For instance, they had experienced something awful in the past. Why do our dogs follow us around? Separation anxiety is a very common behavioral disorder, with one study finding a prevalence of 17 percent in a large population of dogs (2). “Those previous experiences have an impact on a dog and can contribute to the lingering fear of abandonment,” says Dr. Barrack. © 2021 Great Pet Media. Read below to find out. One of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship. Now, let’s go straight to the point. Even when you go into the kitchen and bathroom? 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 … This will save you from further problems in the future since clinginess may lead to behavioral issues. Why does my dog follow me everywhere? Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know. 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. Here are some reasons, and what you can do if it gets to be too much. Instead, try ignoring the undesired behavior and reward your dog by giving him a treat or scratches when he settles down onto his bed or takes his attention off of you to play with a toy. All rights reserved. Have you ever wondered why? There are various approaches owners can take to help their dog should he exhibit these traits. Dogs are really good human companions and they can get attached to their humans quickly. Another reason your dog might stay close to your side is positive reinforcement. You just recently fed him so it can’t be possible that he’s suddenly hungry after just 3 minutes. 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. Dogs will often follow their humans around because they receive attention or some other form of reward in return for this behavior. Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?As dog owners, we love spending quality time with our pups.. Dr. Liz McCalley is a medical director for a small animal practice in San Diego. One of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. I should mention he doesn’t have separation anxiety—though he’d obviously like to accompany me everywhere. Why Do Some Dogs Follow You Everywhere? Providing your dog with food-filled toys, treat dispensers, and puzzle toys helps to stimulate his brain and helps to alleviate boredom. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. Interactions with our dogs are a constant voyage of discovery for both of us. Toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas, were mostly bred to be our little friends. He even waits outside the bathroom door. The key is to have a dog that loves your attention and being close to you, but is fine when you’re not around. Owning a velcro dog that follows you from room to room can become a bit frustrating, especially when you repeatedly trip over them! Why does my dog follow me everywhere? 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. Either way, it assists to understand some of the science behind why your dog might be constantly at your side. “Just make sure that in the process you do not limit their social interactions with other dogs and people. A dog’s life experience before entering your home can play a big part when it comes to being fixated on one person, especially for dogs who have been rescued. Then one day it just hit me, my dog is stalking me, and I don’t even look like Brad Pitt. “It’s a trait that’s prized and bred into their genetic history,” says Kramer. Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Following You. Many dogs will follow their owners around due to boredom. They've spent centuries serving as companions to humans, and that's something most of them really love to do. 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. This may be a reason your old dog suddenly acts more clingy. When pet parents make a big deal about arriving home and leaving the house, this can worsen anxiety behaviors. 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. 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. 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. Your dog feels most at ease when he or she is with their pack. ). If your dog can’t seem to stop following you everywhere, it may be heading into “abnormal” territory. This will also distract his energy away from you. You can help decrease how much your dog follows you around by making sure he receives plenty of daily exercise. Your dog may follow you to find out what is going on, because she doesn’t want to miss out on anything. They tend to bond very closely with one person and will likely follow in their human parents’ footsteps. Whatever the cause is, you must train your dog to be more independent. 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. While other breeds are “velcro dogs,” sticking like glue to their pet parents. Many dogs are scared of certain noises, like fireworks or thunderstorms, and may cling to their pet parents during these times. In some cases, that fear can cause real damage to the dog both mentally and physically. And you keep asking yourself why does my dog follow me everywhere? Do they follow you from room to room? Why Does Your Dog Follow You Everywhere? Although it doesn’t necessarily mean they will, Velcro dogs are more likely to develop separation anxiety. 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. Dogs are pack animals. All Rights Reserved 2021. 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. Most people will find this behavior endearing. You can also keep your dog stimulated with puzzle toys, … 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. 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