clingy and lonely?

[BEAKER]

Kind of new here but here's my problem. I have a Jack/Cattle mix who is gotten kind of clingy lately. We watched a friends beagle for a week and the two of them played like crazy. After the beagle went home my dog now is clingier than ever! She has always followed us around (more so me) but now she comes over and pokes you, paces, stares at you, leans against you, lets out these little "sighs" every once and awhile. Now she is not eating all and some times any of her food and it's going on about 2 weeks now. She is scheduled for her annuals the end of the month but geez. We have gone for long walks or put her on the treadmill (which she loves) and seems to help alittle bit. I've tried distracting her by running her thru her tricks or teaching a new one but that only helps for a bit. I really think she is lonely and misses her new little friend. Any idea or suggestions? Thanks

[KOPsarah]

hi beaker thanks for your post.
The things you have tried so far are all great ideas for helping her, keep up the exercise and tricks. I would also suggest trying to take her to dog parks or other areas where lots of dogs are so she can socialize a bit. Also if there is a doggy daycare in the area maybe she could go every now and then to meet some new dogs. Also if you know anyone in your area with a dog you could try play dates. It is also important to make sure she spends some time a day on her own for example outside with a bone or in her crate with a favorite toy or for a nap otherwise clingy behavior can quickly turn into the more drastic separation anxiety associated behavior. Always praise her whiles she's lying calmly and not following you, or while she's being happy and active.

Hope this helps, let me know how you two get on.