer.
If you are going to be away from home because you need to walk, think about employing somebody to take them for a walk, or look for a local doggy daycare place
Make sure they have been exercised well so they can burn off any excess energy. That can reduce the effects of pent up energy which can become destructive.
If they are happy and have lots of toys, then this can keep them entertained.
Only use positive reinforcement with them.
Has Your Pitbull Become Extra Clingy?
There are reasons a Pitbull may have become more clingy than it used to be.
This could be to do with changes in environment (maybe a new house), perhaps a new person like a partner has moved in, or they might just need extra stimulation.
If you are super worried, do speak to a professional. They can help you to find ways to calm your Pitbull down and perhaps help you to investigate where the issues stems from.
Final Thoughts
Pitbulls require a lot of attention, and they can be rather clingy. Because of this, they are not suitable for those who spend a lot of their time away from home, and away from their dog.
Any dog needs attention from their owners, as well as the right amount of exercise, otherwise they may suffer from problems and bad behavior.
Having said that, Pitbulls make a great companion dog who will not want to leave your side.
This makes them great for those who perhaps feel lonely themselves and would like a bundle of joy to be by their side.
However, before you decide to buy a Pitbull, always do your research first. This is so you know the dog is right for you, and vice versa.
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
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