![\"beagle](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/follows-1.png\")
Why does my dog follow me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs are social animals. As their beautiful facial expressions tell us, they seem to hang off our every word and want to be with us all the time, so following is definitely a normal part of canine behavior<\/a>. Here are more reasons why your dog might be following you around:<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour dog follows you because they love you and want to be near you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPlain and simple, dogs follow us because they want to be near us, and they love companionship. Ultimately, this is why we love dogs right? We\u2019re not into the pack leader model<\/a> around here at Zigzag HQ, but dogs do have quite the preference to be with their friends and family most of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs follow you because they\u2019re bored<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo your dog, you\u2019re their ultimate source of fun and games.<\/a> If you’re up to something, they want to know every little bit about it. What you\u2019re up to is often a lot more interesting than being on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBecause you\u2019re reinforcing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTreats<\/a> and toys<\/a> aren\u2019t the only things that work for positive reinforcement. Many dogs find your loving smile or a few words of kindness very reassuring and comforting, so they’ll likely follow you around to see if they can get a glimpse of affection. If you only pay attention to them when they are with you, they\u2019ll continue to follow you. To them, you\u2019re just nice to be around. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs follow because they don\u2019t want to miss out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes, FOMO is definitely a thing for many dogs. And this can be a good enough reason for them to follow you around everywhere. Instances of when the fear of missing out is likely to kick in is when a new pet or family member is at home, and your dog thinks they\u2019re getting all the attention instead of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following you because they\u2019re anxious or have separation anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs can\u2019t bear the thought of being apart from their owners as being near them makes them feel safe. While the scientific data doesn\u2019t support the idea that dogs who follow you everywhere automatically have separation anxiety, you might want to think if your dog or puppy has some struggles being home alone or seems hyper-attached. Our article on dog separation anxiety<\/a> has more information about this if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChanges in routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDogs are creatures of habit and like having reliable routines<\/a>. Having a routine helps them build confidence, so if daily patterns are changed, it can worry them – triggering their velcro side to come out and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"golden](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/follows-2-.png\")
Photo by Cristian Castillo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nShould I be worried that my dog is following me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs who follow you everywhere are not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Certainly, for puppies being near their caregiver is a survival instinct, so tagging along with you will come very naturally to them. Remember, they feel safe around you – even most adult dogs feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case you have a dog who can only relax when they\u2019re right next to you, or if their following along is driving you mad, you might want to dedicate some training time to settling down on a mat, or helping them relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which dog breeds will follow you around?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dog breeds will follow you more than others. These are likely to be companion dogs who are used to working with people or ones who are generally clingy and feel more anxious when you\u2019re not around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few breeds which might be natural followers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hungarian Vizsla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHungarian Vizslas are known to be people dogs with sensitive souls. They want to be with you all of the time, and they are a breed that can struggle more with anxiety or separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFrenchies<\/a> are the ultimate cuddle bugs and people-focused dogs. It\u2019s one of the reasons why they\u2019re so popular all over the world – people just love to feel loved. Frenchies will follow you everywhere and will get serious FOMO. They\u2019ll want to know what you\u2019re up to at all times because there might be something in it for them. They might also feel a bit worried when they\u2019re on their own, which is yet another reason why they\u2019ll want to be close to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/a>, or little Yodas as I often think of them, were bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy. Today, they continue to live up to this by always wanting to be with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is my older dog following me everywhere suddenly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFollowing behavior in senior dogs that seems to have popped out of nowhere may be cause for concern. Some senior dogs may suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction, which can cause them to appear confused, disoriented, or restless, and make them want to be with you as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other reasons that an ageing dog might suddenly want to follow you can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hearing or sight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They feel stressed or anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re feeling under the weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re hungry (appetite can increase with age!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/follows-3.png\")
Photo by Jamie Street<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get your dog to stop following you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you want your dog to stop stepping on your heels, there are some things you can do to help. But there is a general key to all of this\u2026 teach them to relax! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Make sure they\u2019re healthy<\/strong> – this might mean going to the vet for a visit<\/a> to get the all-clear. This is particularly important if you have an older dog, and you notice they\u2019ve started following you everywhere. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevent them from becoming bored<\/strong> – Puzzle feeders<\/a>, chews<\/a>, and interactive games <\/a>will encourage them to entertain themselves by solving problems (and having fun while they\u2019re at it) and avoid feeling bored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give them a good walk every day<\/strong> – Focus on sniffy walks rather than long walks. This is because keeping their noses busy by exploring all kinds of smells tires dogs out mentally, helping them become calmer and more relaxed in the long run. Long walks might encourage your dog to become more of an athlete that can never get enough of physical activity. Our guide on how much exercise your puppy needs<\/a> will help you determine how much time to spend so they don\u2019t get too tired. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure their bed is comfortable <\/strong><\/a>– As you may know well, a good bed will help result in a good night\u2019s sleep, and you\u2019ll be in a much better mood the next day. It works the same for dogs, and feeling good can help them not feel like they need to follow you around all the time. Different dogs will prefer different types of beds. For example, long-haired dogs or those who get very hot may prefer a apartment memory foam style bed, whereas dogs who get cold may prefer a doughnut or a nest bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Block out background noise<\/strong> – Use white noise machines<\/a> or music to help them stay calm.<\/a> A zen puppy often means a confident puppy, which is always good news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a confinement zone<\/strong> – Make a safe haven behind baby gates or a puppy playpen<\/a> where they’ll hang out. Snazz it up with toys and blankets to make them want to spend time there. This is especially useful for puppies because it allows you to create a puppy-proof space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Train some basic obedience<\/strong><\/a> – Positive reinforcement training<\/a> can be used to teach your dog a go-to mat, place, or settle cue in the best way possible. Make sure to increase the amount of time gradually so they can remain settled over time without feeling unsafe. On the Zigzag app<\/a>, you can find a lot more about this – why not download it today? <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve made it to the end! Well done following us up until now. We hope we\u2019ve helped you manage a dog who follows you everywhere, but mostly, you\u2019ve understood that having a velcro dog is not necessarily something to worry about. They\u2019re just being dogs, simple as that. Dogs love our company, but it’s worth checking how they react when you go out to rule out separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think your puppy has separation anxiety read our full guides to puppy separation anxiety<\/a> and how long can you leave a puppy alone for<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPositive reinforcement training<\/a> is always good to help teach dogs basic obedience cues<\/a>. It gives them an understanding of what to do, and you get a better-behaved dog without anyone getting stressed out. How lovely does that sound? Read our guide to basic puppy training commands<\/a> to get you off to a good start! You\u2019ll also find a full training program in the Zigzag app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed our programs around your puppy\u2019s age of development and breed, so you get the ultimate bespoke experience from an app. Oh, and our team of expert dog trainers <\/a>will always be happy to talk to you any time you run into hiccups. Trust us, they always pick up the phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Your dog follows you because they love you and want to be near you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPlain and simple, dogs follow us because they want to be near us, and they love companionship. Ultimately, this is why we love dogs right? We\u2019re not into the pack leader model<\/a> around here at Zigzag HQ, but dogs do have quite the preference to be with their friends and family most of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs follow you because they\u2019re bored<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo your dog, you\u2019re their ultimate source of fun and games.<\/a> If you’re up to something, they want to know every little bit about it. What you\u2019re up to is often a lot more interesting than being on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBecause you\u2019re reinforcing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTreats<\/a> and toys<\/a> aren\u2019t the only things that work for positive reinforcement. Many dogs find your loving smile or a few words of kindness very reassuring and comforting, so they’ll likely follow you around to see if they can get a glimpse of affection. If you only pay attention to them when they are with you, they\u2019ll continue to follow you. To them, you\u2019re just nice to be around. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs follow because they don\u2019t want to miss out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes, FOMO is definitely a thing for many dogs. And this can be a good enough reason for them to follow you around everywhere. Instances of when the fear of missing out is likely to kick in is when a new pet or family member is at home, and your dog thinks they\u2019re getting all the attention instead of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following you because they\u2019re anxious or have separation anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs can\u2019t bear the thought of being apart from their owners as being near them makes them feel safe. While the scientific data doesn\u2019t support the idea that dogs who follow you everywhere automatically have separation anxiety, you might want to think if your dog or puppy has some struggles being home alone or seems hyper-attached. Our article on dog separation anxiety<\/a> has more information about this if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChanges in routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDogs are creatures of habit and like having reliable routines<\/a>. Having a routine helps them build confidence, so if daily patterns are changed, it can worry them – triggering their velcro side to come out and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhoto by Cristian Castillo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nShould I be worried that my dog is following me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs who follow you everywhere are not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Certainly, for puppies being near their caregiver is a survival instinct, so tagging along with you will come very naturally to them. Remember, they feel safe around you – even most adult dogs feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case you have a dog who can only relax when they\u2019re right next to you, or if their following along is driving you mad, you might want to dedicate some training time to settling down on a mat, or helping them relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which dog breeds will follow you around?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dog breeds will follow you more than others. These are likely to be companion dogs who are used to working with people or ones who are generally clingy and feel more anxious when you\u2019re not around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few breeds which might be natural followers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hungarian Vizsla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHungarian Vizslas are known to be people dogs with sensitive souls. They want to be with you all of the time, and they are a breed that can struggle more with anxiety or separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFrenchies<\/a> are the ultimate cuddle bugs and people-focused dogs. It\u2019s one of the reasons why they\u2019re so popular all over the world – people just love to feel loved. Frenchies will follow you everywhere and will get serious FOMO. They\u2019ll want to know what you\u2019re up to at all times because there might be something in it for them. They might also feel a bit worried when they\u2019re on their own, which is yet another reason why they\u2019ll want to be close to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/a>, or little Yodas as I often think of them, were bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy. Today, they continue to live up to this by always wanting to be with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is my older dog following me everywhere suddenly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFollowing behavior in senior dogs that seems to have popped out of nowhere may be cause for concern. Some senior dogs may suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction, which can cause them to appear confused, disoriented, or restless, and make them want to be with you as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other reasons that an ageing dog might suddenly want to follow you can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hearing or sight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They feel stressed or anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re feeling under the weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re hungry (appetite can increase with age!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Photo by Jamie Street<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get your dog to stop following you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you want your dog to stop stepping on your heels, there are some things you can do to help. But there is a general key to all of this\u2026 teach them to relax! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Make sure they\u2019re healthy<\/strong> – this might mean going to the vet for a visit<\/a> to get the all-clear. This is particularly important if you have an older dog, and you notice they\u2019ve started following you everywhere. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevent them from becoming bored<\/strong> – Puzzle feeders<\/a>, chews<\/a>, and interactive games <\/a>will encourage them to entertain themselves by solving problems (and having fun while they\u2019re at it) and avoid feeling bored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give them a good walk every day<\/strong> – Focus on sniffy walks rather than long walks. This is because keeping their noses busy by exploring all kinds of smells tires dogs out mentally, helping them become calmer and more relaxed in the long run. Long walks might encourage your dog to become more of an athlete that can never get enough of physical activity. Our guide on how much exercise your puppy needs<\/a> will help you determine how much time to spend so they don\u2019t get too tired. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure their bed is comfortable <\/strong><\/a>– As you may know well, a good bed will help result in a good night\u2019s sleep, and you\u2019ll be in a much better mood the next day. It works the same for dogs, and feeling good can help them not feel like they need to follow you around all the time. Different dogs will prefer different types of beds. For example, long-haired dogs or those who get very hot may prefer a apartment memory foam style bed, whereas dogs who get cold may prefer a doughnut or a nest bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Block out background noise<\/strong> – Use white noise machines<\/a> or music to help them stay calm.<\/a> A zen puppy often means a confident puppy, which is always good news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a confinement zone<\/strong> – Make a safe haven behind baby gates or a puppy playpen<\/a> where they’ll hang out. Snazz it up with toys and blankets to make them want to spend time there. This is especially useful for puppies because it allows you to create a puppy-proof space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Train some basic obedience<\/strong><\/a> – Positive reinforcement training<\/a> can be used to teach your dog a go-to mat, place, or settle cue in the best way possible. Make sure to increase the amount of time gradually so they can remain settled over time without feeling unsafe. On the Zigzag app<\/a>, you can find a lot more about this – why not download it today? <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve made it to the end! Well done following us up until now. We hope we\u2019ve helped you manage a dog who follows you everywhere, but mostly, you\u2019ve understood that having a velcro dog is not necessarily something to worry about. They\u2019re just being dogs, simple as that. Dogs love our company, but it’s worth checking how they react when you go out to rule out separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think your puppy has separation anxiety read our full guides to puppy separation anxiety<\/a> and how long can you leave a puppy alone for<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPositive reinforcement training<\/a> is always good to help teach dogs basic obedience cues<\/a>. It gives them an understanding of what to do, and you get a better-behaved dog without anyone getting stressed out. How lovely does that sound? Read our guide to basic puppy training commands<\/a> to get you off to a good start! You\u2019ll also find a full training program in the Zigzag app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed our programs around your puppy\u2019s age of development and breed, so you get the ultimate bespoke experience from an app. Oh, and our team of expert dog trainers <\/a>will always be happy to talk to you any time you run into hiccups. Trust us, they always pick up the phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dogs follow you because they\u2019re bored<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo your dog, you\u2019re their ultimate source of fun and games.<\/a> If you’re up to something, they want to know every little bit about it. What you\u2019re up to is often a lot more interesting than being on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBecause you\u2019re reinforcing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTreats<\/a> and toys<\/a> aren\u2019t the only things that work for positive reinforcement. Many dogs find your loving smile or a few words of kindness very reassuring and comforting, so they’ll likely follow you around to see if they can get a glimpse of affection. If you only pay attention to them when they are with you, they\u2019ll continue to follow you. To them, you\u2019re just nice to be around. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs follow because they don\u2019t want to miss out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes, FOMO is definitely a thing for many dogs. And this can be a good enough reason for them to follow you around everywhere. Instances of when the fear of missing out is likely to kick in is when a new pet or family member is at home, and your dog thinks they\u2019re getting all the attention instead of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following you because they\u2019re anxious or have separation anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs can\u2019t bear the thought of being apart from their owners as being near them makes them feel safe. While the scientific data doesn\u2019t support the idea that dogs who follow you everywhere automatically have separation anxiety, you might want to think if your dog or puppy has some struggles being home alone or seems hyper-attached. Our article on dog separation anxiety<\/a> has more information about this if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChanges in routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDogs are creatures of habit and like having reliable routines<\/a>. Having a routine helps them build confidence, so if daily patterns are changed, it can worry them – triggering their velcro side to come out and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhoto by Cristian Castillo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nShould I be worried that my dog is following me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs who follow you everywhere are not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Certainly, for puppies being near their caregiver is a survival instinct, so tagging along with you will come very naturally to them. Remember, they feel safe around you – even most adult dogs feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case you have a dog who can only relax when they\u2019re right next to you, or if their following along is driving you mad, you might want to dedicate some training time to settling down on a mat, or helping them relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which dog breeds will follow you around?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dog breeds will follow you more than others. These are likely to be companion dogs who are used to working with people or ones who are generally clingy and feel more anxious when you\u2019re not around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few breeds which might be natural followers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hungarian Vizsla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHungarian Vizslas are known to be people dogs with sensitive souls. They want to be with you all of the time, and they are a breed that can struggle more with anxiety or separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFrenchies<\/a> are the ultimate cuddle bugs and people-focused dogs. It\u2019s one of the reasons why they\u2019re so popular all over the world – people just love to feel loved. Frenchies will follow you everywhere and will get serious FOMO. They\u2019ll want to know what you\u2019re up to at all times because there might be something in it for them. They might also feel a bit worried when they\u2019re on their own, which is yet another reason why they\u2019ll want to be close to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/a>, or little Yodas as I often think of them, were bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy. Today, they continue to live up to this by always wanting to be with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is my older dog following me everywhere suddenly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFollowing behavior in senior dogs that seems to have popped out of nowhere may be cause for concern. Some senior dogs may suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction, which can cause them to appear confused, disoriented, or restless, and make them want to be with you as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other reasons that an ageing dog might suddenly want to follow you can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hearing or sight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They feel stressed or anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re feeling under the weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re hungry (appetite can increase with age!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Photo by Jamie Street<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get your dog to stop following you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you want your dog to stop stepping on your heels, there are some things you can do to help. But there is a general key to all of this\u2026 teach them to relax! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Make sure they\u2019re healthy<\/strong> – this might mean going to the vet for a visit<\/a> to get the all-clear. This is particularly important if you have an older dog, and you notice they\u2019ve started following you everywhere. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevent them from becoming bored<\/strong> – Puzzle feeders<\/a>, chews<\/a>, and interactive games <\/a>will encourage them to entertain themselves by solving problems (and having fun while they\u2019re at it) and avoid feeling bored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give them a good walk every day<\/strong> – Focus on sniffy walks rather than long walks. This is because keeping their noses busy by exploring all kinds of smells tires dogs out mentally, helping them become calmer and more relaxed in the long run. Long walks might encourage your dog to become more of an athlete that can never get enough of physical activity. Our guide on how much exercise your puppy needs<\/a> will help you determine how much time to spend so they don\u2019t get too tired. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure their bed is comfortable <\/strong><\/a>– As you may know well, a good bed will help result in a good night\u2019s sleep, and you\u2019ll be in a much better mood the next day. It works the same for dogs, and feeling good can help them not feel like they need to follow you around all the time. Different dogs will prefer different types of beds. For example, long-haired dogs or those who get very hot may prefer a apartment memory foam style bed, whereas dogs who get cold may prefer a doughnut or a nest bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Block out background noise<\/strong> – Use white noise machines<\/a> or music to help them stay calm.<\/a> A zen puppy often means a confident puppy, which is always good news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a confinement zone<\/strong> – Make a safe haven behind baby gates or a puppy playpen<\/a> where they’ll hang out. Snazz it up with toys and blankets to make them want to spend time there. This is especially useful for puppies because it allows you to create a puppy-proof space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Train some basic obedience<\/strong><\/a> – Positive reinforcement training<\/a> can be used to teach your dog a go-to mat, place, or settle cue in the best way possible. Make sure to increase the amount of time gradually so they can remain settled over time without feeling unsafe. On the Zigzag app<\/a>, you can find a lot more about this – why not download it today? <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve made it to the end! Well done following us up until now. We hope we\u2019ve helped you manage a dog who follows you everywhere, but mostly, you\u2019ve understood that having a velcro dog is not necessarily something to worry about. They\u2019re just being dogs, simple as that. Dogs love our company, but it’s worth checking how they react when you go out to rule out separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think your puppy has separation anxiety read our full guides to puppy separation anxiety<\/a> and how long can you leave a puppy alone for<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPositive reinforcement training<\/a> is always good to help teach dogs basic obedience cues<\/a>. It gives them an understanding of what to do, and you get a better-behaved dog without anyone getting stressed out. How lovely does that sound? Read our guide to basic puppy training commands<\/a> to get you off to a good start! You\u2019ll also find a full training program in the Zigzag app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed our programs around your puppy\u2019s age of development and breed, so you get the ultimate bespoke experience from an app. Oh, and our team of expert dog trainers <\/a>will always be happy to talk to you any time you run into hiccups. Trust us, they always pick up the phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Because you\u2019re reinforcing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTreats<\/a> and toys<\/a> aren\u2019t the only things that work for positive reinforcement. Many dogs find your loving smile or a few words of kindness very reassuring and comforting, so they’ll likely follow you around to see if they can get a glimpse of affection. If you only pay attention to them when they are with you, they\u2019ll continue to follow you. To them, you\u2019re just nice to be around. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs follow because they don\u2019t want to miss out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes, FOMO is definitely a thing for many dogs. And this can be a good enough reason for them to follow you around everywhere. Instances of when the fear of missing out is likely to kick in is when a new pet or family member is at home, and your dog thinks they\u2019re getting all the attention instead of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following you because they\u2019re anxious or have separation anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs can\u2019t bear the thought of being apart from their owners as being near them makes them feel safe. While the scientific data doesn\u2019t support the idea that dogs who follow you everywhere automatically have separation anxiety, you might want to think if your dog or puppy has some struggles being home alone or seems hyper-attached. Our article on dog separation anxiety<\/a> has more information about this if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChanges in routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDogs are creatures of habit and like having reliable routines<\/a>. Having a routine helps them build confidence, so if daily patterns are changed, it can worry them – triggering their velcro side to come out and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhoto by Cristian Castillo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nShould I be worried that my dog is following me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs who follow you everywhere are not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Certainly, for puppies being near their caregiver is a survival instinct, so tagging along with you will come very naturally to them. Remember, they feel safe around you – even most adult dogs feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case you have a dog who can only relax when they\u2019re right next to you, or if their following along is driving you mad, you might want to dedicate some training time to settling down on a mat, or helping them relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which dog breeds will follow you around?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dog breeds will follow you more than others. These are likely to be companion dogs who are used to working with people or ones who are generally clingy and feel more anxious when you\u2019re not around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few breeds which might be natural followers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hungarian Vizsla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHungarian Vizslas are known to be people dogs with sensitive souls. They want to be with you all of the time, and they are a breed that can struggle more with anxiety or separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFrenchies<\/a> are the ultimate cuddle bugs and people-focused dogs. It\u2019s one of the reasons why they\u2019re so popular all over the world – people just love to feel loved. Frenchies will follow you everywhere and will get serious FOMO. They\u2019ll want to know what you\u2019re up to at all times because there might be something in it for them. They might also feel a bit worried when they\u2019re on their own, which is yet another reason why they\u2019ll want to be close to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/a>, or little Yodas as I often think of them, were bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy. Today, they continue to live up to this by always wanting to be with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is my older dog following me everywhere suddenly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFollowing behavior in senior dogs that seems to have popped out of nowhere may be cause for concern. Some senior dogs may suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction, which can cause them to appear confused, disoriented, or restless, and make them want to be with you as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other reasons that an ageing dog might suddenly want to follow you can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hearing or sight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They feel stressed or anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re feeling under the weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re hungry (appetite can increase with age!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Photo by Jamie Street<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get your dog to stop following you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you want your dog to stop stepping on your heels, there are some things you can do to help. But there is a general key to all of this\u2026 teach them to relax! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Make sure they\u2019re healthy<\/strong> – this might mean going to the vet for a visit<\/a> to get the all-clear. This is particularly important if you have an older dog, and you notice they\u2019ve started following you everywhere. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevent them from becoming bored<\/strong> – Puzzle feeders<\/a>, chews<\/a>, and interactive games <\/a>will encourage them to entertain themselves by solving problems (and having fun while they\u2019re at it) and avoid feeling bored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give them a good walk every day<\/strong> – Focus on sniffy walks rather than long walks. This is because keeping their noses busy by exploring all kinds of smells tires dogs out mentally, helping them become calmer and more relaxed in the long run. Long walks might encourage your dog to become more of an athlete that can never get enough of physical activity. Our guide on how much exercise your puppy needs<\/a> will help you determine how much time to spend so they don\u2019t get too tired. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure their bed is comfortable <\/strong><\/a>– As you may know well, a good bed will help result in a good night\u2019s sleep, and you\u2019ll be in a much better mood the next day. It works the same for dogs, and feeling good can help them not feel like they need to follow you around all the time. Different dogs will prefer different types of beds. For example, long-haired dogs or those who get very hot may prefer a apartment memory foam style bed, whereas dogs who get cold may prefer a doughnut or a nest bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Block out background noise<\/strong> – Use white noise machines<\/a> or music to help them stay calm.<\/a> A zen puppy often means a confident puppy, which is always good news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a confinement zone<\/strong> – Make a safe haven behind baby gates or a puppy playpen<\/a> where they’ll hang out. Snazz it up with toys and blankets to make them want to spend time there. This is especially useful for puppies because it allows you to create a puppy-proof space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Train some basic obedience<\/strong><\/a> – Positive reinforcement training<\/a> can be used to teach your dog a go-to mat, place, or settle cue in the best way possible. Make sure to increase the amount of time gradually so they can remain settled over time without feeling unsafe. On the Zigzag app<\/a>, you can find a lot more about this – why not download it today? <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve made it to the end! Well done following us up until now. We hope we\u2019ve helped you manage a dog who follows you everywhere, but mostly, you\u2019ve understood that having a velcro dog is not necessarily something to worry about. They\u2019re just being dogs, simple as that. Dogs love our company, but it’s worth checking how they react when you go out to rule out separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think your puppy has separation anxiety read our full guides to puppy separation anxiety<\/a> and how long can you leave a puppy alone for<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPositive reinforcement training<\/a> is always good to help teach dogs basic obedience cues<\/a>. It gives them an understanding of what to do, and you get a better-behaved dog without anyone getting stressed out. How lovely does that sound? Read our guide to basic puppy training commands<\/a> to get you off to a good start! You\u2019ll also find a full training program in the Zigzag app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed our programs around your puppy\u2019s age of development and breed, so you get the ultimate bespoke experience from an app. Oh, and our team of expert dog trainers <\/a>will always be happy to talk to you any time you run into hiccups. Trust us, they always pick up the phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dogs follow because they don\u2019t want to miss out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes, FOMO is definitely a thing for many dogs. And this can be a good enough reason for them to follow you around everywhere. Instances of when the fear of missing out is likely to kick in is when a new pet or family member is at home, and your dog thinks they\u2019re getting all the attention instead of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following you because they\u2019re anxious or have separation anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs can\u2019t bear the thought of being apart from their owners as being near them makes them feel safe. While the scientific data doesn\u2019t support the idea that dogs who follow you everywhere automatically have separation anxiety, you might want to think if your dog or puppy has some struggles being home alone or seems hyper-attached. Our article on dog separation anxiety<\/a> has more information about this if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChanges in routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDogs are creatures of habit and like having reliable routines<\/a>. Having a routine helps them build confidence, so if daily patterns are changed, it can worry them – triggering their velcro side to come out and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhoto by Cristian Castillo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nShould I be worried that my dog is following me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs who follow you everywhere are not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Certainly, for puppies being near their caregiver is a survival instinct, so tagging along with you will come very naturally to them. Remember, they feel safe around you – even most adult dogs feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case you have a dog who can only relax when they\u2019re right next to you, or if their following along is driving you mad, you might want to dedicate some training time to settling down on a mat, or helping them relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which dog breeds will follow you around?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dog breeds will follow you more than others. These are likely to be companion dogs who are used to working with people or ones who are generally clingy and feel more anxious when you\u2019re not around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few breeds which might be natural followers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hungarian Vizsla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHungarian Vizslas are known to be people dogs with sensitive souls. They want to be with you all of the time, and they are a breed that can struggle more with anxiety or separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFrenchies<\/a> are the ultimate cuddle bugs and people-focused dogs. It\u2019s one of the reasons why they\u2019re so popular all over the world – people just love to feel loved. Frenchies will follow you everywhere and will get serious FOMO. They\u2019ll want to know what you\u2019re up to at all times because there might be something in it for them. They might also feel a bit worried when they\u2019re on their own, which is yet another reason why they\u2019ll want to be close to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPugs<\/a>, or little Yodas as I often think of them, were bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy. Today, they continue to live up to this by always wanting to be with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is my older dog following me everywhere suddenly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFollowing behavior in senior dogs that seems to have popped out of nowhere may be cause for concern. Some senior dogs may suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction, which can cause them to appear confused, disoriented, or restless, and make them want to be with you as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other reasons that an ageing dog might suddenly want to follow you can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hearing or sight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They feel stressed or anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re feeling under the weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They\u2019re hungry (appetite can increase with age!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Photo by Jamie Street<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get your dog to stop following you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you want your dog to stop stepping on your heels, there are some things you can do to help. But there is a general key to all of this\u2026 teach them to relax! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Make sure they\u2019re healthy<\/strong> – this might mean going to the vet for a visit<\/a> to get the all-clear. This is particularly important if you have an older dog, and you notice they\u2019ve started following you everywhere. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevent them from becoming bored<\/strong> – Puzzle feeders<\/a>, chews<\/a>, and interactive games <\/a>will encourage them to entertain themselves by solving problems (and having fun while they\u2019re at it) and avoid feeling bored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give them a good walk every day<\/strong> – Focus on sniffy walks rather than long walks. This is because keeping their noses busy by exploring all kinds of smells tires dogs out mentally, helping them become calmer and more relaxed in the long run. Long walks might encourage your dog to become more of an athlete that can never get enough of physical activity. Our guide on how much exercise your puppy needs<\/a> will help you determine how much time to spend so they don\u2019t get too tired. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure their bed is comfortable <\/strong><\/a>– As you may know well, a good bed will help result in a good night\u2019s sleep, and you\u2019ll be in a much better mood the next day. It works the same for dogs, and feeling good can help them not feel like they need to follow you around all the time. Different dogs will prefer different types of beds. For example, long-haired dogs or those who get very hot may prefer a apartment memory foam style bed, whereas dogs who get cold may prefer a doughnut or a nest bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Block out background noise<\/strong> – Use white noise machines<\/a> or music to help them stay calm.<\/a> A zen puppy often means a confident puppy, which is always good news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a confinement zone<\/strong> – Make a safe haven behind baby gates or a puppy playpen<\/a> where they’ll hang out. Snazz it up with toys and blankets to make them want to spend time there. This is especially useful for puppies because it allows you to create a puppy-proof space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Train some basic obedience<\/strong><\/a> – Positive reinforcement training<\/a> can be used to teach your dog a go-to mat, place, or settle cue in the best way possible. Make sure to increase the amount of time gradually so they can remain settled over time without feeling unsafe. On the Zigzag app<\/a>, you can find a lot more about this – why not download it today? <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve made it to the end! Well done following us up until now. We hope we\u2019ve helped you manage a dog who follows you everywhere, but mostly, you\u2019ve understood that having a velcro dog is not necessarily something to worry about. They\u2019re just being dogs, simple as that. Dogs love our company, but it’s worth checking how they react when you go out to rule out separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think your puppy has separation anxiety read our full guides to puppy separation anxiety<\/a> and how long can you leave a puppy alone for<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPositive reinforcement training<\/a> is always good to help teach dogs basic obedience cues<\/a>. It gives them an understanding of what to do, and you get a better-behaved dog without anyone getting stressed out. How lovely does that sound? Read our guide to basic puppy training commands<\/a> to get you off to a good start! You\u2019ll also find a full training program in the Zigzag app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed our programs around your puppy\u2019s age of development and breed, so you get the ultimate bespoke experience from an app. Oh, and our team of expert dog trainers <\/a>will always be happy to talk to you any time you run into hiccups. Trust us, they always pick up the phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some dogs can\u2019t bear the thought of being apart from their owners as being near them makes them feel safe. While the scientific data doesn\u2019t support the idea that dogs who follow you everywhere automatically have separation anxiety, you might want to think if your dog or puppy has some struggles being home alone or seems hyper-attached. Our article on dog separation anxiety<\/a> has more information about this if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs are creatures of habit and like having reliable routines<\/a>. Having a routine helps them build confidence, so if daily patterns are changed, it can worry them – triggering their velcro side to come out and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs who follow you everywhere are not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Certainly, for puppies being near their caregiver is a survival instinct, so tagging along with you will come very naturally to them. Remember, they feel safe around you – even most adult dogs feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In case you have a dog who can only relax when they\u2019re right next to you, or if their following along is driving you mad, you might want to dedicate some training time to settling down on a mat, or helping them relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dog breeds will follow you more than others. These are likely to be companion dogs who are used to working with people or ones who are generally clingy and feel more anxious when you\u2019re not around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few breeds which might be natural followers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hungarian Vizslas are known to be people dogs with sensitive souls. They want to be with you all of the time, and they are a breed that can struggle more with anxiety or separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frenchies<\/a> are the ultimate cuddle bugs and people-focused dogs. It\u2019s one of the reasons why they\u2019re so popular all over the world – people just love to feel loved. Frenchies will follow you everywhere and will get serious FOMO. They\u2019ll want to know what you\u2019re up to at all times because there might be something in it for them. They might also feel a bit worried when they\u2019re on their own, which is yet another reason why they\u2019ll want to be close to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pugs<\/a>, or little Yodas as I often think of them, were bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy. Today, they continue to live up to this by always wanting to be with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following behavior in senior dogs that seems to have popped out of nowhere may be cause for concern. Some senior dogs may suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction, which can cause them to appear confused, disoriented, or restless, and make them want to be with you as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other reasons that an ageing dog might suddenly want to follow you can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want your dog to stop stepping on your heels, there are some things you can do to help. But there is a general key to all of this\u2026 teach them to relax! <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve made it to the end! Well done following us up until now. We hope we\u2019ve helped you manage a dog who follows you everywhere, but mostly, you\u2019ve understood that having a velcro dog is not necessarily something to worry about. They\u2019re just being dogs, simple as that. Dogs love our company, but it’s worth checking how they react when you go out to rule out separation anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think your puppy has separation anxiety read our full guides to puppy separation anxiety<\/a> and how long can you leave a puppy alone for<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Positive reinforcement training<\/a> is always good to help teach dogs basic obedience cues<\/a>. It gives them an understanding of what to do, and you get a better-behaved dog without anyone getting stressed out. How lovely does that sound? Read our guide to basic puppy training commands<\/a> to get you off to a good start! You\u2019ll also find a full training program in the Zigzag app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed our programs around your puppy\u2019s age of development and breed, so you get the ultimate bespoke experience from an app. Oh, and our team of expert dog trainers <\/a>will always be happy to talk to you any time you run into hiccups. Trust us, they always pick up the phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Changes in routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Should I be worried that my dog is following me everywhere?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which dog breeds will follow you around?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hungarian Vizsla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
French Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why is my older dog following me everywhere suddenly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to get your dog to stop following you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n