Do you have a German Shepherd that follows you around like your own personal shadow? If so, you’re not alone. Many German Shepherd owners of this breed report the same behavior: their dogs are always with them, no matter where they go. In other words, their privacy level is zero!
But why is this? What motivates a German Shepherd to stay glued to its owner’s side? In this article, we'll explore possible explanations for why your four-legged friend may follow you everywhere!
We'll also discuss how to create healthy boundaries and provide tips on when it might be time to call in an animal behavior specialist (only if your German Shepherd has a serious behavior problem). So if your furry companion won’t leave your side, keep reading for more insight into what could be going on!
So, why does your German Shepherd follows you everywhere?
A certain bond and connection between dogs and humans have existed for centuries, and it's no surprise that your pup follows you everywhere.
Your German Shepherd follows you everywhere because of the strong bond that has been formed between canine and human companions over thousands of years. Dogs are highly social animals, so when they form a connection with their owners, it brings them security and comfort. This means they will often try to stay close to the people they trust and love.
Not only do dogs form strong emotional bonds with people, but they also pick up on our cues and body language. If you routinely give your German Shepherd attention, praise, and treats when it follows you, it will quickly learn that this is the behavior you want from it. This reward system teaches dogs to stay close by to get more of those positive experiences.
Moreover, German Shepherds have a strong instinct to protect their pack, which includes you! This breed is known as a working dog, so they’re used to guarding and keeping watch over their owners. Your pup may be trying to fulfill its “duty” by always staying close by your side.
It's important to remember that it.'s natural for a German Shepherd to want to follow you around. It's not necessarily a problem, but if it becomes excessive and disruptive, it could indicate that your pup has an underlying issue (such as separation anxiety).
If this is the case, it’s best to work with a qualified animal behaviorist or trainer who can help you find a solution.
15 reasons why your German Shepherd follows you everywhere
Now we know that genetics is the main reason why your German Shepherd follows you everywhere.
But are genetics the only reason? Of course not!
We have prepared for you 15 different reasons why your German Shepherd dog follows you everywhere:
1. To form a strong bond and connection with you
2. To feel secure and comfortable
3. They pick up on your cues and body language
4. To receive attention, praise, and treats
5. For the reward system of following you around
6. It’s their instinct to protect their pack (you)
7. They are used to guarding and keeping watch over their owners
8. Your dog loves spending time with you
9. You give them positive experiences when they follow you around
10. Your dog relies on his routine
11. They may be trying to fulfill their “duty” by staying close
12. Your dog gets lonely easily when left alone
13. You provide mental stimulation when walking or playing together
14. It's an expression of loyalty toward you
15. To get your undivided attention
To form a strong bond and connection with you
One of the possible reasons why your German Shepherd follows you everywhere is because he wants to form a strong bond and connection with you! This strong bond results from thousands of years of human and canine companionship, which has resulted in dogs being incredibly social animals.
When they form a connection with their owners, it brings them security and comfort, as well as a feeling of being part of the pack. This encourages German Shepherds to stay close to their owners to get more positive experiences, such as cuddles, treats, and praise.
Your dog loves spending time with you and always seeks your undivided attention. No matter how strong your bond is, your German Shepherd will always think it can be stronger and will continue to follow you everywhere!
To feel secure and comfortable
Your German Shepherd may follow you everywhere to feel more secure and comfortable. Dogs are highly social animals and form strong bonds with their owners to feel safe and protected. This bond is formed through spending time together, playing, and providing positive experiences for the dog.
Dogs are incredibly social creatures and need companionship and affection to thrive. When they form a bond with their owners, it gives them a sense of security, comfort, and a feeling of being part of the pack.
So, don't be mad because your German Shepherd follows you everywhere. Look at this as a compliment because they see trust in you.
They pick up on your cues and body language
It's certainly possible for a German Shepherd to follow its owner everywhere, as they are incredibly intelligent animals and can pick up on cues and body language based on the owner's habits and signals.
German Shepherds are capable of reading and understanding the body language of humans, and they're very good at it. They are naturally very attuned to their owners' movements, expressions, actions, and tones of voice.
Through learning and observation, dogs can interpret these non-verbal cues to understand their owners’ feelings and intentions better.
Dogs will study their owners' behavior to understand when it is appropriate for them to follow, such as during a walk or playtime. They also recognize when an owner might not be in the mood and will typically give space and provide comfort instead of following.
To receive attention, praise, and treats
It's certainly possible for a German Shepherd to follow you everywhere to get attention, praise, and treats. Dogs are highly social creatures and thrive when they have companionship and meaningful interactions with their owners.
This fact can be partially true if you don't give enough attention to your German Shepherd. As we mentioned, dogs are highly social animals and must spend at least 60-120 minutes daily with their owners.
Show your German Shepherd plenty of love and attention, take them for frequent walks, and offer regular treats to reward their behavior.
For the reward system of following you around
German Shepherds may follow you around to reinforce their reward system. German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs and understand that the more they follow you, the better rewards they will get. They learn through reinforcement that when they stay close to their owners, they get attention, praise, treats, and overall positive experiences.
As a result, they will continue to follow you and look for any reward opportunity, and as usual, we'll give them a reward in the form of treats or cuddling.
They know that they are our weak points... Maybe they are using us to get as many treats as possible...
They are used to guarding and keeping watch over their owners
German Shepherds can follow their owners everywhere because they want to guard and keep watch over them. German Shepherds, in particular, are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature.
They are often used in military and police work because of their trainability and protective instincts regarding their owners.
This behavior may be more pronounced if your German Shepherd has been trained in guard dog activities. They may often follow you to alert you of anything suspicious and will protect you from any harm that might come your way.
In this case, following their owners everywhere is not a bad habit but rather a form of protection and loyalty.
Your dog loves spending time with you
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent animals and can quickly learn their owners' subtle cues and body language, and sometimes, they'll follow their owner everywhere out of love and affection. Through learning and observation, they can understand their owners' emotions and respond by following them around or providing comfort.
Dogs love spending time with their owners and follow them to get attention, praise, and treats. Most importantly, German Shepherds are loyal animals who can sense when they are needed most and will stay by your side no matter what.
This is one of the main reasons why German Shepherds are excellent service dogs.
You give them positive experiences when they follow you around
German Shepherds will follow you around to create positive experiences and memories. They can realize that being close to you will give them much more cuddling time, playtime, and treats.
For example, if your German Shepherd follows you when it's time for a walk and is rewarded with a treat after the walk, they'll likely continue to do this behavior to receive the same type of reward.
Your dog relies on his routine
German Shepherds are dogs that love routines and consistent daily schedule. If your German Shepherd follows you everywhere, then maybe it's time for a walk, play, or dinner.
Do you wonder why routines are so important for dogs such as German Shepherds?
These routines will help your German Shepherd become calmer, more confident, and more secure. This is why it's important to stick to a routine for your German Shepherd regarding daily activities like potty breaks, walks, playtime, etc.
They may be trying to fulfill their “duty” by staying close
German Shepherds, as mentioned before, are very loyal and protective dogs. They may try to fulfill their “duty” by staying close to you.
In the wild, German Shepherds were bred for herding activities like protecting sheep from predators or guiding them to pastures with food or water. Even though their life in the wild is gone, their instinctive need to protect and stay close to their pack remains.
Therefore, if your German Shepherd follows you everywhere around the house, it could be their way of protecting you from danger or guarding and keeping watch over you.
Your dog gets lonely easily when left alone
German Shepherds are social animals and need a company to stay happy and healthy. German Shepherds, being loyal dogs, need much more companionship than other breeds. They can become sad and lonely if left alone for too long.
If your German Shepherd follows you everywhere around the house, they may be trying to get as much attention and companionship as possible. This is why it's important to spend quality time with your German Shepherd and make sure they always feel safe, loved, and secure.
You provide mental stimulation when walking or playing together.
German Shepherds need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. When you walk or play together, your German Shepherd can do activities that keep their mind engaged, such as exploring different smells and sounds in the environment, playing fetch, and learning new tricks.
These activities are very important for a healthy lifestyle for your German Shepherd. Plus, it's a great way to get quality time and bond!
Regarding mental stimulation for dogs, most experts agree that spending around 30 minutes daily engaging in activities stimulating their minds is sufficient for an adult German Shepherd's well-being.
It's an expression of loyalty toward you
When your German Shepherd follows you everywhere, it signifies loyalty and trust. This is their way of expressing unconditional love for their owners and always wanting to be close to them. This is why building a bond with your German Shepherd and showing them how much they mean to you is important.
With proper training and a healthy bond, your German Shepherd will remain loyal and follow you everywhere with love and devotion.
To get your undivided attention
German Shepherds are very intelligent and understand when their owners ignore them or don't give them enough attention. When your German Shepherd follows you everywhere, this could signify that they want more attention from you.
Try to dedicate time daily for your German Shepherd, like going for walks or playing games together. This will help them get their needed attention and bring you closer together.
Is it normal for a German Shepherd to follow you everywhere?
Yes, it is normal for a German Shepherd to follow their owners around the house. This behavior is often seen in GSDs as they are highly loyal and protective dogs with an instinctive need to protect and stay close to their pack. As social animals, GSDs need companionship and attention from their owners and can become lonely if left alone for too long.
Providing your GSD with mental and physical stimulation, spending quality time together, and building a bond will help them feel safe and secure.
Why does my German Shepherd follow me to the bathroom?
Your German Shepherd might follow you to the bathroom for many reasons. Firstly, they may try to fulfill their “duty” of protecting you. German Shepherds are bred to herd and protect animals in the wild, and even though that job is gone, their instinctual need to guard and stay close to their pack remains.
Your GSD may also follow you because they want attention and companionship. When they see you heading to the bathroom, they understand that it will be a few minutes of undivided attention for them.
Related blog post: Why my German Shepherd follows me to the bathroom?
Why does my German Shepherd follow me everywhere suddenly?
It's not uncommon for dogs, especially German Shepherds, to suddenly start following their owners everywhere. This behavior could be caused by a number of factors, such as the need for companionship and attention, trying to fulfill their “duty” of protection, or simply as an expression of loyalty and love.
If your German Shepherd follows you more than often, maybe he's trying to tell you something. Make sure everything is right with your dog (looks good, has no visible injuries, or isn't in pain).
How to get your German Shepherd to stop following you?
Although you and your German Shepherd have a close bond and deserve a lot of positive attention, it's also crucial that you work on boosting their self-confidence and teaching them how to function without you.
Here are 10 tips and advice on making your German Shepherd more content in solitude while giving you the breathing room you occasionally feel like you need.
1. Set boundaries: Teach your German Shepherd not to enter certain areas or rooms, like the bathroom, where you don’t want them to follow.
2. Give commands: Use verbal cues and body language to tell your German Shepherd when it is okay for them to follow you and when it is not.
3. Keep treats handy: Reward your German Shepherd with treats for good behavior and obedience when they remain in their designated area instead of following you around the house.
4. Develop a routine: Make sure that everyone in the family follows a consistent schedule so that your German Shepherd knows what they can expect from each day and who will be attending various activities at home during different times.
5. Train regularly: Devote time every day to training sessions with positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training or agile games designed specifically for dogs since these provide mental stimulation, which helps prevent boredom-induced behaviors such as excessive following around the house by your pet pooch!
6. Stay calm: When scolding or disciplining your German Shepherd, ensure they understand why without raising too much fuss; remain firm but kind while redirecting misbehavior away from unwanted locations/spaces within the home's perimeter walls.
7. Invest in toys: Make sure your German Shepherd has plenty of enrichment toys and activities to keep them entertained when you’re away from home or busy.
8. Spend quality time together: Take regular walks, play catch with a Frisbee or ball, groom each other, and practice obedience regularly commands together so that your German Shepherd knows how much you love them and that spending time with you is always a good thing.
9. Provide adequate exercise: Make sure your German Shepherd has at least one hour of vigorous activity each day, so they are physically and mentally tired.
10. Consider professional help: If the problem persists and your German Shepherd is still following you, it might be time to consult a dog behavior expert or trainer.
Final words
After reading this article, you must agree that German Shepherds are one of the most loyal dog breeds on the planet!
This dog breed can not live without its pack. They're loyal, smart, and very protective.
In other words, they would give their life for their family, which is why your German Shepherd is following you everywhere.
They love you too much. If your German Shepherd follows you everywhere because of his love towards you, you should train your dog to be comfortable when he must be alone, and the rest of the time you can spend together!
Frequently asked questions
Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here!
❓Do German Shepherds have a favorite person?
Yes, German Shepherds have their favorite people. This is because of the breed’s strong loyalty and protective nature. German Shepherds form close bonds with their owners, which makes them incredibly protective of those they love. Most German Shepherds strongly prefer one person in the family, often the primary caretaker.
❓Why does my German Shepherd watch me all the time?
Your German Shepherd may always watch you because they feel a strong bond with you. German Shepherds are known to form strong connections with their owners and can become incredibly devoted and loyal to them, so much so that they want to stay by your side at all times.
This dedicated relationship is often expressed through affectionate gazes and intense stares, making it feel like they are watching you all the time. Further, a German Shepherd may be extra watchful if they sense something is wrong or feel anxious about being alone. If this behavior persists, you should talk to your vet for advice.
❓Why is my German Shepherd suddenly so clingy?
It's not unusual for a German Shepherd to become overly attached and clingy if feeling anxious or insecure in their environment. This behavior can be caused by changes such as moving to a new home, starting school, introducing a new pet, or even the stress of being alone for long periods of time.
German Shepherds often become clingy to seek comfort from their owners, so it's important to provide an environment where they feel safe and secure. Also, it may help to engage your German Shepherd in activities such as agility training and playtime with other pets or people.
