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Why Does My Dog

Follow Me
Everywhere?
By Harriet Meyers
Published: Mar 02, 2021 | 4 Minutes

anxiety

We love spending quality time with our pups. But there

may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog

follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with

your dog’s animal instinct, pack mentality, and a few

other variables.

Canine companions that follow their humans

everywhere are often referred to as “velcro dogs”

because of their desire to be attached to your side.

“Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack,” says

Sally Morgan, author and holistic physical therapist for

pets and people.

While having your dog follow you everywhere might

seem cute and lovable, it can be an indication that

something else is going on. According to Dr. Rachel

Barrack, licensed veterinarian certified in veterinary

acupuncture with Animal Acupuncture in New York

City, there are scientific reasons behind dogs’ clingy

behavior. “Young puppies (anywhere from birth to 6

months of age) can often imprint on their owners and

look to them as they would their mother,” says Dr.

Barrack.

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Another reason your dog might stay close to your side

is positive reinforcement. “If every time you are with

your dog, he gets affection or treats, he’s likely to

follow you around more often,” Dr. Barrack says. If

you’re flattered by this affection, and reward your dog

for being clingy, you’re sending him a message that the

behavior is welcome.

Because dogs respond to their owners’ behavior, it’s

important to examine your relationship. For example, if

your dog sleeps in your bed, you might be creating a

dependency and reinforcing his need to be close to you

at all times.

Following the Leader

In households consisting of multiple people, there’s a

good chance your dog will become fixated on one

person in particular. Sometimes it’s the primary

caregiver who provides food and walks or the fun-

time human who plays tug-of-war, a game of catch, or

hands out endless amounts of treats.

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“Look at it from the dog’s point of view,” says Erin

Kramer, a professional certified dog trainer and owner

of Tug Dogs in Northern California. “You might think

you’re the cool one, but the person your dog is

attached to is the road to everything wonderful and

magical. The focus is on that person because of what

they give access to.”

A dog’s life experience before entering your home can

play a big part when it comes to being fixated on one

person, especially for dogs who have been rescued.

What was their life like before they came to live with

you? “Those previous experiences have an impact on a

dog and can contribute to the lingering fear of

abandonment,” says Dr. Barrack.

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It’s not uncommon for certain breeds to over-attach to

their owners, particularly dogs in the working or

herding groups that are bred to work side-by-side with

their humans. “It’s a trait that’s prized and bred into

their genetic history,” says Kramer.

If your dog is overly attached, it’s important to figure

out whether this velcro behavior is part of his

personality and breeding, or if something more serious

is going on. For example, an older dog may be losing his

sight or hearing, becoming more fearful of the

environment and dependent on having you near.

“A dog that suddenly becomes very clingy may be

suffering from a physical ailment and keeping you in

reach for comfort. A checkup by the veterinarian is a

good idea if this happens,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC

chief veterinary officer.

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Velcro Vs. Separation

Anxiety
Could a dog who is attached to you at the hip be

showing signs of separation anxiety? While they’re

both associated with not wanting to be away from an

owner, there are some distinct yet subtle differences

between these two forms of behavior.

The big difference between separation anxiety and

being a velcro dog is anxiety itself. While velcro dogs

prefer to be glued to their owners, dogs with true

separation anxiety actually panic when they’re away

from their owners.

Velcro dogs may be more susceptible to developing

separation anxiety, but it doesn’t automatically mean

they will. However, it should serve as a wake-up call to

address the behavior before it reaches the point where

your dog can’t function without you in the picture.

Creating a Healthy Balance

There are various approaches owners can take to help

a dog who exhibits these traits. What is best is a dog

who loves your attention and being close to you, but is

fine when you’re not around.

1. “Bonding with your dog is good for you,” says Dr.

Barrack. “Just make sure that in the process you

do not limit the dog’s social interactions with

other dogs and people.”

2. Physical and mental exercise may encourage a

dog to settle down and relax. A dog with too

much energy is more likely to be bored and

restless – and to follow you.

3. Leaving toys and treats near the dog bed can give

your dog a place to settle down. Teach the “stay”

and “place” commands, and give your dog

attention for remaining on his dog bed.

4. If there are other adults in your household, have

them walk the dog on a regular basis.

5. Your dog may lack confidence and stick to you for

protection. Encourage him, for short periods of

time, to be across the room, in another room, etc.

6. Set up rules and stick to them. If you want your

dog to stay away from the dinner table or sleep in

his own bed every night – train him to do that.

And if you’re having trouble with your pup’s

clingy behavior, consider consulting a

professional dog trainer.

Many of us get a dog so we will have a constant

companion. Your dog deserves your love and attention,

and it’s up to you to find a healthy balance for time

together and apart.

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