Obsessive dog

Question
Hi Kristin,

My boyfriend adopted a 4 yr old Husky/Lab cross from the SPCA.  This dog has been with 6 prior owners before we got him and he's a wonderful dog.  The dog needs to know exactly where I am.  For instance, if I or we take him for a walk he's great.  When my boyfriend takes him for a walk, he's always looking around to see if I'm coming and when at home, I need to be in his eye sight.  I've been trying to "distance" him from me a bit.  I close the glass door when he's outside on the deck and he can still see me if he turns his head but if I'm outside he needs to sit beside me, lean on or have visual contact with me.

What's up that that?

Answer
It could be mild separation anxiety,which is common in dogs that have had multiple owners. A good way to bond your dog to your boyfriend better would be for him to take him to obedience classes on his own,and then practice the commands together. Not only do obedience classes train the dog,but they can also help the dog to form bonds within a family unit,as you are working together with the dog as a family or 'pack'