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So, my dog follows me wherever I go
I always wondered why my dog follows me everywhere and what kind of thing is he thinking while doing it. Is he trying to be protective, is he trying to get my attention, is it some natural instinct, or is he scared of something?
Does your dog also follow you wherever you go? If that is the case, you’ll also know what it’s like to be tailed by a familiar four-legged shadow around your house. Having a constant companion seems like a cute quirk that can be comforting, endearing or sometimes downright annoying.
Humans and their furry friends have a mutually beneficial relationship, each providing the other with companionship. Humans also provide dogs with food, shelter, and safety.
Besides scoring tasty treats from your pockets, your dog may be following you around for the following reasons,
Attention seeking:
Some dogs may follow their owners around as a way to get attention. If your dog follows you around and then looks at you or nudges you for attention, this could be a sign that your dog is seeking attention and affection.
Human-Animal Bond:
Dogs are pack animals and often form strong bonds with their owners. After so many years of selective breeding, dogs are indeed man’s best friend. Your dog may follow you around because he or she sees you as a leader or pack member and wants to be close to you. Plus, being near and having good interactions with humans have been shown to raise Oxytocin levels in our dogs. So, being near their best friend actually feels good, too.
Protection:
Your dog may follow you around as a way to protect you and keep you safe. Some dogs are naturally more protective and may follow you around to stay alert to potential threats.
Breed traits:
Some breeds that have been bred to work closely with humans are more likely to be “Velcro dogs.” A Velcro dog is the one that follows you around and who wants to be beside you at all times. Often called clingy, Velcro dogs have the desire to be close to their owners.
Training:
If you have trained your dog to follow you, he or she may follow you around as a way to obey your commands and please you.
Curiosity:
Dogs are naturally curious animals and love to know what’s going on. They may follow you out of a desire to explore and see what you are doing. Your dog’s nosy nature, combined with a severe case of fear of missing out, means that they’re often under your feet and sticking their nose into everything.
They are trying to tell you something:
If your dog is barking, whining and looks like they are trying to tell you something, try following them and see where they take you. If your dog suddenly starts following you and is more clingy than usual, it could mean they feel unwell and may need extra reassurance and love.
They are afraid:
Your dog sees you as their parent who will keep them safe and secure. Certain loud noises are terrifying to some dogs, and they may follow you around to seek reassurance from you. If they are scared, they may want to be close to you because they know that you will care and be beside them.
Separation anxiety:
If your dog follows you everywhere and becomes anxious or distressed when left alone, it could be a sign of separation anxiety. This is a common problem among dogs and can be addressed with the help of a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.
Overall, the specific reason why your dog follows you may depend on a combination of these factors and may be unique to your individual dog. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for further guidance.
Want to know how much of an effect does chocolate pose on dogs; read it here.
