my staffy behaviour

Hi ive just joined your forum and find it very interesting. My staffy has peculiar moods when he has a scared look on his face and he starts panting and will not leave me alone he seems very clingy and tries to nudge as close as he can to me its rather worrying. This doesnt happen all the time ive changed his dog food to an organic type and when hes on this he seems fine. Do you think it is something to do with his diet that puts him in these strange moods, he is such a loving friendly dog and we all love him dearly i would recommend anyone to get a staffy. He is wonderful with my grandchildren. Yvonne



Moved post to Training & Behaviour

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Sounds a bit like seperation anxiety to me. Is he used to being left by himself? If he is still a pup or a rescue dog you should do this gradually. Start with 10 minutes or so and work up slowly from there.

They like to be around their handlers as much as possible but since you can't always be there with them it's best to get them used to being left alone for awhile.

A crate will also help with this as it will give him a place of his own where he feels safe. It will aslo help for the times you are around and he still wants some alone time

Great advice from Jstaff

hello and welcome to the forum from me and billy

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

I think JStaff has given a very good reply above.

Hiya and welcome from me and Moo They can be rather clingy at times. Have you had him from a pup? I see he is 7 or is he a new addition Xx

Hi and welcome from me, Millie and Bella

Hi & welcome to the forum!

yvonne wrote: This doesnt happen all the time ive changed his dog food to an organic type and when hes on this he seems fine. Do you think it is something to do with his diet that puts him in these strange moods, he is such a loving friendly dog and we all love him dearly i would recommend anyone to get a staffy. He is wonderful with my grandchildren. Yvonne

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head there. Many commercial dog foods have additives that can lead to allergies/hyperactivity/temperament problems. If he's ok when he's on the organic type of food (which one is it, by the way?) then I'd keep him on that and see how he goes.

It could be that something is making him anxious. Besides trying to determine the source of his agitation, it is best that you do not give affection when he is in this state. Acknowledging his anxiousness with a cuddle etc will be like rewarding this behaviour.