They are the reason you’ve ever said, “Ma’am, I’m trying to fold laundry, please stop climbing me like a tree.”

The superpower

• Deeply affectionate (obvious win)

• Touch helps them settle (great for calm routines)

• Strong bond (they naturally check in and cuddle)

The shadow side

• Boundary issues: leaning becomes climbing becomes “I live on your body now”

• Touch dependency: they struggle to self-soothe without contact

• Overstimulation: frantic petting can hype them up instead of calm them down

Why it happens

For a lot of these dogs, touch is their fastest route to regulation. If they learned “contact = calm,” they’ll request contact any time they feel big feelings.

How to fix it (without becoming cold)

1) Put cuddles on a cue (this is the secret weapon)

Teach:

• “Up” = cuddle invited

• “Off” = space

This protects your relationship, because nothing kills romance faster than resentment.

2) The 3-second consent test

• Pet for 3 seconds → stop.
• If they nudge/lean back in, continue. If they move away, respect it.
• It keeps touch soothing and prevents accidental overstimulation.

3) Swap “fast pets” for “slow pressure”

• If your dog is amped, fast petting is basically a drumline.
• Try slow chest rubs, shoulder strokes, gentle ear massage. You’re going for: soft + steady.

4) Teach “near me, not on me”

• Reward them for lying beside you.
• You’re building the skill of closeness without full-body contact.

7-day mini plan

Day 1: Teach “up.”
Day 2: Teach “off” (kindly).
Day 3: Use the consent test once.
Day 4: Reward “beside you” position 5 times.
Day 5: Slow-pressure pets during wind-down TV.
Day 6: “place” near the couch.
Day 7: One calm cuddle session with an “off” end… no drama.

Suggested Read:

25 Signs You’re a Southern Dog Mom (and Proud of It)