What should you do if a dog follows you?
Kyra Brekke
2025-06-14 20:10:46
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If you’re flattered by this affection, and reward your dog for being clingy, you’re sending them a message that the behavior is welcome. Look at it from the dog’s point of view, you might think you’re the cool one, but the person your dog is attached to is the road to everything wonderful and magical. If your dog is overly attached, it’s important to figure out whether this behavior is part of their personality and breeding, or if something more serious is going on. 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.
Mitchell Koepp
2025-06-06 23:10:42
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If your dog starts following you out of the blue, it could be down to any number of reasons. They could be experiencing pain, for example. If you’re concerned about their behaviour or notice a sudden change, speak to your vet.
If you do want to unglue your clingy canine from your side, try to do it in a positive way. Focus on what you want them to do, rather than telling them off when they’re following you. Having a cue, like ‘go to bed’, is helpful in situations where it isn’t safe for your pup to follow.
Encouraging your dog to do something else instead is a good way of reducing how much they follow you. Giving them something enjoyable to do, in an area where they are relaxed, will build their independence. This will give them more confidence spending time on their own.
Delfina Boehm
2025-05-30 22:17:40
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If your dog follows you, they often want to be around you or are curious. They love you, dogs are known for forming strong bonds with their human caregivers. If your dog sees you as their favourite person, they will naturally want to be by your side as much as possible. They’re bored and want attention, dogs are social creatures that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. If you talk to your dog as he or she follows you, give them treats as you walk by the kitchen with them, etc, you are actually enforcing this behaviour to be normal. They want comfort, dogs are pack animals by nature, and being near their pack members gives them comfort and security. By following you everywhere, your dog may seek reassurance and safety from being near their trusted leader. However, she adds that this Velcro-like behaviour sometimes signals separation anxiety or stress. So if you’re noticing other signs of anxiety or stress, this may warrant a conversation with your vet.
Rusty Reichert
2025-05-30 21:02:15
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If your dog hasn’t gone potty for a while and he’s suddenly glued to your side, it might be a sign that your dog needs to get outside. Try taking your dog outside and see if he needs to go potty. If you give your dog a chew toy, does he stop, if so, he was probably bored. If you’ve determined that you’d like your dog to stop following you around, there’s a relatively simple solution: give him something else to do instead. A helpful way to boost independence in clingy dogs is to teach them how to lie calmly on a bed, towel, or mat. Try putting your dog behind a baby gate or tying his leash to a door, then leave the room. If your dog gets upset by this, then it’s time to work on some “independence training.”