Why Is My Dog Following Me Everywhere Suddenly?

Humans have managed to domesticate dogs for as long as we’ve had them. But no matter how good we are at training and socializing them, there are still days when we think, “why is my dog following me everywhere suddenly, or why does my dog bury his head in me?”

The truth is a lot of it has to do with genetics. According to veterinary science, dogs think of their owners as their parents and want to be with them. So when you treat your dog well and show that you care about them, that can make him want to stick around even more.

But other than genetics, there are many other reasons your dog might always follow you around. For instance, she might be showing signs of anxiety in public spaces if she feels too much pressure from humans on all sides. Or maybe she’s just looking for places where she can feel safe and secure.

Here are some tips and tricks to help tone down this behavior in your dog. 

But first, let’s look at why your dog may get clingy!

6 Reasons Why Your Dog Follows You

We all know dogs are the best, but sometimes they can be much. Whether it’s walking you to work or just following you around because they’re bored, some dogs make it hard to get things done.

But why does your dog follow you? Let’s understand the reasons for their clinginess first!

1. Owner Obsession 

Dogs are pack animals by nature.

They’re social creatures who need to be part of a group and have a leader to follow. And when you adopt a dog, it’s only natural that they’ll gravitate towards you—your house is the haven where they can feel most comfortable and secure.

But there’s also the genetic herd explanation. To some extent, dogs want to be with other dogs (and people) who understand them. They’re looking for someone who will provide them food and a safe place. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they’ll cling there when they find someone like that. 

2. Reward

If you’ve ever shown your dog some affection, they’ll be able to interpret this as a sign that you’re happy. They’ll then follow you wherever you go. 

woman giving a brown dog a kiss on the head

This act is called over-conditioning, and it’s a powerful force in the behavior of dogs.

3. Health Issues 

Have you ever noticed a dog that follows his master everywhere? They’re always right by his side, and they seem to be in a state of perpetual bliss.

You probably think it’s just the fact that they love their master so much, but there might be more to it than that.

Studies have shown that dogs with conditions such as neurological problems, depression, heart problem, and other diseases usually follow their owner closely. If learn of a change in behavior or example, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, seek medical assitance. 

4. Afraid 

When you’re home with your dog, it’s easy to feel like you’re in charge of every aspect of their life. But what if you were wrong?

Dogs tend to idolize their owners, but did you know that this behavior can be used for good? Dogs can use our presence to help them feel more secure and protected. 

When dogs feel our emotions, they’re motivated to mirror them to feel at ease and safe. When we are happy, so will they be!  Dogs can gain a sense of security from our presence and protectiveness.

Dogs also use our presence to gauge how much space they need when people enter the house or yard. They’ll move closer if they think there are more strangers than usual—or farther away if there seem fewer people around. 

5. Separation Anxiety

Dogs are creatures of habit, and they treasure routine.

If that routine breaks for some reason, they’ll start feeling anxious. Your absence will weigh down on them, and they’ll cling to you once you return.

brown dog looking outside the window

So how do we understand this behavior? It’s essential to know that dogs need routine in their lives and external sources of stimulation (people). To reduce the dog’s stress levels, you should make sure you have a routine with your dog.

In addition, dogs are naturally attracted to other dogs and humans, mainly because they feel safe around them. Allow your dog some time to socialize! 

6. Bored

You’re probably thinking, “Dogs aren’t supposed to be bored.” You’re right; they aren’t! 

Dogs are social animals who love being around humans and other dogs. But sometimes, the stress of a busy household can make it feel like there’s no time for your dog to play with you. 

They decide to be your “keeper” by following you everywhere!

How to Stop Your Dog From Following You

Here are some tips to help your ‘buddy’ feel secure and stop clinging!

Socialization 

Socialization is the process of learning about the world around us. It helps us understand our place in it and how we fit into society, and it is a good way to teach a dog how to stop leash pulling

Dogs are no different—they also need to learn about the world around them. If you’re a pet owner, you know how important it is for your dog to mingle with other pets, family members, and other partners other than you. This act will help them bond with other people apart from you.

Physical Activity 

When your dog is bored, it’ll often turn into bad habits. The dog is following you because it is so energized and doesn’t know what to do with it!

dog playing with an orange ball

To prevent this from happening, make sure you give your pal enough exercise. They need to burn off excess energy by playing outside or going on walks.

Mental Stimulation 

Dogs are just as much a part of your family as anyone else is. And while they can’t talk, they want to be included in whatever you do.

That’s why keeping them active and engaged with other things besides waiting for their food is essential. It would help if you give them plenty of mental stimulation through fun activities. 

Suppose you don’t have time to take them on long walks or play games with them; consider investing in toys and puzzles. That keeps them busy without making them feel like they’re missing out on something more substantial.

And remember: dogs are social creatures! So make sure they get out and about with other pets or people at least once daily. It’ll keep them happy and healthy.

Give Them Attention 

Dogs, like people, can be clingy. They want to be close to you and feel loved. This clinginess is because dogs are social creatures and crave attention from their humans.

However, you should be aware of two types of clinginess: one that’s normal for your dog’s breed and one that may indicate a problem.

If it seems like your dog has a lot of trouble letting go when you leave the house – especially if it happens often – there may be something wrong with their relationship with you! 

It could be due to many reasons, including over-feeding them or too much exercise, leading to separation anxiety issues in dogs. It’s essential to take note of sudden behavior changes.

Hire a Dog Trainer

If you’ve been thinking about taking a warm and sunny vacation, but your dog won’t leave the house, don’t worry! Plenty of options allow dogs to enjoy the outdoors while you’re away. 

dog looking attentively at his trainer

We’re sure we’ve mentioned before how important it is for your dog to get out and about, so check out these great options: Doggy Daycare!

Doggie Daycare is an excellent way for your pet to get some exercise while still socializing with other dogs in their age group. This facility helps them learn how to behave around other animals in their environment. They may even make some friends along their journey!

Obedience Training

It’s essential to train your dog. Training will help to overcome the dog’s fear of you and insecurities, as well as the dog’s inability to listen to your commands.

You can start by leaving your dog alone in a safe room shortly to see what happens. The first few times shouldn’t be too long or stressful for the dog.

Professional Dog Trainer

You may be looking for other options if you have already tried everything and still haven’t managed to fix it. In this case, it would be wise to consider hiring an expert dog trainer with years of experience helping people with their pets. 

A good dog trainer for petco vs petsmart training will use positive reinforcement techniques to desire your pet and make them more confident.

What Are Breeds More Likely to Follow You?

Dogs are individuals, but many were bred to be companion pets, such as Chihuahuas. If you have a dog with this temperament, you shouldn’t worry about whether or not your dog wants to be your shadow!

Some dogs are more independent than others, however. Other working breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Border Collies take orders or do what they want—but some dogs don’t know any better and will follow their owners around anyway.

What Causes Dogs to Follow You To The Bathroom?

Dogs are amazing.

puppy jumping on dried leaves

They have an intimate relationship with their owners and know when you’re in the mood for cuddling and when you’re in the mood for a game of fetch.

But dogs have another side: they’re explorers, and their curiosity knows no bounds. When you enter your bathroom, will your dog follow right behind?

The bathroom is full of smells that dogs love—and shouldn’t be ignored! The wastebasket might seem tedious at first glance, but it’s bursting with attractive scents that could make your dog sit up and notice.

Why Does My Elderly Dog Keep Following?

If you notice that your dog is following you around, it could be because they feel less confident.

Dogs are often very attached to their owners, and in this situation, if their confidence has been shaken, it could be because of a change in their life. They may also be experiencing mental decline—like Alzheimer’s, or maybe they have hearing issues —that make them crave attention. 

FAQS

How Do Dogs Act When They Sense Illness?

When you see your dog raise his snout and tilt his head, it’s time for some detective work.

Your dog is trying to figure out whether there’s something wrong with you. If it detects sickness in your body, the dog moves its head from side to side and sniffs around. He might also lift his tail and place it on the floor.

Can Dogs Sense Sickness or Death?

Dogs are more than just man’s best friend—they’re also a source of comfort in death.

brown dog leaning his head on the couch

Dogs can detect many things that humans can’t, including the smell of certain diseases and illnesses and the body language cues dogs use to tell when people are dying or grieving.

According to experts, this gesture can help people who have lost loved ones feel better about themselves.

Should You Be Worried if Your Dog is Following You?

Don’t worry, dog owners. It’s normal for your pet to want to follow you everywhere. And if you want to make sure your dog is happy and content, here are some tips:

  • Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercises. 
  • Find your dog’s energy level—high or low—and adjust accordingly. 

However, if your dog starts following you suddenly and tends to get anxious when he can’t, it’s time to call a vet!

Verdict

Dogs are adorable! They’re loyal and loving, and they’ll follow you around and even let you pet them.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your dog is being friendly or they’re having underlying problems. 

However, if your dog is suddenly following you all over the place, it’s probably a sign that something is wrong. Your dog could be feeling insecure about something, or it might be lonely.

If your dog is showing signs of anxiety or insecurity, there are things you can do to help him feel more confident and happy. 

You should ensure that your dog has plenty of time to play with other dogs and people so that he doesn’t feel lonely. It’s also essential to give him plenty of love and affection.

If this isn’t happening naturally, consider hiring an experienced dog trainer to help with obedience training and other activities that will boost his confidence.

It’s also important not to ignore any medical problems with your pet: if your dog starts showing signs that aren’t normal for his age (such as bad breath or diarrhea), it’s time to get them checked out by a vet!

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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