It’s not uncommon for dogs to follow their owners around the house or keep a close eye on them. There are a few key reasons why dogs exhibit this behavior.
Protection
One of the main reasons dogs follow their owners is to protect them. Dogs have an instinct to guard their family and home. Following you around allows them to keep an eye out for anything that may seem like a threat. It gives them comfort knowing that they can keep you safe. This behavior stems from their ancestral roots when dogs needed to alert and defend their pack from potential dangers.
Affection
Dogs are very attached to their human families. Their desire to be around you and watch you can be a sign of their love and affection. By keeping you within view, they are maintaining that bond and closeness. It brings them security and contentment just to be near their favorite human.
Curiosity
Dogs are naturally inquisitive animals. When you go about your daily routine – cooking, cleaning, getting ready – they want to see what you are up to. Watching your movements and activities is interesting and exciting to them. They are fascinated by everything you do and want to observe the action.
Separation Anxiety
Some dogs develop separation anxiety when they cannot be with certain family members. This results in them shadowing you closely around the house. They will follow you relentlessly room to room to prevent being left alone. This anxious attachment causes distress when they cannot keep their human in view.
Boredom
A lack of activity and mental stimulation can cause dogs to resort to following you around. Without adequate exercise and engagement, they find entertainment in your daily actions and movements. Trailing you closely gives them something to do.
Training
For some dogs, sticking right by your side is part of their training. Service dogs and hunting dogs are taught to constantly look to their handler for instruction and permission. Maintaining close proximity and eye contact is an ingrained habit.
Health Issues
Certain health conditions like dementia, anxiety, vision loss or hearing loss can cause dogs to shadow their owners more closely. By staying nearby, they can feel more secure and less disoriented. Some medications have clinginess as a side effect as well.
Breed Instincts
Some breeds are genetically inclined to be “velcro dogs” that glue themselves to their owners. Herding breeds like Collies and Shelties and guarding breeds like Chow Chows tend to follow very closely. They have deeply embedded instincts to stick by their flock or person.
How to Manage This Behavior
If your dog’s shadowing behavior seems excessive or disruptive, there are some things you can do:
- Make sure they get plenty of exercise and playtime.
- Practice leaving them alone for short periods to build independence.
- Give them stimulating toys when you are home, like puzzle feeders.
- Take them to obedience training for manners.
- Rule out any medical issues with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Having a canine companion that wants to be by your side constantly is a common habit in dogs. It’s generally nothing to worry about as long as their closely monitoring behavior does not seem obsessive or anxious. With the right balance of affection, activity and independence, your dog can feel comfortable still keeping you in their sights as they healthily and happily follow you wherever you go.