Ok, I am so frustrated! We just bought a miniature dachshund on Friday for our two little girls (4 and 2) and he is attached to me! I am not a dog person, but apparently I am now. He won't go to my husband or kids. He cries when he can't see me. He is very sweet, but the whole point of getting a puppy was to complete our family. He is 16 weeks old and has been here for 5 days. What is happening??

It sounds like a severe case of separation anxiety. Lots of dogs have it, and most grow out of it. Some, however, do not.

I have a German Shepherd that had extreme separation anxiety when I got her as a puppy. The key is persistence. Have other family members give the dog treats - or, in the beginning, at least try to! - and try not to over-coddle the dog.

At first, I know this may be difficult, but it will only make the dog more comfortable in being fearful if you place the dog in your lap, or come every time it whines, etc. If you constantly reward an unwanted behavior through attention, that behavior will persist until you find a way to break it.

Furthermore, if the dog is fearful, he may be intimidated by exuberant children or the new home.

Here is a more complete web site on separation anxiety in dogs, and it may help answer your questions more fully than I can.

Separation Anxiety | The Humane Society of the United States