Why Do Dogs Follow You Everywhere?

It might seem incessant at first, or even like a behavioral problem. But, there is more than one reason why dogs follow their owners all over the home

To the kitchen. To the bedroom. Of course, to the patio. Even to the laundry room. And, if you aren’t careful, to the bathroom, as well. Many dogs follow their owners everywhere. They do not leave their sides under any circumstances. But what can be nice for some people, becomes tiresome for others. Whatever your case, surely this question keeps going through your head: “Why does my dog ​​follow me everywhere?”

A dog’s personal marking

Perhaps the most scientific explanation for why our four-legged friends follow their owners all over the house is that it might be an “updated” version of how their ancestor, the wolf, follows the leader of the pack. In this case, their owners.

But today’s pooches are not animals that follow the alpha male and submit to their hierarchy without hesitation in order to ensure their survival.

Actually, dogs choose to follow the person who is the kindest. The one that will undoubtedly provide them with everything they need to feel comfortable, safe and loved. And what is more, they know how to distinguish very well between those who walk through life with a good predisposition toward others and those who only look after their own interests.

Reasons why your dog follows you all over the house

From a perspective that is more emotional but not far from reality, the answer to the million dollar question — “why does my dog follow me everywhere?” — is simply: because he loves you.

Your dog loves you so much that he needs to be with you at every moment to smell your agreeable scent and hear your beloved voice.  He follows after you everywhere because he wants you to:

• Cuddle with him.
• Say nice things to him.
• Play with him.

For the same reason, he is waiting for your return home. And this is why he is full of joy when he greets you, jumping and wagging his tail. As you know, there are many ways that dogs can show their affection, although some may seem excessive.

Food, among the reasons why your dog follows you

Although, we must also be honest and say that your dogs follow you for a very concrete and material reason: to get food.

He is looking at every bite you bring to your mouth and for any crumbs that may fall to the ground. And it is taken for granted that he will not miss the opportunity to always ask for a little more food.

That’s why it is important that you do not give in to his pleading look every time you eat a sandwich. You must be very careful in this aspect, since the problem of obesity could be just around the corner. Remember that your veterinarian is the one who can best advise you on qualities and adequate amounts in relation to your four-legged friend’s food.

Some solutions so that you do not live you life asking, “Why do my dogs follow me everywhere?”

So that you do not ask yourself for the umpteenth time why your pet is always behind you, the important thing is that you set clear rules during his socialization and training. Your dog must relate with other animals and people without inconveniencing them. And he must also learn — through positive reinforcement — to respond to some basic commands, such as “sit” or “quiet.”

Although, in some extreme cases, it may be necessary to use a animal behavior specialist in order to move things onto a more normal course.

We must not forget that dogs are very sociable beings, who constantly seek the company of their humans. For this reason, if they spend a lot of time alone, they can suffer from stress, separation anxiety and other behavioral problems.

So those who are not very fond of clinginess should perhaps opt for another pet. Although it would be better to surrender to this, sometimes overwhelming, evidence of love that dogs lavish upon us.

Source of the main image: Andrea Aguirre.