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I’ve shared some updates and whatnot of my dad’s dog and that she’s an old girl. She’s somewhere around 13-14 years.

When I moved and became more involved to help dad, she listened to me. She would walk and poop and pee when I’d take her out. This was especially true when dad spent time in the hospital.

Now, she is totally attached to dad at the hip. Dad and I share a house. I’m no stranger to feeding her, giving her attention, etc. She is totally up my dad’s butt 24/7. She grunts and cries when he is away. Even if away is just him in the garage or in the bathroom.

Helping dad, and him having days with no energy and such, she is not cooperative. She will take food from me, but puts up resistance to go outside with me controlling her leash. I’m lucky for her to go pee. She will not walk far and pee anymore.

Is this normal? Will an old dog just get dependent like this to their “pack leader?”

Is there anything I can do about this? I don’t yank her or force her. It doesn’t feel right.

Photo because I love her.

I’ve shared some updates and whatnot of my dad’s dog and that she’s an old girl. She’s somewhere around 13-14 years. When I moved and became more involved to help dad, she listened to me. She would walk and poop and pee when I’d take her out. This was especially true when dad spent time in the hospital. Now, she is totally attached to dad at the hip. Dad and I share a house. I’m no stranger to feeding her, giving her attention, etc. She is totally up my dad’s butt 24/7. She grunts and cries when he is away. Even if away is just him in the garage or in the bathroom. Helping dad, and him having days with no energy and such, she is not cooperative. She will take food from me, but puts up resistance to go outside with me controlling her leash. I’m lucky for her to go pee. She will not walk far and pee anymore. Is this normal? Will an old dog just get dependent like this to their “pack leader?” Is there anything I can do about this? I don’t yank her or force her. It doesn’t feel right. Photo because I love her.

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[–] • 7 pts

If your dad has been sick, that good girl knows (she is a predator who has strong instincts to know when something is sick/injured). Because she knows your dad isn't at his best, she wants to be around him all the time.

The older a dog gets, the more they want to be hugged and held, like they love us so much and just want every moment to be love.

These 2 things together can make a pretty needy dog. I suspect she wants your dad to go out for a walk with her because she knows that it a good sign for health and dogs know they always feel good after a walk, so it is not a far stretch for them to want stuff for us that they know is beneficial.

[–] • 1 pt

Thoughtful and informative reply. Thanks!