Dogs walk behind their owners for many reasons. You may have met a dog with this endearing tendency: He tries to walk between your legs — even if you’re not ready or he can’t quite fit. Mastering the walk will not only make this part of your daily routine enjoyable, but also go a long way towards addressing other problem behaviors as well, because it can help your dog to see you as the Pack Leader. Companionship is something you always want to have with your dog, it’s one of the reasons they are the most popular pets in the world. Ashley gave a perfect answer. Once you have determined that the behavior needs to be corrected, you can start taking the steps to do so. Considering many times this is almost hard-wired into their DNA, this will likely be a difficult habit to break. Slow your speed if he seems to be dragging. 10 years ago. More importantly, the researchers write, your dog catching your yawn is a sign of basic empathy. The literature says that there is a regard to the packs’ safety even stating observations of older alpha wolves taking a position at the back of the pack to ensure their safety. Loud noises, an overabundance of strange new smells, and you just might have a recipe for a total scaredy-dog. The only real solution here would be allowing him to get acquainted with the area you want to walk him in. If you can’t stand to look at their droopy face as they trot slowly behind you, stop and give them a good scratch behind the ear, this will comfort them and they will be able to stop for a rest. Why does my dog walk behind me? Dogs are indeed closely related to wolves and share characteristics, both physical and psychological. I keep finding him in corners, and he his spending more time than usual on the floor. Other reasons could stem from habits. There’s no need to change this behavior. If you are walking your dog in an unfamiliar territory they may be cautious about there surroundings. It can be a great time to build on the human-dog bond you share, explore together, or just enjoy the sights and sounds all around you. Allowing or encouraging the behavior is a completely personal decision and if it is not causing any issues then it isn’t something that absolutely has to be corrected. He also circles madly when excited to go out and slowly when tied outside especially if there's alot of people and he gets nervous. Opinions are split on harnesses as there is some that believe it encourages pulling. It’s the same as playing with them in the garden or going out in the car. Pretty much all dogs like to explore and investigate new smells, sights, and sounds, they are just inquisitive by nature. And this can be very much compounded by past situations, such as neglect or abuse. The heavier they are, the more easily winded they get as well. He knows darn well who feeds him! The proper way to walk a dog is the dog walking either beside you, or behind you, and never in front of you. When he is in unfamiliar places, it makes him feel uneasy so he is taking his time to assess the environment. Pawing from an extremely large dog can knock kids over, cause scratches or injuries and have other ill effects. Since he views you as the leader, walking behind you reassures his safety. We asked Dr. Wailini Sung , a veterinary behaviorist, for the answer to the question. As with most things in this crazy little thing called life, you catch more bees with honey than vinegar. If your dog walks behind you on the lead this maybe for a couple of reasons. Often dogs will follow their owners if their bond is paired over time with a great deal of reinforcement. "Help, my dog jumps and bites me on walks, what can I do?" A firm “No” and making him stay until he walks next to you should help to get your point across. He could also be suffering from an age-related medical issue such as hip or elbow dysplasia or arthritis. It could also mask their scent to potential prey as well. Using a harness or short leash, gently guide your pooch to walk with you. You should assess whether your dog is comfortable with being pulled around by a collar, they may be keeping the lead loose to ensure it doesn’t pull on their neck. This is where it is trying to protect something that it thinks belongs to it such as its spot on the bed or the food it is eating. One reason for your dog walking behind you could be a submissive trait that stems from the pack mentality, practised by their ancestors. When Your Dog Sits on the Back of the Couch. There is not a straight forward answer to this and the reasons behind why your dog walks behind you could be many. That means you are the Alpha (dominant) leader. Some dogs tend to be more fearful than others. Your dog is probably smart enough to realise that when they are on the lead they have to behave as the opportunity to be off lead depends on their behaviour. Your dog will always be around you (behind, in front, next to) because he feels safe around you and he knows you are the pack leader. Your dog’s desire is to revive their energy levels so they can get back to exploring, so the safest and most reliable place to do this is behind you. Your dog is essentially letting you lead as they believe you are the one to make the correct decisions. Many dogs follow their people because they are anxious and insecure. This is probably my most favoured reason for your dog walking behind you and I know from personal experience that this is probably the truest. It's a sign that they think that they're place is not alpha, or in the leader position. The third would be within the household whilst going about daily tasks. Let’s go through the reasons why your dog may be sitting from behind now. Be consistent with the exercise and remember to be patient, as the pounds will start to slowly melt away and he will be able to keep up a quicker pace. As his appointed leader, it is natural for him to be submissive to you. said the dog owner in a pleading, desperate voice. Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Best Answer. Dogs are animals that love to be part of a pack and many times you will find your dog wanting to run off and explore, but what does it mean when your dog walks behind you. So a dog that chooses to walk behind you instead of with you or in front of you is a submissive or "middle of the pack" dog. However, if you have an obedient dog then a harness has to be more comfortable for them. Walking your furry friend is probably one of life’s greatest, albeit most simple, pleasures. If still not, put the leash into a shorter limit … So long as the pulling is not something that has become dangerous, ie: pulling with excessive force, then whether or not it should be allowed can be determined on a case by case basis. If the dog does move, start agian. It's a sign that they think that they're place is not alpha, or in the leader position. He has simply been conditioned to do so. It could be that they’re afraid of something and view you as the protector. Use treats and positive reinforcement when he seems to obey or pays attention. My 4 year old Duck Toller walks behind me like a little duckling. When he is in unfamiliar places, it makes him feel uneasy so he is taking his time to assess the environment. Submissive behaviour is an obvious assumption to jump to after all dogs are pack animals and they naturally want to play their part in your life. So a dog that chooses to walk behind you instead of with you or in front of you is a submissive or "middle of the pack" dog. Your dog will most likely walk behind you in 3 different scenarios. If it is severe, you might want to consider asking your veterinarian for available medication. This particular emotion is typically deeply ingrained so it might take a bit of time but eventually, he will feel more comfortable, and less fearful, on your walks together. This is by no means a bad thing, but a boost of confidence or importance in the "pack" or household may help. Offering encouragement, reassurance, and general, but constant, praise will help get him back feeling like the super pup that we all know him to be. If your pooch continually chooses to stay a few steps behind you, it might just be his way of showing you that he is submissive. The age of your dog must also be taken into consideration. Why does my dog walk behind me? Plus she likes to stop suddenly to smell something and then jerk my arm backwards, or cross sides behind me and put me in a half Nelson. Another reason for your dog walking behind you is that they fear you. In the grand scheme of things, Fido taking the lead certainly isn’t the worst thing that could happen. So a dog that chooses to walk behind you instead of with you or in front of you is a submissive or "middle of the pack" dog. Walking is one of the most enjoyable parts of owning a dog and having an obedient dog doesn’t mean your cant have a free dog. Tell the dog to speak, if he doesnt, the owner must bark to encourage the dog to bark . It's a sign that they think that they're place is not alpha, or in the leader position. I'm sure she would join us if she could but she knows she isn't allowed outside the front because of the busy roads. The pack mentality is something that has been agreed upon for many years and it is still the common theory behind much of a dogs behaviour. If he is older and is showing any other signs (lethargy, malaise, abnormal aggression) then it might be wise to have him checked out by the veterinarian and treated accordingly. From personal experience when I walk my dogs in their favourite place they run straight off and essentially lead me along the same route we always take. This opposition against his neck, or harness will actually build more desire to pull forward. When a human allows a dog to walk in front, they are sending signals to the dog that he is leading the human. The reason that your dog walks behind you is likely to be that it wants to interact with things. (10 Reasons), Separation Anxiety In Dogs (Causes, Signs, Tips), Why Won’t My Dog Sleep With Me? From a dog’s perspective, humans walk far too slowly. During your walks, encourage him to walk right next to you and when he does as he is told, offer him a treat, a gentle pat on the head, and an enthusiastic ‘Good Boy!’. Honestly, maybe we could all learn a thing or two from our beloved four-legged family members, perhaps they have had the right idea (and attitude) all along, we probably all could benefit quite a bit from slowing down and actually taking it all in. Look, I love my dog, and he knows it. Or, in lieu of a clicker, … This may seem petty in a human's mind, however it means a lot in a dog’s mind. A dog who'd be slightly behind you or beside you will be much controllable. The daily walk is an important part of responsible pack leadership — but for many, it’s also the most stressful. My Nenz walks around me in circles when we are out for walks, not so bad off leash but annoying when on leash as I don't like the leash wrapping around me. For more information on me check out my about page. But in many instances, they just love to sniff around. A University of Helsinki study suggested that dogs can sense when their owners are angry and have even evolved to respond accordingly. They trust you and want to be near you 24/7. But before you do that, it is important to get to the root of the problem, just in case it is something that needs further attention. Just like people, dogs can 'catch' yawns. The reason why it does it might be that it is being possessive. Have you ever wondered why your dog lies down under your feet when you’re on the sofa? Since he views you as the leader, walking behind … Off lead, walking is one of the best forms of dog walking and one that I highly encourage, but it can create a very tired dog. As with anything, any behavior that you deem unacceptable should be corrected, however, you should also consider what the actual cause of the behavior is before committing to treatment or retraining. One of the top theories is scent masking. You as his ‘alpha’, are the one comforting presence, his protector, so naturally, he would hide behind you if he feels uneasy, he knows that you will keep him safe. For example, “if a dog learns that good things — such as dog food, pats and fun activities — come from a particular human, they may be … The added weight can cause hip, joint, and back pain, diabetes, and in the most serious of cases, deadly heart disease. (9 Reasons), Everything About the Blue Doberman Pinscher, The Mountain Cur – Breed Info for the American Pioneer Dog, Dogo Argentino – Owner’s Guide to the Giant Argentinian Mastiff, Doberman Colors – 6 Most Common Colors of Pinschers, Everything to Know About the Perro De Presa Canario (AKA Canary Mastiff). Your favorite furball might be lagging behind because he simply can’t keep up. Time, positive reinforcement, and consistency will likely help ease anxious feelings. I now have a dog and when I take her for a walk my new cat waits at the door for the dog to come home. Some modern research has used examples in wolf packs, where each member of the pack relies heavily on each other, suggesting that the different ranks in a pack are not as important as once thought. If he is showing any other symptoms like loss of appetite, whimpering, vomiting and/or diarrhea, or even if you are just concerned, take him to the vet. A lot of couch designs allow for ample space for a dog to make a bed on the back of the couch. They will remember the last time you went into the kitchen they got a treat, so they will assume this is going to happen again and follow you in every time. Why does my dog walk behind me? Reinforcing this behavior could cause future behavioral issues. 3. They are usually more cautious and if they do go on ahead they always make sure I’m in sight. Certain dogs and breeds, particularly herding dogs, feel compelled to be the ‘herder’ of the pack. Often I find that my dog decides to walk behind me at the end of the walk, or if they have just sprinted around for whatever reason. One reason for your dog walking behind you could be a submissive trait that stems from the pack mentality, practised by their ancestors. If you’re worrying, why does my dog stand over me, you can rest easy. A dog who'd be slightly behind you or beside you will be much controllable. Pulling On the Leash. Boredom and stress are two of the most common causes that can explain ‘‘why does my dog hump my leg.’’ A dog that lives a sedentary routine and/or in a negative environment can easily develop symptoms of stress and boredom. Reassurance from their favorite human could go a long way in easing his fears. While on a walk, dogs want to sniff out all the places other dogs have gone to the bathroom, so they can leave a fresh deposit on top. It’s also possible that your dog finds the lead uncomfortable and any sort of strain on it hurts them. Because you haven't been firm enough. If you have used a more outdated approach to dog training you may find your dog is fearful of making the wrong decisions. Some owners think this behavior is rude and disruptive, while other owners will tolerate it. The reason your dog walks behind you could be linked to the bond you share with them. Being off lead is obviously a great feeling for a dog and as many dog owners know this would be the ideal situation for most of their dog walks. Your dog is aware of their place in the pack and see’s you as a figure of authority, whilst respecting you as the leader. In more extreme cases you might find your dog sitting behind you if you sit down. When it comes to domesticated dogs, the pack mentality is certainly something that is thought to be present, but your dog’s behaviour might not be as obvious as you think. If your dog not only seems to prefer walking behind but also occasionally manages to trip you up, it might be down to attention-seeking behaviors. Lethargic, although perks up and goes for a long walk with no problem. A dog walking behind you can be due to his curiosity to interact with his surroundings. These dogs often need their confidence boosted and independence taught to help them cope with their anxieties. Put simply your dog is protecting you from the place they feel is most vulnerable and keeping you safe is their top priority. A dog walking behind is much better than a dog walking in front. It bothers me when I can't just look down and check on her because she is literally behind me. Basically believing that you are the ‘alpha’ or leader of their pack. It would be important to be careful in these situations since dogs can become aggressive when they are … We get paid a commission for every qualifying purchase made through our links (at no extra cost to you). There are several reasons your dog walks behind you on walks. 2. Many animal behaviourists suggest that the reason for this is because they want to know when you get up and the hope is that as they rest they can be assured you will wake them up when you get up. The simplest way to do this is to use a clicker to click and then immediately treat whenever you reach toward your dog. Why does my dog yawn every time I do? Being an outdoor enthusiast has inspired me to create the ultimate resource on relating both dogs and the outdoors. Allow him to get a decent whiff but then gently prompt him to move along. Cat's don't think 'Oh I'm a cat so in this society it would be odd for a cat to go for a walk with a human'. However, in recent years the theories surrounding pack mentality have changed and researchers have started to lean towards a more co-operative approach. The final reason may be linked to the area they are in. Today, we focus on the slowpoke of the family. Our furry canine friends learn best by conditioning as well as by positive reinforcement. Good morning. In this instance, your dog might even nudge legs or nip at heels to keep everybody moving. For whatever reason, or even none at all, your dog might just enjoy following as opposed to leading. If still not, put the leash into a … He insists on lagging behind, following closely but at a sluggish pace. If yours is an older pooch, him walking behind you during excursions (especially prolonged ones) could very well be because he simply can’t move as fast as he used to. More importantly, the researchers write, your dog catching your yawn is a sign of basic empathy. From the desire to protect you to an intuition about your health and … If your dog has not had sight issues before and has recently begun walking closely to the wall, schedule an appointment with a trusted veterinarian. And have loved them ever since views you as the leader goes first calm ( yes, it unlikely. 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