It’s a picture that we all know: you stand up and so does your dog. You head to the bathroom and so does your dog. You move toward the door and there is your dog, right with you every step of the way. Does your dog watch you constantly and follow you everywhere you go? Have you ever wondered why? Thankfully, there are many explanations for these bizarre actions.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
Every dog is unique. So, one dog’s reason for following their loved ones may vary from another dog’s experiences. Here are a few reasons why your dog might stick by your side so often.
#1 – Born to live in groups
It’s common knowledge that dogs are very social animals. In the wild, they live in groups. Descended from other wild canines that live in cooperative family groups, it is natural for your dog to easily fit into your own family.
Your family is your dog’s pack. They feel most at ease when they are with their pack. When you are present and calm, it makes them feel that there is nothing to be afraid of. By the same token, they might feel vulnerable in your absence, like they have no support. Your presence causes their brain to release “feel good” chemicals. ¹ If they are with you wherever you go, they continue to feel peaceful and safe.
#2 – Curiosity killed the cat — err — dog?
Dogs are naturally inquisitive. When you move away, you attract their attention and then they wonder what you are doing. They are an opportunist. Your wandering might reveal an opportunity that they don’t want to miss. For all they know, you might be searching for food like you would in the wild, or more appropriately today, you might be headed to the kitchen for a snack you will share. They cannot miss an opportunity to see and do whatever you do.
#3 – Doing A Job
When you move about your home, your dog might feel that you are patrolling the area and feel obligated to be a part of it.
Dogs place value on resources to survive. High-value resources are ones that are a priority, such as food, water, and territory. Dogs believe they must keep an eye on their resources to defend them from competition. Think about how your dog reacts when you pet your cat or when someone rings the doorbell! Patrolling and defending your home is a part of the job that your dog instinctively does.
#4 – Following in Their Nature
Certain breeds are more likely to attach or “Velcro” to their humans. Working and herding breeds have a long history of working side-by-side with people. So, their instincts might tell them to follow every step you take. Clingy behaviors are a personality trait for some dogs, but that’s not always the case.
If your dog experiences fearful or anxious behaviors when they follow you, their genetics aren’t always to blame. Certain breeds are more prone to separation anxiety than others. Dogs who experience this will feel stressed when they’re apart from you. Thus, your dog might follow you because they’re anxious when left alone. Separation anxiety is different from normal clingy behaviors because it can cause damage to your dog mentally and emotionally.
In most cases, bonding with your dog is exciting for both of you. But it’s also beneficial to teach them that being away from you is a good thing. Training your dog using patience and positive reinforcement can help make them less worried when left alone.
#5 – Communicating with You
One of the most common reasons dogs follow people is because they want something. They might be hungry or need to go outside. In many cases, they might just be seeking attention. But if they only follow you at certain points throughout the day, it might be their way of communicating with you. Pay attention to their surroundings to see if anything could be scary, stressful, or exciting to them. If you can figure out what they want, that’s the best way to get them to give you some space.
It is flattering to be the object of your dog’s rapt attention. Although there are biological reasons that they might follow you everywhere, there is also scientific support that your dog loves you and feels happiest when they’re with you. ²
Don’t question your dog’s devotion unless they’re experiencing signs of stress or discomfort. Instead, enjoy their company.
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- Oxytocin and the neural mechanisms regulating social cognition and affiliative behavior. Front. Neuroendocrinology, 30 (4), 535-547. Ross, H.E., and Young, L.J. (2009)
- The Neurobiology of social attachment: a comparative approach to behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurochemical studies. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C, Toxicology and Pharmacology, 148 (4), 401-410, Young, K.A., Liu, Y.,and Wang, Z. (2008)
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