Why Does My Dog Follow Me and No One Else?
Dogs are smart animals and will often single out one person to follow, sometimes even to the exclusion of others. This usually indicates that this person fulfills whatever the dog is looking for.
Sometimes, this person is the primary caregiver who feeds, walks, and plays with the dog. Other times, it is the person who gives out snacks most frequently. Or it could just be the “most fun” person. Dogs get everything they need from people, and they will generally follow the person who takes them to the things they want most.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
You most likely talk to people at work, school, or out in public. You hang out with your friends and family. Or, it’s possible you may even chat with new faces at bars!
Well, dogs don’t really have those options. You are most likely the center of your dog’s world so it’s no surprise they want to be around you! Your dog may just love being close to you, whether it’s doing errands around the house or going on a jog around the neighborhood.
Some dogs need more attention than others. You may notice a particularly clingy dog barking or pawing at you to get attention on top of following you from room to room.
Dogs often view one of the humans in their home as the alpha. This is probably the human who feeds them, plays with them, and trains them. If that’s you, you may start to notice that your pup follows you around more often than they follow around anyone else.
Maybe your dog just simply does not want you to leave. Your canine may recognize your daily morning routine before work — showering, brushing your teeth, changing, eating breakfast, doing yoga, putting on your shoes. They probably have realized that you leave after you’re done with all of those tasks, which is why they follow you around while you do each one of them. Your dog might be getting sad or upset at the thought of you leaving.
It’s possible that your dog is only comfortable around you and is simply afraid of everyone — and everything — else. If that’s the case, you may notice your dog staying by your side or hovering around you obsessively while you’re out at the park or walking through the city. Maybe they also have their tail between their legs or they’re shaking a bit. This is an indicator that your dog is uncomfortable and relying on you to feel protected.
You might not realize it, but you may have accidentally trained your dog to follow you around. Maybe while your dog is walking with you, you have stopped to give them treats or pet them. There’s nothing wrong with showing your dog affection, of course! But now they may associate following you around with getting what they want.
Your buddy could simply be bored — and you’re their source of entertainment! Your dog may think of following you as a new activity that breaks their daily routine. Who knew watching you chop up veggies, lift weights, or play video games could be so fascinating to someone!
If They Are Scared of You Leaving
Dogs are pack animals and they love being around other people and animals. For some dogs, it can be traumatic or scary when they’re left alone. The American Kennel Club estimates that 14% of dogs in the United States have separation anxiety. A dog experiencing separation anxiety may have destructive behavior. You may also notice frequent urination and vomiting.
If you notice your dog is becoming fearful, stressed, aggressive, or clingy as you go about your morning routine, your dog could have separation anxiety. Try switching up your routine so they no longer associate your activities with you leaving.
You can also provide them with Holistapet’s CBD dog treats for anxiety. CBD is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps to balance mood, emotions, and much more. Made with all-natural ingredients, these treats are also infused with Chamomile and L-theanine, promoting alpha wave generation and stress reduction.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me? How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Following Me?
We love spending quality time with our pups. But there may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with your dog’s animal instinct, pack mentality, and a few other variables.
Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “velcro dogs” because of their desire to be attached to your side. “Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack,” says Sally Morgan, author and holistic physical therapist for pets and people.
While having your dog follow you everywhere might seem cute and lovable, it can be an indication that something else is going on. According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, licensed veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture with Animal Acupuncture in New York City, there are scientific reasons behind dogs’ clingy behavior. “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.
Another reason your dog might stay close to your side is positive reinforcement. “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. If you’re flattered by this affection, and reward your dog for being clingy, you’re sending him a message that the behavior is welcome.
Because dogs respond to their owners’ behavior, it’s important to examine your relationship. 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.
In households consisting of multiple people, there’s a good chance your dog will become fixated on one person in particular. 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.
“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. “You might think you’re the cool one, but the person your dog is attached to is the road to everything wonderful and magical. The focus is on that person because of what they give access to.”
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. What was their life like before they came to live with you? “Those previous experiences have an impact on a dog and can contribute to the lingering fear of abandonment,” says Dr. Barrack.
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. “It’s a trait that’s prized and bred into their genetic history,” says Kramer.
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, an older dog may be losing his sight or hearing, becoming more fearful of the environment and dependent on having you near.
“A dog that suddenly becomes very clingy may be suffering from a physical ailment and keeping you in reach for comfort. A checkup by the veterinarian is a good idea if this happens,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer.
Could a dog who is attached to you at the hip be showing signs of separation anxiety? 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.
The big difference between separation anxiety and being a velcro dog is anxiety itself. While velcro dogs prefer to be glued to their owners, dogs with true separation anxiety actually panic when they’re away from their owners.
Velcro dogs may be more susceptible to developing separation anxiety, but it doesn’t automatically mean they will. However, it should serve as a wake-up call to address the behavior before it reaches the point where your dog can’t function without you in the picture.
There are various approaches owners can take to help a dog who exhibits these traits. What is best is a dog who loves your attention and being close to you, but is fine when you’re not around.
Many of us get a dog so we will have a constant companion. Your dog deserves your love and attention, and it’s up to you to find a healthy balance for time together and apart. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook