Every dog owner knows the feeling. You stand up to make a cup of tea, and your faithful companion instantly trails behind you.
It feels endearing, almost flattering, to be so adored. But while it’s normal for dogs to want to stay close to their humans, experts say that constant following can sometimes be more than affection. It might actually be your dog’s way of saying something’s wrong.
This article is based on online dog behavioural sources. It is intended for general information only and should not replace professional assessment or treatment for your pet. For that, visit a professional who is familiar with your pet’s medical history and behaviour.
Following You Everywhere
According to Conxita Martínez, a veterinarian at AniCura Canis i Felis Veterinary Hospital, dogs are social creatures by nature. Their instinct to stay close to family members stems from a deep evolutionary drive for safety and belonging.
However, when this behaviour becomes excessive, such as panicking when you leave the room or refusing to rest unless you’re nearby, it may indicate separation anxiety, a genuine emotional disorder. Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit what Martínez describes as an “abnormal and exaggerated reaction of intense fear, helplessness, and anxiety.” This means your pet isn’t just missing you; they’re experiencing distress that they can’t control.
Persistent Barking Or Whining When Left Alone
When your dog starts vocalizing the moment you step out, it’s more than just saying goodbye. Persistent barking or whining signals genuine distress, not simple boredom.
These sounds often escalate quickly and continue for extended periods. Your neighbours might mention hearing it long after you’ve left. Unlike occasional barking at passing squirrels or doorbells, this vocalization comes from a place of panic.
The intensity can vary from soft, continuous whimpering to loud, desperate howling. This behaviour can begin even before you leave the house, as the dog anticipates your absence.
Scratching At Doors Or Furniture
Frantic scratching isn’t your dog trying to redecorate. When pups claw desperately at doors or furniture, they’re attempting to reach you or escape their overwhelming feelings of isolation.
This destructive action often leaves visible damage, from scratched paint to torn upholstery. The behaviour typically intensifies near exit points like front doors or gates. Your dog may even injure their paws in the process, yet the anxiety drives them to continue.
Some dogs focus on windows too, trying to see where you’ve gone. This physical manifestation of panic requires compassionate intervention, not anger.
Destroying Household Items
Coming home to shredded cushions or chewed shoes feels frustrating, but your dog isn’t being spiteful. Destruction serves as an outlet for overwhelming anxiety they can’t otherwise express.
Dogs often target items that smell like you, such as clothing or remote controls. This isn’t random mischief; it’s a coping mechanism. The act of chewing or tearing provides temporary relief from their emotional turmoil.
When you return, they may greet you with over-the-top excitement or cling even closer than before. Understanding this motivation helps shift our response from punishment to compassion and proper training.
Urinating Or Defecating Indoors Despite Being Trained
A fully housetrained dog suddenly having accidents indoors often confuses owners. This regression isn’t defiance; it’s a physical response to extreme stress.
When anxiety peaks, dogs lose control over their bodily functions. The fear becomes so intense that their training simply can’t override their nervous system’s reaction. These incidents typically occur near doors or in areas where the dog spends time alone.
Punishment makes the problem worse by adding fear to an already anxious situation. Instead, focus on addressing the underlying emotional distress through gradual desensitization and creating calm, predictable routines.
Why Separation Anxiety Develops
A dog’s early life plays a significant role in shaping how they handle separation. Puppies that were rarely left alone, or dogs rehomed after abandonment, are more likely to develop this anxious attachment.
Certain breeds with strong social instincts, like Border Collies, Labradors, and German Shepherds, can also be more prone to it. However, Martínez emphasises that it’s not always about genetics or background.
Sometimes, owners unknowingly reinforce the behaviour by responding too eagerly when their dog seeks attention or panics during departures. Understanding these root causes helps create better solutions.
Creating Safe Zones And Gradual Training
The solution isn’t punishment; it’s patience. Dogs don’t understand being scolded for anxiety-driven actions, and punishment only increases fear.
Instead, Martínez recommends creating Safe Zones, such as a comfy bed with familiar toys, where your dog can relax independently. Start by encouraging short periods of alone time while you remain nearby. Gradually extend the duration until your dog learns that being apart doesn’t mean being abandoned.
Professional trainers or behaviourists can guide you through this process, ensuring your dog’s confidence grows without unnecessary stress. Small, steady changes can make a big difference.
Building Confidence At Any Age
Ideally, this training begins during puppyhood. Teaching young dogs that solitude is safe can prevent dependency later on. Still, adult dogs can absolutely learn the same lesson; it just takes patience and consistency.
As Martínez explains, the goal is to help your dog feel secure enough to rest or play alone without fear. Whether your pet is a playful pup or a seasoned senior, gradual progress matters more than speed.
Over time, you’ll see them relax more, knowing that you’ll always return. Dogs follow us because they love us, but when that love turns into anxiety, they need understanding.
