1Landsberg, G., Hunthausen. If your older dog doesn't have any medical conditions, and they suddenly seem to be getting a lot more ear or respiratory infections, it could mean … Insecurity. My 1 1/2 year old rottie / dauschund mix has recently become MUCH more affectionate towards me. Avoiding or preventing the triggers of your dog’s aggression may be the best option in these cases. Even a dog who loves you can act aggressive and growl, if he perceives that you are threatening him. As your dog’s age advances, it slows down, starts having gray hair and joint problems. She went into heat about a month ago. Please see our article, Aggression in Dogs, for more information. If a dog stiffens their body, it could be because they feel threatened. It is difficult to tell whether these behavioral changes are simply due to old age or a sign of impending death. The study found that happy dogs were more likely to wag their tails to the right, while nervous dogs would swish it to the left. The two year old dachshund is typically extremely playful, sometimes annoyingly so. It’s your job to recall when your dog’s behavior changed, then analyze what is different. Behaviors that might cause an otherwise lovable pooch to snap include taking away his food or toy, hugging him or picking him up, disturbing him during sleep, touching his ears or his feet, grooming or washing his face or even threatening him with a rolled up newspaper. That being said, dogs may just become more affectionate due to old age, a lack of excess energy that they may have once had. As pleasant as this is, it's often short-lived and not a sign of getting better, rather, it's often a sign of nearing death—the signs of dying return and are often more pronounced. When a pet exhibits sudden and dramatic behavioral changes, something has definitely changed. The aging of a dog is surprisingly similar to humans. & he gets LOTS of love & attention. Read More: 12 things to know if you want to have both a cat and a dog at the same time Sometimes a dog's body will stiffen up if they feel uncomfortable in your presence. Best Answer. [HELP] Female dog suddenly more affectionate. Sometimes a female dog will become more affectionate and clingy with her owner, other times she may seem a bit grumpy. She can play fetch for hours if you let her. Head halters can give you more control over your dog and increase everyone’s safety. he lays in my lap, gives LOTS of kisses, & has been following me around the house. Giving dogs affection with severe aggression and reactivity issues. The dog suddenly walks or eats and appears to have more energy. Help! Why is my dog suddenly more affectionate? But the past week or so, hes been protecting me more than usual. Last update: Feb 2, 2021 1 answer. Just me, not my boyfriend. Changes can range from quite mild to more severe. For context, I have two miniature dachshunds, a two year old and a one year old. Appetite changes: It’s not unusual for a dog to go off her food a bit during this first week, or she may get hungrier. W., & Ackerman, L. (2003). We treat him like our own child (because he is!!) Along with this, there is a significant change in a dog’s behavior and activity levels. Dogs are animals that thrive on routine, and if something happens to change the routine or dynamic within the home, this may well have a knock-on effect upon your dog. Read on to learn more about some common reasons behind why your dog might suddenly become very clingy.