Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
Canines are often considered the most loyal of companions. They are quick to offer unconditional love to their humans and don’t like to let their favorite people out of their sight. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere,” you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through your dog’s need to be in your personal space at all times:
They Have a Pack Mentality
Dogs are pack animals and used to traveling in big groups. Biologically, this is for safety and for more success in finding food. But on an emotional level, something must be said about the feeling of inclusion from being part of a group. Even if it’s just you and your pup in your home, to your dog, you’ve formed your own little pack.
They Are Honoring the Parent-Child Bond
If you adopted your dog when she was 6 months or younger, she might have imprinted on you as her mother. Puppies younger than 6 months tend to form a distinctive bond with someone (it can be a male) just as they would their own mother. You might not be the only one in your duo who considers your dog your fur baby—she might also think of you as her human mother. She follows you because it’s her instinct to stay close to her mother.
They Have a Favorite Person
Even dogs living in homes with a group of people might focus on one person. This means that they’ve chosen this person as the “leader” of the group. While this person is often primarily responsible for food and walks, it isn’t always. If your dog chooses you as the leader of your family, feel free to let it boost your confidence. While they are not shy about showing love, they reserve the role of their favorite person for someone special.
They Have a Unique History
If you’ve adopted a dog, there’s no way to tell what their life was like before they walked through your door. Maybe she spent her whole life alone fending for herself, and she’s so elated to have love that she wants to be near it at all times. Maybe he came from a pack where he followed a leader to find food and shelter. Sometimes, a dog’s history can dictate how he or she acts when finally living in a forever home.
They Have a Need for Treats
Do you use positive reinforcement to train your dog? If you are prone to giving your dog praise or treats when he or she does something you like, this could be the catalyst for the shadowing behavior. If your dog is used to getting something positive from you, he or she might want to recreate this scenario as often as possible.
Why is my dog following me everywhere? It is likely one or more of the five reasons above.
If you think your dog is taking the following to an extreme, the behavior experts at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services can help. Call (248) 334-6877 to learn more about our behavior consultations that examine canine physiological and psychological well-being. We can work with your pup to find the reason for the behavior and the best way to encourage him away from it.
