Dogs are great companions and will love you unconditionally. But too much of their love can become a little annoying, especially when your dog follows you wherever you go. So, why does my dog get up when you move? And what should you do about it?
Why Does My Dog Get up When I Move?
You’re chilling on the couch, and your dog is nearby, but the minute you get up, they stand up and follow you. Does this sound familiar?
Dogs are naturally curious creatures; when you get up, they follow you to see what you’re up to.
Here are some reasons your dog will get up and follow whenever you move.
Dogs Are Pack Animals
Dogs’ ancestors used to live with their families or packs. Once you’ve brought your dog home, your family has become their family, and you’re the pack leader. So, they’ll naturally follow you.
You Have a Puppy
Puppies learn to follow their caregivers from a very young age. You provide food and protection, so your puppy will follow you around until they feel comfortable enough to be on their own.
Your Dog Loves You
Your dog wants to show you that it loves you. It doesn’t want to spend time away from you, so it will follow you wherever you go. And here’s an interesting post about that here, Does your Poodle love you? It’s Science!
Your Dog Wants to Protect You
The minute you get up, your canine will follow you to see if you’re in danger. Your dog feels obligated to protect you, and their job is to ensure you’re safe.
Your Dog is Curious
Dogs are curious creatures, and when you get up, they just want to know where you’re going. You might be going to grab a bite or for a walk in the park, so they don’t want to miss this chance.
Your Dog Is Scared
If your dog is traumatized, they might follow you because they’re scared. Dogs are emotionally vulnerable and might follow you because they’re anxious and suffer from fear of abandonment.
If this is your dog and they also show signs of aggression towards others, you might like to read, Dog Anxiety Aggression: Fear Based Aggression
Why Do Dogs Follow You Everywhere in the House?
Despite having been domesticated thousands of years ago, dogs still retain their basic instincts. Securing food, shelter, and companionship is their main concern, and they will follow you everywhere to make sure that their needs are met.
Your dog might be following you everywhere for various reasons.
It’s Their Nature
Some dogs are less independent, so they will follow you everywhere, while others are bred to receive orders from humans, so it’s their job to follow you and do what you ask.
A companion or toy dog will follow you because it’s what it does best, as its main job is to shower you with love. Chihuahuas, for example, are toy dogs bred to be excellent companions, to the point of becoming too clingy if you want to move around freely.
Lap dogs like pugs will follow you because they don’t want to be left alone. German Shepherds are herding dogs that were bred to do tasks. So, your beloved dog will follow you around to do whatever you want it to do.
Teacup and toy breeds, like a teacup poodle, were especially bred to be companion animals, and so will stay by your side just because it’s in their nature to do so.
It’s Time for Food
Your canine will follow you around if you haven’t fed them. Dogs like to have daily routines and get excited when it’s time for food. So, if you’ve missed feeding time, your dog will follow you around to remind you that you need to give them some love and attention, and maybe a bowl of food.
It’s Time for a Walk
Going for daily walks is essential for your dog’s mental and physical well-being. So, you should never miss walks and daily exercises because your dog might get too bored and eventually engage in destructive behaviors.
If you’ve been taking your canine for daily walks at a fixed time and missed one, they will start following you around whenever you move. They believe that you’re getting ready for exercise and playtime. They might even stand next to the door, showing you that they’re ready to go.
Your Dog is Bored
With nothing to do all day long, your dog will follow you around because they could just be bored. They might just be hoping for some play time!
Your Dog Wants Attention
Your dog knows that every time they follow you, you pat them on the head, tell them how good they are, give them a treat, or play with them. So, if you’re giving your dog lots of praise when they follow you around, then guess what they’re going to do? A lot of people don’t mind this adorable and endearing behavior, until for some people, it becomes excessive.
If your dog is touch clingy, you might like to read, Why Is My Dog So Clingy? (Revealed)
Your Dog Suffers From Separation Anxiety
A lot of breeds can’t handle being left alone for long periods. Those dogs suffer from separation anxiety and will follow you around whenever you get home.
Why Is My Dog So Clingy?
Having a clingy dog can become problematic if they don’t want to leave you alone. A Velcro dog will feel threatened whenever you show attention to any other creature, and they may even get aggressive.
A dog that doesn’t want to stay away from you can be cute, but a clingy dog shouldn’t be encouraged.
Here are some reasons why you might have a clingy dog.
- You have a clingy breed that follows humans as their nature. Lap, toy, and herding dogs are known to be more clingy.
- Your dog acted clingy in the past, and you did nothing about it. You might have rewarded it by giving it food and treats.
- You have a sick or old canine, and it’s becoming too clingy because it can’t see or hear well.
- Your dog seeks protection because it’s scared or worried.
- You’ve suddenly changed something related to the dog’s daily routine, so everything feels unfamiliar to it.
- Your dog is anxious because of a change in its household.
You might like to read our post, Why Does My Dog Dig at My Stomach? Explained
Dog Follows Me Everywhere I Go, What Should I Do?
You and your dog have a strong bond, and you need to find ways to calm your canine down if it’s worried and scared. Here are a few things you can do if your dog follows you everywhere.
- Keep your dog busy and distracted if they’re bored.
- Teach your dog to stay where it is and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to follow your orders.
- Don’t make a big deal of leaving the house if your dog suffers from separation anxiety, and try to find someone to keep them company when you leave home for long periods.
- Give your dog treats and toys to show love and care whenever you’re home.
- Use baby gates, so your dog can see you without having to follow you around.
- Take your dog for daily walks and give them plenty of exercises.
- Don’t punish your dog for following you.
What to Do About a Clingy, Velcro Dog
If you have a Velcro dog, there are a few things you can do to make things better.
- Make sure that your dog gets enough playtime to channel their energy.
- Create a safe space for your dog so they doesn’t need to follow you around for comfort.
- Provide your dog with enough toys and puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Don’t reward this behavior, and don’t give your dog treats or toys whenever it follows you.
- If you have a senior dog that doesn’t see well, don’t move furniture around the house, and ensure that everything stays in place.
- Ask your vet for supplements that can help your senior dog feel better.
- To prevent clingy behavior from progressing to separation anxiety, you’ll need to ask a professional about how to help your dog.
We also recommend you set them up a pen if they’re too much underfoot. You can read our post on that here, Choosing a Dog Pen: Complete Guide (Size and Type)
Wrap Up
Having a clingy dog isn’t always an issue unless things get out of control. Some dogs will follow you because it’s in their nature, while others will follow you because they need your protection and love.
Although having a Velcro dog that follows you everywhere can be adorable because you know that it loves you unconditionally, it might become annoying. And it can be a problem when you’re trying to cook in the kitchen! Luckily, you can train your dog to be less clingy.
