ANXIETY?

Question
I HAVE A 5 YR OLD MALTESE.  THE LAST 3 DAYS HE FOLLOWS ME THOUGHOUT THE HOUSE AND WHEN I STOP TO SIT HE WANTS ME TO PICK HIM UP.  HE WANTS TO BE HELD ALMOST ALL THE TIME.
WE ARE RETIRED AND AT HOME ALL THE TIME.  I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS HIS PROBLEM IS.  AM I DOING WRONG RESPONDING TO HIS NEEDS   THANK YOU

Answer
Probably not anxiety. If this is a new behavior, you probably want to check with your veterinarian to make certain your dog has a clean bill of health. Once you have ruled out any health related issues, you can work on training and conditioning your dog.

You will want to work with your dog to teach him the behaviors that you like.

Here are some things to work on to develop a solid and healthy relationship with your dog:

Feed scheduled mealtimes (No free-feeding, smorgasbord)

Feed after you and your husband eat.

Teach your dog to wait at doorways and go through only when you say it is okay and after you go through.

Until your dog is working well with you, I would have him sleeping on the bed with you.

Petting or attention to the dog should be given when you decide it is time. Never when your dog encourages you to pet him.

With small dogs that are demanding to be picked up and held should not be picked up until they sit or perform another acceptable behavior.

You start any games and you control all toys.

Only allow the dog on the furniture when you ask, not when he feels like getting up.

Ask for a simple obedience command, like SIT before any enjoyable interaction like pet, play and eat.

Walk your dog everyday. It is good for both physical and mental well-being and your relationship will get better from doing this.

Good Luck!