Have you ever felt like your furry friend is your shadow, trailing you around the house at every turn? While it might seem endearing or even amusing, there’s actually a lot going on beneath the surface when your dog sticks close by your side.
Understanding why your dog follows you reveals important insights into their emotional world. Experts explain that your dog’s desire to be near you is often a sign of trust and strong emotional bonds. This attachment releases oxytocin—the same hormone related to joy and bonding—both in your pet and in you. It’s like your dog’s way of saying, “I feel safe with you.”
The Kennel Club and other animal behavior experts note that this behavior is especially common in breeds bred for close teamwork with humans, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Border Collies. These dogs have an innate instinct to stay connected with their human pack.
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But what if your dog doesn’t just follow you, but gets anxious the moment you leave the room? This could be a sign of separation anxiety—a serious emotional stress disorder. Dogs suffering from this condition may show symptoms like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or even vomiting when left alone.
Separation anxiety goes beyond typical attachment. It signals a deep fear and distress that demands professional support from a veterinarian or behaviorist. If your dog panics when you leave, it’s essential to get help to ease their suffering and improve their wellbeing.
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Boredom and curiosity: common reasons dogs stay near you
Sometimes, your dog’s constant following is simply because they’re bored or curious. Like humans, dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation. If they haven’t had enough activity during the day, they might track you around as a way to entertain themselves or to seek your attention.
You might notice your dog trailing you before mealtime, walks, or playtime since they quickly pick up on daily routines and nonverbal cues. This behavior reflects their keen awareness and anticipation of the good things to come.
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If however, this following behavior suddenly intensifies or causes disruption, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet to rule out any health or emotional issues.
On a personal note, I remember how my golden retriever would always follow me into every room, no matter what. At first, it was so sweet. But once she started barking and whimpering when I stepped outside, I realized it was anxiety, not just love. Seeking help improved her calmness and our peace of mind, a reminder that our dogs’ feelings are as nuanced as ours.
Have you noticed your dog following you around? What do you think it means? Share your experience below — I’d love to hear your stories!
For more expert insights, visit sources like The Kennel Club or consult your local animal behaviorist to deepen your understanding of your dog’s needs.
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My dog is six months old and I have to take her with me everywhere or leave her at my sister’s. My sister is my baby setting for my dog and I don’t know what to do. I don’t have money to take her to my vet for this so I don’t know what to do??, ,
Please help if you can. Thank you.
So, I read the other day that dogs like watching TV. Find a show that catches your pups attention, like maybe a show with other dogs in it. Watch it’s reaction and particularly pay attention to see if he/she is watching it. If so, maybe turn it on when you leave.
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My dog follows me everywhere. I am constantly tripping on her in the kitchen or asking her to get off my bath mat, it’s lead me to place training her so I’m not constantly stepping on her feet. I love it. But when it comes time for me to leave she just goes and sleeps on the couch. I think I’m her person.
My dog has gotten old (about 14 y.o) and he lays by my feet during the day and goes out when I go out. He’s fine when I have to leave to go somewhere, but has become more clingy.
When I get up in the morning, he takes that effort to get up and greet me even though his old bones are creaking. I consider it an honor for him to take a special notice of me.
I’m here for the long run and will love him through his old age. I value his loyalty and want him to know it. I figure he knows his time is near because he has made special efforts to stay close for the past year or so and it’s just fine with me, he’s a treasure and if he needs me as his security blanket, I’m here for him. ❤️
Crate train him. We did that and we can leave her for short periods. Dogs are pack animals. Crate is their den. Our dog sometimes goes in hers and sleeps. Advise from our trainer. They are happier with boundaries. First time or night will be tough but worth it.
There’s a dog biscuit called cannabix.. its to relieve dogs of anxiety and/or stress and bring forward the dopamine in their brains.. Basically it gives them a sense of calm. You should google it
My Chow Chow doesn’t let me out of her sight. If she thinks I’m leaving she’ll come running. She is really good when left alone (toilet paper seems to be her favorite thing to get into) but goes bananas when I get home. (Jumping yelping, running back and forth, nipping and pulling my clothes). It’s quite the welcome. I’m the only one she does that with.
My rescue dog follows me everywhere.. she’s a pittie. Bathroom check, porch check, anywhere check. when I come back so is she lol. My beautiful shadow.
My little dog pixie would constantly follow me around if I was in that room so was she.. but as she got doggy dementia her routine changed she no longer followed me she no longer was in the room I was I missed it. So cherish the times it there whole world as long it’s a healthy stalking.
Our rescue dog is now 4 yrs old. She follows me everywhere. Sometimes she’s so close behind that her nose hits the backs of my legs as I take steps. If I leave the house she sits in the window until I get back. When I come home she jumps all over me and scratches my legs and back until I sit down and love on her. Yes, it’s nice to know I’m loved, but does it need to be so painful? I’m getting her to not jump on me as much, but she just gets really excited.
My boy is a 90 pound cane corso mix with another mastiff breed, trained him on a leash,took some time with no rush,he is a loving companion and friend. He is true blue and loves every1 he meets, my wife even has his respect, he does as she asks. Not a barker,only when he sleeps 🙃 he is priceless to us we’re in our 70’s. Hope every 1 can achieve this happiness with a great pet and companion 😍