You go to the kitchen to refill your cup, and before you know it, your tiny shadow is stepping on you. Or you enter the restroom just to have someone open the door after you with a curious nose.
Even if you undoubtedly love your dog’s company and perhaps occasionally even enjoy being followed about, it can become a little much. It can also be risky if it makes you or another person trip.
Why then do dogs enjoy following us almost everywhere? Is it ever a hint that you need to address a more serious issue? Here are all the solutions you require, including whether to be concerned and what to do if your dog starts to follow you too closely.
Dogs Follow You Around for These Reasons
Dogs follow us for a variety of reasons. Probably the most reliable explanation is that dogs have always been pack animals because it’s in their genes. Dogs simply adopt their human pack when we take them out of their canine pack. Our canine companions have the same tendencies that arise in wild dogs.
But dogs don’t just like to follow people because of their genetic makeup.
Canines are social creatures. They frequently prefer our company just as much as we do. And what better way to demonstrate that than by being close to your friend? Additionally, if you acquired your dog while she was a puppy, she may have “imprinted” on you and believe you to be their “dog mother.”
Other times, dogs will just become bored and decide to accompany you on your activities. More exercise will frequently be really beneficial for these dogs.
Many animals pick up on everyday rituals like being fed or being walked at specific times. What better approach to ensure you remember than to be there and ready? We frequently unintentionally encourage this adorable behavior by giving out food or treats.
Just be aware that this can have a double-edged effect by increasing your dog’s propensity to repeat the undesirable behavior.
On occasion, dogs will cling to your side if they are anxious, scared, leery of strangers, or unwell. Dogs frequently perceive us as their defenders during thunderstorms and fireworks displays. The very rare dog who is separated from their pet parent panics because they are so worried; this is not a pleasant circumstance for either party.
Why follow ME?
Dogs are intelligent creatures that frequently choose one person to follow, occasionally even to the exclusion of others. This typically means that the person fills whatever needs the dog has.
Sometimes, this individual is the dog’s primary carer and gives it food, walks, and playtime. Sometimes it’s the person who distributes snacks the most. Or perhaps it’s just the individual who is “most enjoyable.” Dogs rely on people for everything they require, and they typically follow the person who leads them to the objects of their desire.
Why Do Dogs Follow You to the Bathroom?
“Why not, since I follow you everywhere else,” is the straightforward response to this query. But it’s not quite that easy. When it comes to the restroom, dogs have a ton of new things to discover, including the trash can. It’s a lot of fun to examine the various items in the bathroom that strongly resemble their family members.
In addition, despite the fact that dogs have keen senses of smell, their preferences for scents may not necessarily be the same as ours. A dog may find the variety of smells that emanate from the toilet to be both overpowering and fascinating. Therefore, your dog might think that going to the restroom is a great opportunity to explore.
Why Do Puppies Always Follow You Around?
When it comes to following people around, puppies are a bit of a peculiar situation. When puppies are taken away from their mother and siblings, who are responsible for teaching them how to navigate the world, their new family assumes the role of their “imprinted” parents. They will consequently closely follow you in order to acquire what they need to know about their surroundings.
They lack the necessary social skills and are frequently less self-assured than older dogs. As they grow older and gain more confidence, these actions usually become somewhat less frequent.
Why Do Older Dogs Always Follow You Around?
Older canines might do so merely out of habit and familiarity. However, if this is a new behavior, it may also be a sign that your dog’s circumstances are altering and they are becoming less confident.
Maybe your dog is beginning to lose their vision or hearing. They may also be less autonomous than they formerly were because they have begun to experience joint issues. Other dogs have a clinging personality due to a mental decline that is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to look for the underlying issue if you discover that your senior dog has suddenly started to follow you around or if you see any other changes in their behavior.
Why is My Dog Suddenly Following Me Around?
There’s a strong chance your dog, who has previously been self-assured and independent, is trying to tell you something if they’ve suddenly become clingy.
This could indicate that something is wrong, such as that they don’t feel well or that a physical change, such as a loss of vision or hearing, has made them less confident. It’s time to arrange a checkup whenever a dog’s behavior changes noticeably and swiftly.
What Is Going On With My Newly Adopted Dog?
Since they are in a new environment with new people and are unfamiliar with the routines, newly adopted dogs typically don’t feel confident straight away.
As their new people assume the role of “mom,” guiding them around the environment and teaching them the rules of the home, this virtually puts them back in puppy mode. Fortunately, most dogs gradually lose their clinginess as they get used to their new environment.
Which Dog Breeds Follow People More Often?
Whether a dog chooses to accompany their people around or not is typically a personal choice. But certain breeds, like Chihuahuas, are known as “Velcro dogs” and have actually been designed to be companions.
Because they were taught to obey human commands and are watching for signs as to what should be done next, working dogs like Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers will follow people. Some dogs, like Terriers, are far more autonomous and inclined to roam off and pursue their own interests.
Does My Dog Following Me Everywhere Pose a Problem?
If your dog follows you everywhere, it might or might not be a problem. Many individuals don’t mind their pets being around them all the time, but some folks can’t handle it. Another reason would be that your dog could easily trip you up.
The ideal scenario is when your dog follows you as a buddy, but not so closely that it becomes unpleasant, and when you can split from your dog without feeling anxious.
When kept apart from their owners, some dogs are OK. If your dog becomes frightened while they are removed from you, this is problematic and needs to be addressed. If your dog trips you frequently, there is obviously a problem that needs to be fixed. It is a nice balance if you and your dog are both happy with it and your dog doesn’t freak out when you leave.
What to Do If Your Dog Follows You Around All the Time
It’s time to take action if you believe that your dog follows you too closely or becomes anxious when they are unable to do so. Asking your vet for advice will be beneficial, especially if your dog exhibits excessive anxiety when left alone.
A great first step is to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. A dog that is exhausted is typically content and less prone to constantly follow its owners.
Examine your part in the behavior next. Are you in any way supporting it? When your dog follows you, do you offer them treats, provide them attention, or both? Simply put, this motivates your dog to follow you. Even giving your dog a reprimand, which is something you should never do, is a source of attention and unintentionally promotes the behavior.
To encourage your dog to spend some alone time on their dog bed if they are bored, place lots of food puzzles, toys, and other activities around.
You can begin to break your dog’s habit of following you to “get” something if you change your expectations, completely ignore them while they are following you, and only pay them attention or give them rewards once they have settled in a new location. Training is helpful in many situations. Teaching your dog the commands “stay” and “place” will help them understand that it’s appropriate to be left in a location that you deem secure.
When asked to stay in a kennel or dog bed, dogs who lack confidence or become frightened will need some encouragement and training to feel confident leaving you alone. You are the main person the dog follows.
Dogs frequently just require norms and expectations to be established for them, and the rest of the pack (the home) to abide by those standards for the dog to feel accepted and secure. It is also beneficial to have others give your dog regular walks, as well as meals and treats. This distributes the tasks among the “pack” and lessens the emphasis on one individual.
There is a wide range of acceptable dog behavior in this area, but it’s crucial to find a happy medium where both you and your dog feel secure and comfortable enough to occasionally be with the pack or alone.
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