Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack, says Sally Morgan, author and holistic physical therapist for pets and people. 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. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture. 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. It’s not uncommon for certain breeds to over-attach to their owners, this includes dogs in the Working Group or Herding Group that are bred to work side-by-side with humans. It’s a trait that’s prized and bred into their genetic history, says Kramer. 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, those previous experiences have an impact on a dog and can contribute to the lingering fear of abandonment, says Dr. Barrack.