Even though we like them to pieces, we have to admit that there are moments when it is, to put it mildly, unpleasant to be followed about all day by our furry little companions. Is that the case?
And to tell you the truth, I’ve even noticed that there are times when my two dogs behave as if they are being forced to tag along rather than genuinely interested in getting up from a comfortable couch to accompany me from room to room.
However, why do they continue to do it? Even better, how can I prevent them from doing it?
How To Prevent Your Dog From Always Trailing Behind You Throughout The House
Even though we like them to pieces, we have to admit that there are moments when it is, to put it mildly, unpleasant to be followed about all day by our furry little companions. Is that the case?
And to tell you the truth, I’ve even noticed that there are times when my two dogs behave as if they Why Does Your Dog Enjoy Playing? It’s as simple as that:
There are several reasons why cats and dogs alike (if we’re being honest) want to come along for the ride. And while I always thought it was because there was a possibility that food may show up, several other factors could be at play here. So then, let’s begin with…
The Genetic Makeup of the Animals
Some dog breeds were developed mainly for hunting, and they are hard-wired to remain close to their owners. Why? Because a good Pointer or Retriever understands that while they wait for their person to give them orders, they should patiently sit by their owner. When firearms are involved, it is far simpler to observe hand movements, listen for orders, and physically avoid being in the line of fire. Vizslas, also known as Velcro Dogs, Border Collies, Labrador, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd pups, and Shetland Sheepdogs, are some well-known breeds for this particular trait in their dogs. Pugs, Chihuahuas, and French Bulldogs are three examples of smaller dog breeds that have a reputation for having a darker side to their personalities.
Age-Related
Young dogs and puppies naturally tend to remain close to their parents or other caretakers. It was the only way for them to stay alive in the wild. Because you are the one who provides them with treats, food, hugs, and general caring, it is you who are responsible for giving them a sense of safety and security at this point. They are being forced to tag along rather than genuinely interested in getting up from a comfortable couch to accompany me from room to room.
However, why do they continue to do it? Even better, how can I prevent them from doing it?
The Fear of Being Alone
This may be a breed-specific trait or connected to a rescue dog’s past of being neglected. Or, it may be anything as simple as the temperament of your particular dog. It is not an unusual condition that may cause the dog to bark incessantly, chew shoes or furniture, urinate and defecate all over the home, and urinate in inappropriate places. It may be summed up as extreme anxiousness that sets in the minute he is left to his own devices. Because of this, he is likely following you around the home.
Genuine Curiosity
Certain canines feel the need to be aware of everything that is taking place. The crunch of a package, the sound of a cabinet door being opened, the reason you’re walking upstairs or downstairs, and so on. He is getting up and following along regardless of what else he may be doing since he has a genuine interest and a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).
Boredom
A condition similar to FOMO, boredom causes your dog to give you his “something to do.” Your dog needs mental stimulation and, for some of the more giant breeds, a task to complete, even if he does not require strenuous activity throughout the day, owing to his age, size, or sickness. While the two of you are simply lying about, and suddenly, you stand up, it will suffice for him as a method to pass the time when he’s seeking anything to do.
Animal of Herd Behavior
If your dog’s daily schedule consists of breakfast, walks, snacks, supper, and cuddling in front of your favorite series on Netflix each night, then there is a good chance that he is now cognitively locked in and expecting a regular pattern. If you suddenly accept a phone call or become distracted by your job, friends, family, or other life events, he may start following you as a reminder that it is time to get back on track and go back to what you did before.
Incentives and Rewarding Foods
When you enter the kitchen, your dog will anticipate getting a head scratch, a dog treat, or even a little bit of whatever it is you have for dinner if you’ve gotten into the habit of giving it to him every time you go in there. Hey, it’s simple to do. And this means that he will be there to accompany you each time you get up – regardless of whether you are going to the kitchen at that moment. For the sake of safety.
Companionship with the Human Group He Travels With
You have entered the fascinating world of pack animals. Once upon a time, you were forced to take your dog on walks with other dogs to assure their safety, the success of their hunts, and even their friendship. Even though being among others has satisfied those first two wants, he still needs to interact with others. Because of this, it’s in their nature to get up and follow you, just like their nomad ancestors did.
He requires something
And last, it’s likely that your pet is following closely after you because he has a need that must be satisfied. It might be so that he can urinate to be fed, or he can be reassured if there is a storm or fireworks outside. Because he cannot communicate verbally, you need to check for any indicators. Will he go for the rear door, his food dish, or will he hide behind you? If you can find a solution to even one of these problems, you can convince your dog to relax and spend the night where it is.
So, how exactly does one go about discouraging conduct of this nature? Some things may be self-evident and a simple repair, such as giving him a little bit more food, some more comfort, or giving him a little break to use the restroom, while other things may not have clear remedies. Here are five options out of many that we believe could do the trick:
Put Him to the Test: You’ve probably heard the word “dog weary,” right? You might be onto something there. When you wish to inhibit your dog’s tendency to follow you from room to room, having a pooped pet is the most effective thing you can do. No matter the size of your dog, putting an end to the day with some vigorous exercise like a long walk, playing fetch with a ball, or running after a Frisbee is a fantastic idea. He will be worn out and calm, and he will have less need to follow you from room to room.
Modify Your Behavior Who among you could say no to giving him an additional treat or giving him a little scratch behind the ears every time you turn around, and there he is? I call; he adores you; he’s adorable, and what could go wrong with giving him a little bit of extra attention, right? If you’re trying to discourage this insatiable drive to follow you around, you’re doing it incorrectly. This kind of conduct shouldn’t be encouraged. Hold off showing affection and cuddling until after the dog has earned prizes and goodies.
Eliminate Boredom with Fun Stuff: Puzzle games that deliver rewards or kibble are a great way to take your mind off things. Similarly, providing him with a high-quality rawhide or chew toy may keep him engaged and make him less interested in whatever you are doing. Again, you want to avoid rewarding your dog with these goods after he has followed you into the kitchen; moreover, you should make sure they are available before leaving him alone.
Eliminate Sources of Stress: If your dog is clinging to you because of fear or worry, you should figure out the root of the problem and then take the necessary actions to address it. De-sensitization is an approach that may be used to deal with the noise caused by thunderstorms or fireworks. A progressive introduction to low-volume recordings of the sounds in question is a component of this procedure. Or by wearing ThunderShirts, which are designed to assist reduce excessive breathing.
When it’s time for bed if your dog has a bed, blanket, or cage in which he prefers to sleep, teach him to withdraw to that location when his shadowing starts. to guarantee that he considers this directive a pleasurable experience rather than a punishment, including some of his favorite toys, snacks, and even puzzle games.
Remember that your dog’s desire to follow should not be punished but understood and addressed. This is true regardless of whatever strategy you finally decide to use.