Dog Keeps Following Me – What to Do?

Is your dog constantly following you? Here you can read about when it becomes a problem and what you can do about it. From the causes to the solutions, this guide covers everything you need to know – without a trainer.

Dog Follows Me Constantly – Is It a Problem?

Not in every case. A problem arises only when following causes your dog stress and prevents him from resting or sleeping peacefully. Many factors play a role here, which we will examine more closely.

Puppy Keeps Following Me

Do you have a puppy that follows you everywhere? Don’t let anyone convince you that this is a general problem. The puppy has just lost his siblings, mother, and familiar environment. If he looks to you and follows you, it’s actually a fundamentally good sign—it means he trusts you.

However, he doesn’t yet feel secure in his new environment and may fear being left alone. He must learn that you will always come back. The best and gentlest way to teach this is through small steps that also help your dog learn to be alone.

In short, it involves:

1. Give the Dog Time to Adjust: If someone suddenly took you away from your family and familiar surroundings without explanation, you wouldn’t feel at home in just a week either. The same goes for your puppy. It can take months for a puppy to settle in properly.

2. Start with Short Absences: Go to the bathroom, grab a book from the shelf, walk to the mailbox, take out the trash, or walk around while on the phone—occasionally close the door and then open it again right away. Once your puppy realizes you always come back and that you’re not doing anything exciting, he will soon lose interest in „following.“

3. Avoid Forcing and Confining: Crates and gates are unfortunately trendy. Sure, you can turn your home into a puppy obstacle course and confine your dog, but you won’t get a truly relaxed dog this way – just a frustrated and stressed one who may settle down out of resignation. Instead, create no-go zones and redirect him as needed. If he’s underfoot, just send him away! He doesn’t have to lie frozen on a blanket or in his bed; just away from your feet is enough. A dog mother or another dog would do the same. This reflects natural behavior.

Let your puppy explore his new surroundings and gain security and trust, and most of the time, the perceived problem will resolve itself. The more at home your dog feels and the more he relies on you, the more relaxed he will become. Generally, as he relaxes, the constant following will decrease.

New Dog Keeps Following Me

Whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog that had to stay alone in previous homes or a shelter, everything is new in the new environment. Following is a sign of insecurity and lack of relaxation, but it’s neither unusual nor problematic at first.

Often, just speaking to your dog loudly when you leave the room, keeping doors closed for only a few seconds initially, and developing routines can help ease the situation. Rest together with your new dog. Take a nap together. Allow for physical contact if it calms him, and ensure he gets physical exercise. All of this helps reduce stress levels and allows your four-legged friend to settle in faster.

Adult Dog Suddenly Follows Me

Has your dog previously stayed relaxed while you went to the bathroom? Could you leave the house without any issues? Were you able to do things in other rooms calmly and alone? If your dog suddenly becomes your shadow, there’s usually a reason.

If he has recently been in someone else’s care, he might fear that you will disappear again. So, he’s keeping a close watch. Perhaps your furry family member got scared and is now anxious, seeking protection near you. Some females may also become clingier during their heat.

The good thing about these triggers: They usually don’t require training and typically resolve themselves.

If that’s not the case, or if you notice other behavioral changes in your dog, you should consult a veterinarian. Pain or illnesses could also be responsible and need treatment.

Dog Follows Me – Is It a Problem?

If a dog is allowed on the couch, he will soon try to take over the world. If he follows you, he never learns to be alone or to control himself. Unfortunately, many myths persistently spread, especially through trainers, dog schools, and online forums.

When your dog follows you around the house, he’s just doing what you want him to do outside, where you train him to stay close and be recallable. It’s absurd from a dog’s perspective if you punish him for following you indoors.

However, there are situations where following inside the house can be problematic and concerning. This is the case if your dog jumps up every time you move, constantly follows you, and thus cannot relax himself. This situation stresses both of you over time, and the lack of sleep can lead to further health issues.

In such cases, it’s truly important and necessary for your dog to learn to relax without you. If your dog only reliably follows you into the kitchen for a snack or joins you in the bathroom before going out, you don’t need to worry. The same goes if he can be sent away or only comes after you’ve been in another room for a while.

This is no obstacle to learning to be alone, just like the initial following.

My Dog Constantly Follows Me – So What?

Unfortunately, more and more trainers, dog schools, and online groups are turning this into a problem that isn’t one at all. This creates significant confusion, especially for first-time dog owners.

So, ask yourself if your dog seems stressed and if the situation appears to be worsening. If not, then there’s no problem. If yes, then action is needed, and you should work on helping your dog relax.

You don’t need closed crates or gates. It’s better to build up being alone gradually as described above.

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