If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Set up a space with your dog's bed and favorite toys where your dog can go instead of following you around. Train your dog to go to this area with a cue like, "Go to your special space," and immediately reward them with a treat when they go there. Desensitize your dog to your movements.
Increase Your Dog's Exercise
Many dogs will follow their owners around due to boredom. Providing your dog with food-filled toys, treat dispensers, and puzzle toys helps stimulate his brain and alleviate boredom. This will also distract his energy away from you.
Having a dog that follows you around can be a loving experience. It can even provide countless humorous or endearing tales to share with others. Think of your dog following you as a compliment; it shows her love and trust in you as her favorite companion.
Chasing dogs.
I'm also opposed to people chasing dogs, preferring to let dogs chase people instead. If you chase your dog, you risk teaching your dog that moving toward them means the game is afoot, making them more likely to run away even when you approach them for another reason. This can ruin your dog's recall.
Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “velcro dogs” because of their desire to be attached to your side. “Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack,” says Sally Morgan, author and holistic physical therapist for pets and people.
If you retreat and back away from their area, they will relax and let you go. The key is not to run away as you do so. If a dog sees you running, it can trigger the chase response, resulting in the dog running after you.
Bonding Occurs Naturally
It's okay when dogs choose a favorite person. In fact, it's natural! As social animals, dogs choose the person or people who give them plenty of love, attention, and positive experiences.
Here are some of the signs your dog is protecting you, and not displaying aggression: Being constantly vigilant. Standing alertly. Immediately focusing on new stimuli (e.g., person or animal) in the environment.
When you are petting your dog, and he puts his paw on your arm or leg, it is kind of like petting you back. While most dogs can't do an actual stroking action, laying their paw on you is a sign of affection, closeness and trust This is his way of creating a special bond with you.
Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Not only can they sense kindness from people, but research indicates they may also be able to tell if a person has acted kindly in their life. Pretty cool, right?
Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate in their arousal). Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself, your dog or your child away. Don't turn around, try to get further control of the situation, or try to find the owner. Just go.
Before you train not to chase
The most important thing, in any situation, is having trust in your dog's recall. To teach what not to chase, your pup must first be trained to leash walk nicely and to understand the “sit” and “stay” commands. Once those are mastered, your dog can learn not to chase.
Why Do Older Dogs Follow You Everywhere? Older dogs may follow their owners purely out of familiarity and habit. However, if this is a new behavior, it may also indicate that things are changing for your dog, making them less confident. Perhaps your dog is starting to lose their hearing or vision.
Pacing can be caused by anxiety and stress, especially phobias. You might notice that your dog is particularly clingy and dislikes being left alone.
So, what is a velcro dog? It's a pet who will follow you everywhere, seeking your loving attention. This instinctual behavior can make your dog your most faithful buddy or a bit of a nuisance if the condition is fueled by anxiety.
Don't use your body or clothing as part of any game. Don't play games which encourage biting. DON'T LET AROUSAL LEVELS GET OUT OF CONTROL. The games your play should be fun, but not get your dog so revved up that he can't control his impulses.
Some dogs get overly excited during play, which can sometimes lead to impulsive behavior or play aggression, so it's important to stop the game before it gets to that point. If play gets too rough, it should be stopped immediately. Terminate the game by walking away.
There is nothing wrong with cuddling and playing with your new puppy, but try to limit picking them up. Continually holding your dog can make them begin to feel as though they are human and can encourage behavior that causes dominance struggles within your home.