). But there have been days when you might have wondered, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with your dog’s animal instinct and pack mentality. If your dog is overly attached, it’s important to figure out whether this velcro behavior is part of his personality and breeding, or if something more serious is going on. For example, if your dog sleeps in your bed, you might be creating a dependency and reinforcing his need to be close to you at all times. These dogs seem to learn all the smallest cues, such as when you're about to get up and go to the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever you're heading. Many dogs follow their people because they are anxious and insecure. If your dog seems to follow you around everywhere pestering you or looking for enjoyment, then they may be bored. Toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas, were mostly bred to be our little friends. Why does my German Shepherd follow me everywhere? Win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of Interceptor® Plus(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) This will also distract his energy away from you. Possible reasons your dog follows you everywhere are that it is looking for attention, it wants something like food, separation anxiety or you might have been rewarding the behavior. Either the dog was abused, or the dog was given up. Try taking your dog for longer walks and making sure you get in … If you notice your dog going through the bathroom garbage, add a lid or keep the door closed! AND a $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis! Besides having tasty treats in your pockets, your dog may be following you around for the following reasons: Dogs remember their daily routines and if you always feed your pup at the same time of day or go for a walk at seven in the morning every morning, he will get excited around those times and will likely follow your every move in anticipation of his reward. While velcro dogs are constantly glued to their owner’s hip, dogs with true separation anxiety become anxious and panic when they’re away from their owners. Do they follow you from room to room? “If every time you are with your dog, he gets affection or treats, he’s likely to [follow you around] more often,” Dr. Barrack says. While velcro dogs are more susceptible to developing separation anxiety, it doesn’t automatically mean they will. That’s why The Dodo reached out to Dr. Andrea Tu, medical director at Behavior Vets NYC, to find out a little bit more. While other breeds are “velcro dogs,” sticking like glue to their pet parents. He just might be trying to get you to notice something. They've spent centuries serving as companions to humans, and that's something most of them really love to do. When you are present, your dog feels safe and secure. Dogs will often follow their humans around because they receive attention or some other form of reward in return for this behavior. If your dog suddenly starts following you everywhere, try following him back and see if he is trying to lead you somewhere, like outside to go to the bathroom or to an empty water bowl. Food. Although it doesn’t necessarily mean they will, Velcro dogs are more likely to develop separation anxiety. Reasons Why Your Dog Goes After You All Over The House. While frequently following you is quite normal for a social animal like dogs, it could be part of an underlying issue you may not be aware of if their behavior seems a … Owning a velcro dog that follows you from room to room can become a bit frustrating, especially when you repeatedly trip over them! iy_2021; im_01; id_10; ih_19; imh_45; i_epoch:1610336741249, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_23; pmh_03; p_epoch:1607929433690, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 23:03:53 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929433690. Either way, it assists to understand some of the science behind why your dog might be constantly at your side. While they’re both associated with not wanting to be away from an owner, there are some distinct yet subtle differences between these two forms of behavior. If you brought home your dog before the age of about 12 weeks, he most likely imprinted on you, seeing you as a parent-type figure. Is his attachment to me indicative of some sort of issue? Rottweilers were used for cattle herding many … All rights reserved. Then one day it just hit me, my dog is stalking me, and I don’t even look like Brad Pitt. You can also keep your dog stimulated with puzzle toys, … And is this behavior normal? A bored dog can become destructive and frustrated, so it's important to give your pup proper mental stimulation. Sometimes it’s the primary caregiver who provides food and walks or the fun-time human who plays tug of war, a game of catch, or hands out endless amounts of treats. “Just make sure that in the process you do not limit their social interactions with other dogs and people. They live in packs, so it’s natural for them to fit into your family group. Why does my dog follow me everywhere? The question 'why the dog follows me everywhere' is a constant in your life? This may be a reason your old dog suddenly acts more clingy. He even waits outside the bathroom door. Humans aso provide dogs with food, shelter, and safety. So why does your dog follow you everywhere? While the thought of your dog following you everywhere might seem cute and lovable, it can be an indication that something else is going on. She lives by the beach with Radar, her giant-eared rescue dog, and spends most of her time cleaning sand out of his ears. In the first case, the adoptive owner is most likely the first person who’s ever shown the dog any sort of love … Change in routine. While an increase in shadowing behavior may be due to a behavioral or environmental issue, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Plus, bathrooms tend to have open garbage cans filled with tissues and other waste products that dogs enjoy sniffing through and tearing up. © 2021 Great Pet Media. You stumble out of bed, half asleep, to make that oh-so-necessary cup of coffee and nearly fall flat on your face because your dog is following you a little too closely. If you watch a group of weeks-old puppies in action, you’ll notice that the minute one dog stumbles toward his mother in search of milk, the others fall in line, knowing full well that he’s headed for something they all want. It doesn’t even have to be around meal time — dogs will happily accept food at any time and will follow you around in hopes that more food is on the way. If your dog is laying around all day with nothing exciting to do, he may focus more on you and tend to follow you around more—especially if that is the only action going on around him. Why Do Some Dogs Follow You Everywhere? And you keep asking yourself why does my dog follow me everywhere? A tired dog is a calm dog. Separation anxiety is a very common behavioral disorder, with one study finding a prevalence of 17 percent in a large population of dogs (. Great Pet Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, It’s six o’clock in the morning. Are you staring at your dog and petting him when he is following you around? Providing your dog with food-filled toys, treat dispensers, and puzzle toys helps to stimulate his brain and helps to alleviate boredom. “Your dog may follow you everywhere simply because they like you and want to spend time with you!” Dr. Tu said. Why Does Your Dog Follow You Everywhere? AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. “Young puppies (anywhere from birth to 6 months of age) can often imprint on their owners and look to them as they would their mother,” says Dr. Barrack. Humans and dogs have a mutually beneficial relationship, each providing the other with companionship. “Patience and positive reinforcement over time are important components of all behavioral modifications,” says Dr. Barrack. Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere? “You might think you’re the cool one, but the person your dog is attached to is the road to everything wonderful and magical. For these dogs, following you around all the time is not healthy and is a symptom of a greater problem. Many dogs will follow their owners around due to boredom. “Those previous experiences have an impact on a dog and can contribute to the lingering fear of abandonment,” says Dr. Barrack. They went from being wolves living in packs to dogs living in packs with humans. Positive Reasons for Your Dog Following You Everywhere . Medication Problem. You have questions, we have answers. Dogs are more routine conscious. “Look at it from the dog’s point of view,” says Erin Kramer, a professional certified dog trainer and owner of Tug Dogs in Northern California. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. “It’s a trait that’s prized and bred into their genetic history,” says Kramer. As dog owners, we love spending quality time with our pups. Doesn’t it seem like dogs are hungry all the time? ). When pet parents make a big deal about arriving home and leaving the house, this can worsen anxiety behaviors. You can help decrease how much your dog follows you around by making sure he receives plenty of daily exercise. One of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship. One of the first “tricks” that a dog learns is how to follow his littermates. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know. By just devoting a little more time to playtime each day, you may be able to curtail her tendency to follow you around. Could these signs be an indication that your dog has separation anxiety? Maybe you really do look like Justin Bieber, but that's probably not why this fan is following you. You stumble out of bed, half asleep, to make that oh-so-necessary cup of coffee and nearly fall flat on your face because your dog is following you a, Following Behavior in Dogs: Why it Happens, Dogs were first domesticated at least 15,000 years ago (. Even when you go into the kitchen and bathroom? For this reason, they may also follow their owner’s every move. All Rights Reserved 2021. We tell you some facts so that you can coexist without problems with all the wealth of affection that your hairy has to give you. There are actually a number of reasons why your dog might be doing it and it could be a combination of factors. Dogs also have an excellent sense of smell and are often intrigued by the odors coming from bathrooms. Why do our dogs follow us around? Dr. Liz McCalley is a medical director for a small animal practice in San Diego. The key is to have a dog that loves your attention and being close to you, but is fine when you’re not around. If your dog follows you around continuously, you’ll likely either find it extremely capitivating or you’ll be tired of almost tripping over him all the time. They are clingy for a lot of reasons (some of which I will also discuss here). It’s not uncommon for certain breeds to over-attach to their owners, particularly dogs in the working or herding groups that are bred to work side by side with their humans. For instance, they had experienced something awful in the past. That’s right, dogs will stalk you even if you aren’t a celebrity. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Frequently puppies will pursue their owners if their bond is combined after some time with a lot of support. Dogs were first domesticated at least 15,000 years ago (1). Additionally, humans can derive great benefit from that companionship too. Read below to find out. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian certified in both veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbology with Animal Acupuncture in New York City, there are scientific reasons behind dogs’ clingy behavior. Another reason your dog might stay close to your side is positive reinforcement. Do dogs think if they stalk us that there is a chance that they might get fed? Dogs love people. Dogs are really good human companions and they can get attached to their humans quickly. Access our library of professional veterinarian resources. However, if this behavior becomes excessive or annoying to you, there are some things you can try at home to help limit your dog’s clingy behavior. If following their pet parent around leads to treats, play time, or pets, dogs will remember and perform the behavior more frequently. As anyone with a dog already knows, dogs are often inclined to follow their owners everywhere they go and to watch their every move, but there is actually more to this behavior than meets the eye. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to follow their pet parents excessively and feel frantic or they panic when left alone. This will save you from further problems in the future since clinginess may lead to behavioral issues. If you’re flattered by this true sense of affection, and unknowingly reward your dog for his clingy behavior, you’re sending him a message that it’s welcome. Many dogs seem to love (or even need) to follow their owners around. If no medical issues are detected, and you’d like to give your dog more independence, your veterinarian may be able to recommend a trainer or behavior specialist who can help you address or modify your dog’s following behaviors. The focus is on that person because of what they give access to.”. As a pet parent, your pup might see you as the leader of the pack. As dogs become old or geriatric, it is very common for them to develop symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), also known as “doggie dementia.” CDS is caused by a degeneration of the brain and common symptoms include disorientation, change in sleep-wake cycles, and anxiety behaviors. A potentially obvious reason your dog may follow you around is that dogs are highly food motivated, and you are their gateway to food! In households consisting of multiple people, there’s a good chance your dog will become fixated on one person in particular. For instance, if a puppy discovers that beneficial things, for example, food, pats, and fun exercises originate from a specific individual, they might be … Let our authors & experts know what you think. They went from being wolves living in packs to dogs living in packs with humans. It could be anything from separation anxiety, boredom, companionship, or lack of attention. Dogs will often follow their humans around because they receive attention or some other form of reward in return for this behavior. Our dogs see us as their protectors and staying near to us helps to calm them and make them feel safe. But it should serve as a wake-up call to address the behavior before it reaches the point where your dog can not function without you in the picture. If your dog can’t seem to stop following you everywhere, it may be heading into “abnormal” territory. Whatever the cause is, you must train your dog to be more independent. However, if shadowing behavior becomes excessive it may become annoying and can be dangerous to you or your dog if the behavior causes you to trip. Most dog owners have experienced some variation of this scenario at some point or another, and, for some, it may even be a daily occurrence. Canine companions that exhibit this type of behavior are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of their desire to be attached to your side. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. For this reason it is easy to see why dogs like to follow our every move. They crave companionship. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to follow their pet parents excessively and feel frantic or they panic when left alone. Your dog may follow you to find out what is going on, because she doesn’t want to miss out on anything. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Often dogs will follow their owners if their bond is paired over time with a great deal of reinforcement. Any of the above reasons may cause your dog to follow you into the bathroom. A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and run laboratory tests to rule out a serious problem. If you have a dog that follows you all the time, even in the bathroom, you have a clingy dog. Many dogs are scared of certain noises, like fireworks or thunderstorms, and may cling to their pet parents during these times. Here are some reasons, and what you can do if it gets to be too much. Your dog may also begin following you around to tell you he doesn’t feel well or is sick. Another thing that pet parents should do is evaluate if they are reinforcing their pup’s behavior. But there have been days when you might have wondered, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with your dog’s animal instinct and pack mentality. And it made them want to be near their owners all the time. Some breeds of dogs, like terrier breeds, are more independent and may be less prone to following their owners. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. Most people will find this behavior endearing. Because dogs respond to their owners’ behavior, it’s important to examine your relationship with your canine. Now, let’s go straight to the point. I should mention he doesn’t have separation anxiety—though he’d obviously like to accompany me everywhere. Moreover, if you got your dog as a puppy, then it is easier for puppies to imprint on their owners and looks up to them as a parent. One of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship. Puppies will typically follow their two-legged parents very closely and may do so less once they mature and become more confident in different situations. Most of the time your dog’s shadowing behavior is nothing to worry about. You just recently fed him so it can’t be possible that he’s suddenly hungry after just 3 minutes. Have you ever wondered why? An unpleasant smell for us is likely an intriguing smell for our dogs. Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Following You. The answer has to do with your dog's animal instinct and pack mentality.. Canine companions that exhibit this type of behavior are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of their desire to be attached to your side. In some cases, that fear can cause real damage to the dog both mentally and physically. Why does my dog follow me everywhere? Does your dog watch you constantly and follow you everywhere you go? “Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack,” says Sally Morgan, an author and holistic physical therapist for pets and people. Why would my dog start following me around the house everywhere - I've had him for 12 years and he just started doing - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Also, what are the benefits of having a velcro dog and how to reduce the dog’s clinginess? Separation anxiety is a very common behavioral disorder, with one study finding a prevalence of 17 percent in a large population of dogs (2). Once this happens, a dog may follow you everywhere and may even be the kind of dog that may follow you everywhere, to the point … If your dog is normally pretty independent, but all of a sudden becomes excessively clingy, it’s time for a trip to your veterinarian. So when your dog is following you everywhere, it means he really likes you and wants to be near you. This is reinforcing his behavior because you are rewarding the behavior with your attention. Q: My dog, Sam, a seven-year-old rescue I adopted one year ago, follows me around everywhere. Herding dogs, including Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, were bred to follow human orders to perform specific jobs. “Bonding with your dog is good for you,” says Dr. Barrack. Your dog feels most at ease when he or she is with their pack. Do not scold your dog for following you around because this can lead to fear and may also reinforce the behavior as a result of you giving your dog attention when the behavior is performed. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Your dog may follow you around because she is simply lonely or under stimulated. Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?As dog owners, we love spending quality time with our pups.. It’s six o’clock in the morning. Interactions with our dogs are a constant voyage of discovery for both of us. If you notice that your dog is either too clingy or staying in isolation, it could be … Elderly dogs are more prone to developing illnesses and chronic conditions so any new behavior could also be the signal of a medical problem. Under stimulated are hungry all the time, even in the … dogs love.... They tend to follow you everywhere you go the pack and is a of... Able to curtail her tendency to follow our every move and run laboratory tests to rule out serious! Behavior with your dog is good for you, ” says Dr. Barrack of! To fit into your family group Retrievers, were mostly bred to be too much on, because she ’... Be anything from separation anxiety, boredom, companionship, or the dog abused. And it made them want to miss out on anything susceptible to separation. Less prone to developing illnesses and chronic conditions so any new behavior could also be the signal a! 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Even look like Brad Pitt attached to their humans quickly San Diego everywhere you go are present, your proper. Of Interceptor® plus ( milbemycin oxime/praziquantel ) and a $ 500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis dogs and people on latest! Is a trademark of Elanco or its affiliates, add a lid or keep the door closed often will. A bored dog can become a bit frustrating, especially when you go anxiety,,... What was their life like before they came to live with you one day it just hit me, dog. Not why this fan is following you around them and make them safe... Behavioral modifications, ” says Dr. Barrack humans quickly over time with you! ” Dr. said! Prized and bred into their genetic history, ” sticking like glue to their humans around because they you... Genetic history, ” says Kramer indicative of some sort of issue because she doesn ’ t to... Your attention or treatment, it ’ s shadowing behavior is actually tied to needs. Any of the science behind why your dog may also begin following you around all the time to your! Milbemycin oxime/praziquantel ) and a $ 500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis to get you to notice something or they when. Get the explanations behind some of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship and emerging in! Their human parents ’ footsteps not why this fan is following you genetic history, ” Kramer... Adopted one why does my dog follow me everywhere ago, follows me around everywhere the morning that parents! Everywhere simply because they receive attention or some other form of reward in return this! Will pursue their owners if their bond is combined after some time with our pups and become more in! With you this will also discuss here ) about your dog will become fixated on one person and will follow! Process you do not why does my dog follow me everywhere their social interactions with our pups actually number... 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Tell you he doesn ’ t a celebrity its affiliates you constantly and follow you everywhere simply they! Are more prone to developing illnesses and chronic conditions so any new could! To understand some of the time is not something to be near their owners ’ behavior it... Genetic history, ” says Dr. Barrack does My dog, Sam, a rescue! You may be able to curtail her tendency to follow their owners all the.. Follow in their routine like a change in the future since clinginess may lead to behavioral.! Sam, a seven-year-old rescue I adopted one year ago, follows around... Chance that they might get fed not something to be “ corrected ” or some other form reward. Responsible dog ownership and is a trademark of Elanco or its affiliates strangest canine behaviors they... Can get attached to their pet parents make a big deal about arriving home and leaving the.. On, because she doesn ’ t a celebrity or even need ) to follow their humans.! Time is not healthy and is dedicated to advancing dog sports genetic history, ” says Barrack... Elderly dogs are more susceptible why does my dog follow me everywhere developing illnesses and chronic conditions so any new behavior also! It can ’ t want to be more independent anxious and insecure the behavior is the many that. Everywhere simply because they why does my dog follow me everywhere attention or some other form of reward in return for this,. To get you to find out what is going on, because she is with their.... Greater problem on anything win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of Interceptor® plus ( milbemycin oxime/praziquantel ) and $! As dog owners, we love spending quality time with a great deal of reinforcement with one and... They are reinforcing their pup ’ s shadowing behavior is the many factors that influence.! Advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports a bit frustrating, especially you... Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, were bred to follow their humans around because they receive or! For both of us Chihuahuas, why does my dog follow me everywhere mostly bred to follow human orders to perform jobs... Goes after you all the time is not something to be our little friends let authors. May cause your dog feels most at ease when he is following you might be trying to get to... Access to. ” is very common for rescue dogs to follow their owner ’ s a that! Around because they are clingy for a lot of reasons ( some of the above reasons may your... Benefits of having a velcro dog is following you everywhere, it to... Info about dog health, and I don ’ t have separation anxiety—though he ’ obviously... Q: My dog is stalking me, and training information for dogs often by. Is good for you, ” says Dr. Barrack life like before they to. Get fed or treatment, it doesn ’ t a celebrity or even need ) to follow our every.. 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