Why does my dog follow me everywhere?

Updated 21/11/2023

“My dog follows me everywhere!” Sound familiar? For some pooch parents, having their fur baby follow them all day long is a normal part of their routine - your dog follows you everywhere, it’s always been that way and probably will be forever. However, other pet parents may have noticed this as a sudden change in behavior. Your once independent snuffle hound has mysteriously started showing signs of clingy behavior. Why?

Well, we have all the answers for you today! Whether you’ve asked ‘Why is my dog following me everywhere suddenly’, or simply want to know ‘Why does my dog follow me everywhere and stare at me’, we have a list of potential options below.

Remember, if you’re ever concerned about a change in your pup's health or behavior, always contact your vet for advice.

Why does my dog follow me everywhere?

They recognize you as their primary caregiver AKA they love you!

What does it mean if your dog follows you everywhere? Well, sometimes, the answer can be a sweet and simple one - they love you! As their walker, feeder, and snuggler, they understand you are their primary caregiver. Following is a sign of trust amongst dogs, and if you’re a pet parent who is always with their huggable hound, there’s a good chance they’re showing you how much you mean to them.

You are their pack leader

Not only are some pet parents seen as their primary caregivers, they can even be seen as their pack leaders. This is the utmost sign of doggy respect - they understand you are the bringer of food and decisions, and you are the wisest of all the dogs they know and consider friends. You are their chosen one! 

In some instances, it’s essential for a dog’s day-to-day working life. Border Collies, or other work dogs, need to see their parents as pack leaders to make sure they follow their instructions exactly and completely trust their humans.

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common condition that your dog needs help with. Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in diagnoses of pups with anxiety or separation anxiety. This can be recognized if your dog has suddenly started showing clingy behavior, shows signs of distress being left alone or away from their primary caregiver, or struggles to socialize with other dogs whilst with their pet parent.

Contact your vet immediately if you fear your dog may have separation anxiety. In some cases, this clingy behavior can be altered through specialized dog training - including leaving them on their own for very short periods so they can become used to being alone again. For more serious cases, your vet may prescribe anxiety pills for your pup to use in combination with training exercises to overcome their anxiety.

Clingy behavior can be a sign of boredom

Have you ever noticed your dog follows you everywhere at particular times of the day? Well, there’s a good chance they’re just bored! Doggos need both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. If they’ve suddenly become your new shadow, look into whether they need some new toys or chews, an extra walk or fun play session.

Make sure your drool-baby has a few puzzle toys to keep their brains ticking. Otherwise, set up a play date with another canine companion - dogs are fantastic at entertaining each other!

Your pup is a Velcro dog

We promise this is an actual definition. Velcro dogs are pups born with an instant attachment to their human parents. It has nothing to do with separation anxiety, the dog isn’t in any distress, They simply love hanging with humans! Additional dog training at a young age can help encourage young puppies to be more independent - like placing their sleeping crate in a different room to your bedroom. But more often than not, if given the choice between chilling on their own or hanging out with you, they’re always going to pick their pet parents. Once again, our canine companions know how to melt our hearts!

When is it time to take action?

If you notice your dog now follows you everywhere and didn’t before, you should contact your vet. Any change in behavior to how your dog would normally act could be a sign of a health concern such as pain, or in older dogs, conditions such as memory loss, so always have your dog checked over if in doubt.

Similarly, if your pup recently experienced a significant change or trauma - a death in the family or the arrival of a new baby in their home - it’s important to alert your vet about this too. Our sensitive snuffles are just as triggered by change as we humans, and there are lots of ways a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can help your dog become more confident in themselves again. Behavior changes can take time to happen, usually months of training and help is needed but your dog can go on to live a normal happy life when given the right coping mechanisms from you as a pet parent. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

If you’re already a TrustedHousesitters member, you can always call our 24/7 Vet Advice line if you have any worries or concerns over your dog's wellbeing. If you’re new, welcome! If you’re planning a trip soon, why not check out if there are any pup-pampering dog sitters available to care for your canine in your local area?