Why do my dogs follow me around the house?

Why Is My Dog Following Me Everywhere Suddenly?

At some point, most dog owners will experience their dog at their side, seemingly non-stop. While it can be cute and endearing at first, over time, it may wear on your nerves or even cause you to trip if their presence is unexpected (I know this has happened to me more than once early in the morning!)

Most dogs are incredibly loving animals, and a lot of the time, their love for you and your attachment may lead them to follow you around your home. But, there are a few other reasons that might cause you to ask, “Why is my dog following me everywhere?”

Table of Contents

Over-Attachment

Over-attachment to you, the owner, is the main reason your dog may suddenly follow you around the house. Your pup may have become fixated on you, their primary caregiver, and want to spend as much time as possible around you. You supply them with everything they want and need, from food and water to walks and cuddles.

Dogs living in a single-owner household without any other animals may feel as if their entire world revolves around you. While their over-attachment to you isn’t necessarily an issue, you may find that bringing your dog new toys, visitors, and even a brother or sister may help vary their daily routine.

They Want Something

A desire for something is the second most common reason your dog may have started following you around the home. They may think that it’s time for them to take a walk, be fed, or just have more attention paid to them. Some dogs are more food-oriented than others, and your pup may be one of them!

If you’re constantly changing the time of day you walk or feed your pup, then they will be nearby, trying to will you to pay attention to them throughout the day. But, if they know that walks happen in the morning and dinner is always at 6:00 P.M., they’re more likely to spend the rest of the day thinking about something else!

Stress

If your dog is following you around the house, it may be due to increased stress levels. Worry can make any pet act unusually. If you think they might be going through a particularly stressful time, try to be understanding of that and do what you can to put them at ease.

They know that you’re the only one that can make them feel better, and they have no real way to communicate that with you. If you can, alleviate the stressors in their life. If they hate loud sounds, a certain visitor, or something else specific, there are ways to decrease the presence of these worrying experiences in their lives.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is another common reason your pup may be glued to your side. As their primary caregiver, you’re the one who they turn to for anything they need. If they’re lonely, you’re their main source of company, and if they’re hungry, you’re the one who supplies the food.

It’s pretty easy to understand why they might feel some anxiety when they’re away from you.

Your absence likely impacts your dog more than you realize. If you think that separation anxiety is causing your dog to follow you around, you could try to introduce new stimulation into their lives. Or do anything you can to make them realize they’ll be taken care of, even when you’re away from home.

This solution could mean using an automatic feeder or even inviting other dogs over for more social time.

Health Problems

Unfortunately, health problems are another reason your dog might be following you around. They have very few ways to communicate with you, and following you is one of them.

If they’re feeling sick or have an injury of some kind, they may want to stick by your side at all times, hoping that being near you (as the primary caregiver and source of comfort) will make them feel better. They also may be trying to communicate to you that something is wrong but do not have the words to do it as humans do.

Fear/Nervousness

Is your dog always nervous or fearful of new people, animals, sounds, or events? If so, it’s likely that their nerves are getting the best of them and that by staying by your side at all times, they can soothe their worries.

You’re the one who takes care of them in times of need and protects them. If they feel at all threatened by something out of their control, they’re going to turn to you. Unfamiliar animals or people are often the cause of increased nervousness.

Your dog may also start following you if you’ve made a big life change, like moving to a new home.

Previous Behavior/Positive Reinforcement

In the past, you likely rewarded your pup for following you or staying close to you. For example, if you leash-trained your dog and taught them that pulling, or moving away from you, is something they should avoid, they may be applying that rule to everyday life. They could be expecting positive reinforcement, like a treat, a belly rub, or even a “good boy!” for being next to you all the time.

Aging

Aging is another common reason that dogs follow their owners around. Dogs are well-aware of their decreased capacity to protect themselves and you as they age. If your pup is getting up there in years, they may feel more at risk from external threats, like loud noises and new people.

Their new vulnerability may make them more fearful or nervous daily and lead them to want to be by your side. They’re very loyal animals and may become more so over time as they grow to see you as an integral part of their life.

Seasonal Behavior

Seasonal behavior in female dogs is another reason your pup doesn’t seem to want to leave your side. During the summer, female dogs can be extra clingy if they haven’t been spayed. It’s highly recommended to spay or neuter your animals, even if they aren’t exhibiting clingy behavior!

Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Following You?

In general, no, you shouldn’t be concerned if your dog is following you. But, you should also be aware that it’s not always just your dog’s love and appreciation of you that’s inspiring them to stick by your side.

There are a variety of reasons that suddenly, you can’t seem to go anywhere without tripping over your pup. If they’re aging, exhibiting increased nervousness, or any worrying signs of ill health, don’t write off their clingy behavior as a cute or slightly annoying habit that will eventually disappear.

They could be trying to communicate something to you about how they’re feeling or what they’re experiencing on a day-to-day basis. You’re the only one with the ability to help, so sticking by your side until you do so makes sense. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and take your dog for a check-up.

How To Make Your Dog Stop Following You Everywhere?

When my dogs go through clingy phases I want to pull my hair out and scream, “Why is my dog following me everywhere?” Luckily, I’ve found there are a few ways to might limit their behavior.

Reduce Anxiety

Commonly this kind of behavior is related to nerves or separation anxiety. Dogs are very affected by time away from their owners, most likely more so than you realize. Your pup might be worried that you’re going to leave, and by keeping you in sight at all times, they can feel more relaxed.

The best way to increase their confidence and help your dog feel more independent is to reinforce the opposite behavior. If your dog spends time away from you, reward them with a treat or belly rub. If your dog seems to be enjoying themselves away from you, let them!

This confidence will help them deal with any period of time that the two of you are away from one another.

Reduce Stress From Change

Sudden life changes may also be affecting your dog. Some changes, like a move, are impossible to rectify for your pup’s sake. But, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sudden changes easier for your dog to handle.

If there is someone new in the home, you’ve adopted a new animal or made another at-home change, make sure to keep as many things the same as possible. Keep all the same toys around and, if possible, keep your pet’s food and water in the same place.

Maintaining the same daily routine is also important. If before the life change, you took your pup on a walk at 7:00 A.M., make sure you continue to do so. Keeping your dog’s life as predictable as possible will make your nervous pup feel safer and willing to spend time away from you.

Wrap Up

If you’ve recently been asking, “Why is my dog following me everywhere?” find solace in the fact that clinginess is a trait many dogs take on from time to time, and it’s usually temporary. If you have a velcro dog on your hands, first look for signs of distress. Once you’ve corrected the distressing circumstances or out-ruled the cause, you can award your dog for independent behavior.

Shortly, you should find that you have some time to yourself again.

Chris

My name is Chris and I am the co-creator of Oodle Life. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family.

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

Amy Y. Conry Davis is a writer who specializes in green living, sustainability, and travel. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of San Diego.

Updated May 21, 2021

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Dogs have been following their humans ever since the first wolf turned into a domesticated pet. Back then it meant survival, safety, and community, and not much has changed from the dog’s point of view. Your dog wants to go wherever you’re going because dogs are pack animals and you’re his pack. He loves and trusts you. Most of the time, this behavior is welcomed and endearing, but there are a few instances when it may be a sign of trouble with your family pet.

If you find your dog doing this excessively, or if it’s accompanied by other troubling behavior, there could be underlying issues. This could be especially true if your dog is new to the family, has a history of abuse or neglect, or is scared of something in its environment. If this action persists and gets in the way of how your dog eats, goes outside, or interacts with other family members, it may be time to seek help.

Usually, some training, calming techniques, or behavioral therapy can help ease your dog in a short period of time. Once they know they’re in a safe and reliable environment and won’t be left behind permanently, most dogs will relax and give up the need to follow your every move.

Why Dogs Follow Their Humans

There are many reasons why dogs follow their humans and most are very common and benign. A lot of the time, it’s simply out of loyalty and the familial bond that’s created with its human, because he or she is the one that provides care and comfort and keeps him safe.

Sometimes, the reasons can be more on the negative side, like boredom, physical or emotional needs, anxiety, or fear. Also, certain breeds, especially those that herd or are bred for a specific purpose, may be doing it out of instinct and genetic coding. For instance, a Border Collie bred to herd animals and serve a working purpose may do this out of instinct. They need to have an outlet for their energy and service, and if those needs are not being met, the dog can become restless. If there is no flock to manage they’ll replace it with something else to fixate on. This is one reason that it’s very important to make sure you choose a dog that’s right for your lifestyle.

It’s important that you and the dog are a good fit when it comes to how and where you live and what environment the dog will be exposed to. An active puppy with lots of boundless energy might not be the best fit for someone who doesn’t do much in the way of physical activity.

Why Pets Matter to Treehugger

At Treehugger, we are advocates of animal welfare, including our pets and other domestic animals. The better we understand our dogs, the better we can support and protect their wellbeing. We hope our readers will adopt rescue pets instead of shopping from breeders or pet stores, and will also consider supporting local animal shelters.

Dealing With Dog Anxiety

Dogs are emotional animals that walk through the world with all of their senses on high alert. So, it’s no wonder that the modern world, with all of its sights and sounds, can be full of stressors. For dogs that have been neglected or abused, like a shelter dog with little or no known history, this can be a behavior rooted in anxiety and the fear of being left or dropped off at a shelter again. Dogs who have been re-homed or abandoned by a trusted family member may do this out of worry that they’ll be left again.

Veterinary professionals are still researching and discovering what exactly causes separation anxiety in dogs and the impact it has on them. Sometimes the anxiety may be situational and may only happen if the dog is subjected to a particular trigger like a thunderstorm, fireworks, or being around small children. This is why it’s a good idea to refer to a behavioral therapist or veterinarian first to find out exactly what is causing the distress. Especially if it’s interfering with your dog’s health, diet, or harmony within the household. Once that’s been established, then the right training or calming measures can be recommended.

It may take a lot of time and training to help your dog work through what’s causing the problem, so be sure to do your research. Keep in mind that the behavior didn’t develop overnight and it won’t be «cured» or fixed overnight either. You’ll have to work with your dog consistently or hire a professional trainer to ensure the techniques are being done correctly.

How to Stop Your Dog From Following You

While having your dog follow you is normal and natural, there are times when the behavior can become problematic. On one hand, it could be a minor nuisance if you work from home or have other chores you’re trying to do and your dog keeps getting in the way. On the other hand, it could be detrimental to the dog because it’s a sign of stress or anxiety that could lead to long-term issues.

If the dog is a young puppy, this could likely be resolved through training and positive reinforcement. If the dog is more mature, it could take a long time, if ever, to help the dog through it.

The dog could be ill, bored, nervous, or stressed. If the dog is also whining, whimpering, or exhibiting nervous mannerisms, it could be time to consult a vet or dog trainer.

One way to address the behavior might be putting your dog in a secure and gated area inside the house or outdoors. Another trick might be to make sure the dog socializes enough. If your dog spends all of its time with you and you alone, it may develop an aversion to being away from you or interacting with other humans or dogs.

Reinforcing good behavior with treats will also ensure that your dog understands it shouldn’t, and doesn’t need to, follow you around all the time. Once dogs learn that they’re not in any danger, that they can still be part of the pack even if you’re not around, the dog will learn to relax.

Why does my dog follow me everywhere?

Having a dog by your side is one of the greatest things ever. Dogs are.

Having a dog by your side is one of the greatest things ever. Dogs are great companions who stay by your side till the last moments of their lives. Dogs are the dearest friends who share all your joys and sadness, who are always there to listen to your words, which though cannot understand what you say but are always willing to feel it with all their hearts. However, have you ever wondered why your dogs love to follow you around? And if he becomes too attached to you and sometimes annoys you a bit, what should you do? Your dogs go after you because …

1. He adores you

It is the simplest answer ever but at the same time, the most sincere one. Just give a moment to think about it. When you fall in love with someone, you always want to appear within his sight and approach him for more intimacy. The same rules are applied to the world of your dogs. Dogs are emotional-wise animals who can feel and express his love via plenty of behaviors, and for them, the easiest and most obvious way is to watch your step and stand behind you always.

They also have a great instinct of sensing dangers, so they come after you to keep you under his protection. He loves you and does not want you to get any hurt. So the next time you hear the sound of paws clicking behind you, turn around and smile.

2. He is curious

Just like the human, dogs continually learn about the world around them. Their learning happens when they observe, smell and touch things around. For them, you- their master are one of the most important subjects to study about. Through the training sessions that you give him every day, he has taken up the habit of always paying attention to you and repeating after what you say. When you move around, he thinks that is also another exercise, so he naturally follows to practice.

Also, dogs are tempted by movements. There are countless times that your dogs chase after a butterfly in the park or try to catch the ball that you are throwing far from them. They feel the joys in physical activities, and they think if they follow you, he may get a ton of fun.

3. He listens to his instincts

In nature, dogs learn the tricks of always following his littermates. It is easy to notice this action of some week-old puppies to stumble toward his mother in search of milk. The oldest pup leads the line of the others. All of them have the full acknowledgment that they are heading for something they all desire.

Many people believe that canine is a packed animal, so it comes as no surprise when your dog enjoys the camaraderie of being a part of a community. He knows that he needs to be close to the key figure of his life- the guardian that provides accommodation, food, and drinks.

4. Your dog has separation anxiety

This reason is by far the worst one to mention. It is natural that dogs follow you around the house, but if this dependence goes beyond the average standard, you should pay your vet a visit for a check-up.

Separation anxiety is the emotional disorder in which your dogs get stressed whenever you leaves home or just leaves the room.

He hates the crates keep on barking, whining, scratching at walls, doors, and floors. This behavior problem may seem harmless at first, but if left untreated, it can result in serious emotional issues.

When you cannot take it anymore?

It is lovely when someone enjoys your companionship and loves to be around you. However, sometimes you need the privacy for yourself. In this case, you can take some gentle methods to gain back your time and space.

• Give your dogs a command: You are their masters. If you tell him what you want, of course, he will obey and be willing to leave you alone for some time.
• Distract your dog with his favorite toy or some tasty treats. By doing this, you can keep them away for a while enough for you to finish your stuff

In the case of dogs with separation anxiety, you should consult your vets about the treatment. Some medication can be suggested for calming the nerve of your dogs upon emergencies. You can also consider other alternatives such as setting up a special training routine to build up the canine confidence or make him accustomed to your absence. The amount of exercise should also be adjusted to eliminate the risk of boredom and to bring up the energy of your dogs. With improvements in physical capacity, the mental strength will also be bettered.