Follow me around/my shadow

[mysticbutterfly73]

Ace follows me around the house, my shadow.. Whenever I let him out in the yard on the lease/runner, he comes back to the door wanting in because he wants to be with me(he'll whine or bark.. if he doesnt bark, he'll sit at the door. And whenever I go outside, he whines.. even if i sit on the porch..
I don't know how to break that.. I know its a separation issue..
Please help..

[King Pup]

Time and reinforcement! The main thing is not to reward his whining by picking him up or being affectionate. In time, he'll come to accept that there's more to his world than you.

When you put him in the yard, just make sure he has something to occupy him when he gets tired of asking to come back in. A favorite toy, etc. Maybe you could even try giving him an old item of clothing that has your scent on it as a way to wean him off you.

[Tulip]

This does sound like seperation anxiety, so I would suggest a few things :
Try leaving him in his basket for a couple of minutes alone, then come back in and act natural. Putting the tv on whilst you extend the time you leave the room can help, or the radio and music.
You could also chewtoy train him, which is excellent for dogs. Get a kong and fill it with his kibble or treats and leave him to it. It teaches dogs to calm down and that it's ok to be alone.
Remember not to make a fuss of him when you get in, just wait until he's settled down again before going over to say hello so that he knows it's ok and a regular occurance and that you will be coming back.
I hope this helps.