Why Your Dog Doesn’t Let You Out of Their Sight
Dogs are known for being pack animals, and you are seen as their pack leader. So it’s natural that your furry friend wants to follow you around now and then. But some dogs take that to a whole new level and start to attach to their owners like velcro. Here’s what you should know about your watchful canine, and when to recognize it as a problem.
Some Breeds Are Just Born That Way
There are many dog breeds, especially lap dogs, that tend to be particularly clingy – which for some owners is exactly what they want. Smaller dogs were typically bred to be companion dogs, meaning they have a natural instinct to be more dependent on you than other dogs typically are.
It’s not just small dogs either; herding dogs often become highly attached to their owners as well. Since their job was once to follow and corral animals, it makes sense that they almost want to do the same towards you. Additionally, herding dogs were bred to follow commands, so their clinginess may be a way of them ensuring they don’t miss any orders you might have for them.
Your Dog May Just Enjoy Your Company
It may come as a shock, but your dog adores you – and them following you and keeping an eye on you may just be a way of them showing that love and admiration. If they enjoy your presence and associate you with positive experiences like treats, attention, and belly rubs, it would make sense that they would want to be around that as much as possible.
Plus, many dogs are naturally protective over their owners and their pack. So if they’re keeping a close eye on you, it may be a sort of security for them. Reassuring them that you’re not in harm’s way, and if you happened to get into trouble, they’d be ready to spring into action and help you.
Benefits of Having a Watchful Pup
A dog who follows you at the hip (or ankle) may trip you up sometimes by getting in between your legs, but there are some benefits to this behavior. Numerous studies have shown that having a canine around reduces human stress significantly and can help ward off depression.
Additionally, when your pup is around you more, it allows them to familiarize your actions and mannerisms better, leading to a stronger relationship as well as helping them understand you a bit more.
When the Behavior Becomes a Problem
Even though having a dog follow you all over the place has its benefits, there is a point where it can become a troubling problem. If your pooch starts to refuse to interact with other dogs or humans – then this could be a sign of severe anxiety, and they’re following you for comfort. While that may be sweet, anxiety in dogs causes them an immense amount of stress and can lead to bad behavior if not treated.
Sometimes having a dog as your shadow is nothing more than an instinct or an expression of admiration. But when it starts to correlate with troubling behavior, you should take note and get Fido the help they need, starting with a visit to their vet.