Do you have a German shepherd? If so, you know that they can be quite loyal companions. But have you ever wondered why do German Shepherds follow you everywhere? It turns out there is actually a reason for this!
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why do German shepherds follow you everywhere and how it affects their behavior. We will also provide tips on how to train your dog not to follow you so closely!
Why Do German Shepherds Follow You Everywhere?
German Shepherds are big dogs with a lot of energy. They were originally bred for herding and guarding, which means they have a natural instinct to protect and watch over their “flock.” This flock can be made up of other animals or humans, but most often, it is their owner or family that they feel the need to protect. So, why do German Shepherds follow you around?
Here are some of the reasons why your German Shepherds follow you everywhere around the house.
Showing Love and Affection
One of the most common reasons why German Shepherds follow their owners is because they love and appreciate them. This dog breed is known for being extremely loyal and they will often form strong bonds with their family.
This means that your German Shepherd is likely following you around because they enjoy your company and want to be near you as much as possible. They may also follow you around because they want to protect you and make sure that you are safe. See this guide on Czechoslovakian german shepherd also.
Protective Instincts
As we mentioned before, German Shepherds were originally bred for herding and guarding. This means that they have a strong protective instinct and will often try to protect their family from perceived threats.
If your German Shepherd is following you around, it could be because they are trying to protect you from danger. They may also follow you to keep an eye on you and make sure that you are safe.
This instinct can sometimes be a problem if your dog is too protective and starts to become aggressive. It is important to socialize and train your German Shepherd from an early age so that they know how to appropriately handle their protective instincts.
Separation Anxiety
German Shepherds are also known for being prone to separation anxiety. This is a condition where your dog becomes anxious and stressed when they are away from you or its family. It is often seen in dogs that have been abandoned or rehomed, but it can also affect dogs that have a close bond with their owners.
If your German Shepherd is following you around due to separation anxiety, they will usually be clingy and anxious when you are not around. They may also suffer from destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and pacing which may worsen with age. See this German Shepherd aging chart to know their age in human years.
If you think your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, it is important to speak to your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist for help.
Seeking Attention
Another reason why your German Shepherd may be following you is that they are seeking attention. This breed loves to be around people and they thrive on human interaction. If they feel like they are not getting enough attention from you, they may start to follow you around in an attempt to get your attention.
This can be a problem if your dog is getting too much attention and is starting to become needy or clingy. In this case, it is important to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation so that they are not bored and anxious when you are not around.
Fear or Anxiety
Another possible reason why your German Shepherd is following you is that they are afraid or anxious. This breed is known for being sensitive and they can sometimes pick up on the emotions of their owners. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, your dog may start to follow you around in an attempt to comfort you.
This can also be a problem if your German Shepherd is constantly following you and is starting to become a nuisance. In this case, it is important to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation so that they are not bored and anxious when you are not around.
You may also want to speak to your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist for help if your dog is exhibiting signs of anxiety or stress.
Herding Instincts
As we mentioned before, German Shepherds were originally bred for herding. This means that they have a strong herding instinct and will often try to herd their family members. If your German Shepherd is following you around, it could be because they are trying to herd you.
This instinct can sometimes be a problem if your dog is too pushy or aggressive. It is important to socialize and train your German Shepherd from an early age so that they know how to appropriately handle their herding instincts.
Boredom
Another possible reason why your German Shepherd is following you is that they are bored. This breed loves to be active and they need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If your dog is not getting enough exercise, it may start to follow you around in an attempt to get your attention.
This can be a problem if your dog is getting too much attention and is starting to become needy or clingy. In this case, it is important to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation so that they are not bored and anxious when you are not around.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the possible reasons why your German Shepherds follow you everywhere it is time to take action. If your dog is exhibiting any of the problems mentioned above, it is important to speak to your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist for help. Visit German Shepherdss for more useful articles.