Dogs were first domesticated at least 15,000 years ago (1). They went from being wolves living in packs to dogs living in packs with humans. One of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship.
For this reason it is easy to see why dogs like to follow our every move. Humans and dogs have a mutually beneficial relationship, each providing the other with companionship. Humans aso provide dogs with food, shelter, and safety.
Some breeds of dogs, like terrier breeds, are more independent and may be less prone to following their owners. While other breeds are “velcro dogs,” sticking like glue to their pet parents. Toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas, were mostly bred to be our little friends. They tend to bond very closely with one person and will likely follow in their human parents’ footsteps.
Herding dogs, including Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, were bred to follow human orders to perform specific jobs. For this reason, they may also follow their owner’s every move.
If you brought home your dog before the age of about 12 weeks, he most likely imprinted on you, seeing you as a parent-type figure. Puppies will typically follow their two-legged parents very closely and may do so less once they mature and become more confident in different situations.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
Besides having tasty treats in your pockets, your dog may be following you around for the following reasons:
How to help your dog stop following you everywhere The bond between you and your dog is strong and they deserve plenty of positive attention from you, but it’s important that this goes hand in hand with building their confidence and helping them cope when you’re not around. Below are some hints and tips on how to help your dog feel happier in their own company and give you the space you sometimes may feel you need.
Keep your dog busy. If they have little to do, try distracting them by giving them a toy, chew toy or food filled puzzle to play with. If your dog has a number of toys, try having a toy rotation system. You could put some away and get them out another time to help them stay interesting and exciting
Try putting up baby gates. These may help your dog get used to their own company whilst also being able to see through the gates. If they seem anxious, try giving them a toy to play with, or a food puzzle to distract them, or start off near the gate and gradually move away and out of their sight
Give them lots of attention. When they stop following you around and settle down or start doing something else, give them plenty of encouragement and let them know they’re doing what you want them to
Think about your behaviour. Are you giving your dog attention when they follow you around? If so, you may be unknowingly encouraging them to do so. Try giving them less attention or encourage them when they settle down or start doing something else
Never punish your dog for following you around. If they’re following you because they’re anxious then this could make them feel more stressed and make the situation worse
Give your dog plenty of daily exercise. Think about how much exercise your dog gets and how much you think they need. Try taking your dog for more or longer walks. Throwing a ball or playing a game can help them to feel more enriched
Avoid silence. When going out, leave the TV or radio on for your dog so that the house is less quiet and feels more welcoming
Teach them to ‘stay’. Try to encourage your dog to stay where they are and then slowly build up the distance between you. Start with being just one step away and gradually build up to being in a different room. Give them plenty of encouragement and take your time
Don’t make a fuss. Try not to give your dog too much attention when either leaving the house or coming back home – easier said than done when you’re greeted by a dog that’s very happy to see you!
Help them socialise. Give your dog plenty of opportunities to bond with other dogs and people to help build up their confidence
Teach your dog to go to their bed. This can give them a place to go to when you need some space. If they need more motivation to stay there, leave toys and treats close to their bed to encourage them
Ask others for help. If your dog is particularly clingy with you try getting other adult members of the household to take the dog for a walk
Help build up your dog’s confidence. Take part in a dog activity, such as agility, rally, obedience or flyball
Play games inside the house. Games, such as hide and seek or scent work can encourage your dog to enjoy being away from you
Desensitise them to you leaving the room. If your dog gets up when you do, keep standing up and sitting down until they stay settled. Then try getting up and walking out of the room. If they start to follow you, walk around the room until they stop following you and get bored. Then try leaving the room. If they follow you, keep going in and out of the room until they give up following you. Don’t turn it into a game, but just ignore them until they get bored
Training your dog to be happy in their own company can require a lot of time and work, but it will help your dog feel more confident in themselves. If you’ve tried a number of these techniques and feel like you’re not making any progress, then always contact a behaviourist for further advice.
Why Dogs Follow You Everywhere and 14 Other Dog Behaviors Explained
Whether you named your dog Shadow or not, there’s a good chance that your canine companion follows you around the house. Many dogs seem to love (or even need) to follow their owners around. While this generally is just a sign of your dog’s interest in you, it can also be a symptom of underlying anxiety or lack of confidence in your dog.