Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

We’ve all had the experience—you walk to the kitchen to refill your drink, and your little shadow is underfoot. Or you head into the bathroom, only to find a curious nose pushing the door open behind you.

Although you surely enjoy your dog’s companionship and may even like being followed around sometimes, it can get to be a little much. If it causes you or someone else to trip, it can be dangerous as well.

So why do dogs like to follow us everywhere? Can it ever a sign of a deeper problem you need to address? Here are all the answers you need, including when to be concerned and what you can do to stop your dog from following you if it gets to be excessive.

Reasons Dogs Follow You Everywhere

There are many reasons dogs choose to follow us. Probably the most consistent one is that it’s in their genes—throughout history, dogs have been pack animals. When we remove dogs from their canine pack, they simply adopt their human pack instead. The same instincts that kick in with wild dogs are present in our canine companions.

But genetics aren’t the only reason dogs like to follow people.

Dogs are social animals. Just as we enjoy their companionship, they often like ours as well. And what better way to show it than to stick close to your buddy? Further, if your dog was adopted as a young puppy, she may be “imprinted” on you, truly feeling like you are their “dog mother.”

In other cases, some dogs just get bored, so they figure that if you’re doing something, why not tag along? These dogs will often greatly benefit from more exercise.

Lots of pets learn to clue in on daily routines, like the fact that they are fed or walked at certain times. What better way to make sure you don’t forget than to be right there and waiting? We often unconsciously reward this cute behavior, too, by providing food or treats.

Just beware that this can be a double-edged sword, as it makes your dog more likely to repeat the behavior, which might not be something you want.

Occasionally, dogs will stick close to your side if they are nervous, frightened, uncertain of strangers, or not feeling well. This is especially common during thunderstorms and fireworks; dogs see us as their protectors in these events. And the very occasional dog gets so anxious if they are separated from their pet parent that they panic—this is not a good situation for either party.