Why Your Dog Follows You Everywhere, According to Pet Experts

There are several potential reasons for this behavior, from anxiety to curiosity.

While you likely love it when your dog expresses his affection for you—be it in the form of licks or tail wags—it can feel overwhelming when they follow you everywhere. Whether it's a quick trip to the bathroom or cooking in the kitchen, having your pup as your shadow can get in the way of day to day activities. The first step to breaking this behavior is understanding where it comes from. Here, veterinarians and pet behaviorists break down the many reasons why your dog may be following you everywhere, from separation anxiety to curiosity.

  • Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, FFCP, is a national dog training manager at Petco and certified American Kennel Club Good Citizen Evaluator.
  • Alejandro Caos, DVM, is a veterinarian for The Vets, which provides comprehensive at-home pet care.
  • Jane MacMurchy, is an animal specialist and coordinator from Animal Charity of Ohio, a non-profit organization with a veterinary clinic.
Dog laying next to owner

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Why Your Dog Follows You

There are many reasons why your dog may be following you around, but if you think their behavior is excessive or persistent, you may want to consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional support.

They Want to Be Close to You

One of the easiest (and happiest) explanations for why your dog follows you around is because they want to be close to you. "Dogs are social animals and can form strong relationships with their human parents," says Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, FFCP, national dog training manager at Petco. "Dogs may often want to be close to their caregiver who regularly feeds, walks, and plays with them."

They Imprinted on You

Did you get your dog when it was just a puppy? Then there's a chance they may have imprinted on you, which could explain their needy behavior. "Young puppies go through what is known as the imprinting stage, and it’s possible for them to imprint on humans," says Cooper. "This period is full of learning experiences for puppies and each interaction has the potential to have an impact on the rest of their lives." As their owner, you become your puppy's main resource for food, water, and safety, which is why imprinting happens.

They Want a Treat

If your pet knows you're the person they get treats from, they may be following you around in the hopes of getting a yummy snack. "Dogs are quick learners, and they associate following their owners with potential treats or rewards, making them eager to stay nearby," says Alejandro Caos, DVM, a veterinarian for The Vets.

They Have Separation Anxiety

It's also possible your dog suffers from anxiety when they're away from you. "Dogs can experience separation anxiety for a variety of reasons, and the symptoms range from mild to severe," says Cooper. "It's similar to a human experiencing a panic attack and can include loss of appetite and the inability to self-settle or calm themselves when stressed." Your dog may follow you around as a way to soothe their anxiety.

They're Curious

Dogs are curious animals, and they simply may just want to know what their owner is up to. "They follow their owners to explore new environments, learn about different activities, and engage with their surroundings," says Dr. Caos.

They're Trying to Tell You Something

Your dog may also be following you as a form of communication. "If you think your dog may be trying to tell you something, see if they will lead you somewhere to show you what they need," says Cooper. "They may need to go to the bathroom, have an empty water bowl, or feel ill."

They're Afraid

As a four-legged member of your family, your dog likely sees you as their protector. "When they’re afraid of something, whether it's loud noises like fireworks or they're in an unfamiliar social situation, they will often seek out their humans," says Cooper.

Dog following owner during yoga

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How to Get Your Dog to Stop Following You

Despite the love you have for your dog, it can be disruptive to your day when they follow you everywhere. Luckily, there are some ways you can encourage them to stop this behavior that are beneficial to both you and your canine.

Provide Enrichment Activities

Try providing your dog with activities that allow them to safely exercise their minds. "We recommend activities like frozen Kongs, snuffle mats, or puzzle toys," says Jane MacMurchy, animal specialist and coordinator from Animal Charity of Ohio. Mentally stimulating activities such as these can alleviate boredom and decrease anxiety in your dog.

Make Sure They're Getting Enough Exercise

Ensuring your dog is getting the right amount of exercise for their breed can help break this behavior. "Dogs that get enough activity during the day are much less likely to continuously follow you around," says Cooper.

Gradual Independence

Try gradually increasing the time you spend away from your dog, starting with short periods of time. "This helps build their confidence and independence," says Dr. Caos.

Obedience Training

Teach your dog commands that will encourage them to stay in place or relax. Then use positive reinforcement to encourage those good behaviors. "Reward your dog when they stay in one place or engage in independent activities," says Dr. Caos. "Use treats or praise to reinforce their behavior."

Give Them a Safe Space

Your dog may feel more inclined to stay in one place if they have a cozy spot designated just for them. "Set up a comfortable and secure space with their bed, toys, and familiar scents where they can retreat when they need alone time," says Dr. Caos.

Talk to a Professional

If these methods don't work, you may want to consider turning to a professional for help. "It's always a good idea to seek the support of a professional dog trainer," says Cooper. Experts can help create a training plan based on your pet’s individual needs.

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