Why Do Older Dogs Follow You Everywhere?
Older dogs may follow their owners purely out of familiarity and habit. However, if this is a new behavior, it may also indicate that things are changing for your dog, making them less confident.
Perhaps your dog is starting to lose their hearing or vision. Or they have started to have joint problems, so they are less independent than they were. Other dogs experience a mental decline—much like Alzheimer’s in people—that makes them become clingy.
If you notice that your senior dog has suddenly started to follow you around, or you see any other changes in their behavior, schedule a veterinary visit to look for the underlying problem.
Why Do Dogs Follow People Everywhere?
Whether you find your dog’s shadow-like behaviors cute, annoying, or concerning, you might want to learn why your pup does this. There are several common reasons for your dog to follow you around.
We bred dogs for generations and generations to want to be around us. The fact that most dogs spent their days alone is a really new thing for them. Because dogs are such social creatures, they are often strongly motivated to be in our presence as much as possible while we’re around.
Many dogs don’t really get enough physical and mental exercise every day. This can lead to them following their people all over the place, looking for something—anything—to do. If you give your dog a chew toy, does he stop? If so, he was probably bored!
If your dog hasn’t gone potty for a while and he’s suddenly glued to your side, it might be a sign that your dog needs to get outside! Many dogs become especially clingy when they are feeling unwell or otherwise need some help. Try taking your dog outside and see if he needs to go potty.
Why Do Puppies Follow You Everywhere?
Puppies are a bit of a special case when it comes to following people around. Young dogs rely on their mother to show them the ways of the world, and when they are removed from her and their siblings, their new family becomes their “imprinted” parents. As a result, they will follow you, often closely, to learn what they need to know about their environment.
They are often less confident than older dogs and haven’t learned the proper social skills. These behaviors tend to lessen a bit as they mature and become more confident.
