Suppose your dog does not follow you around; it could be a change in your pet’s behavior. This change could result from stress or underlying medical conditions that can make it stop following you.
Lethargy, depression and injuries could also make your dog reserved and unable to follow you.
Suppose your dog suddenly stops following you around or stops playing with you. It can be particularly frustrating when this happens. You begin to ask questions about your capabilities as a pet owner.
There seem to be a lot going through your mind that causes you a lot of worries. However, your pup might stay away or stop following you; it does mean it hates you. It might just mean he is wounded and unable to come to you.
Suppose your dog likes to lick or sniff you, and you shoo it away too often. It is possible that your pet feels neglected and would assume you do not want its company.
Reasons Why Your Dog Doesn’t Follow You Around
Depression
Dogs, like humans, go through periods where they want to isolate themselves and move away from you for several reasons. It can be due to changes in social standing in the house, training methods, changes in the environment, or the loss of an important member.
Additionally, it will be withdrawn, sad, unable to settle in, and lethargic. It will lack appetite and exhibit behavioral changes that can lead to aggression.
Stress And Anxiety
When dogs go through a significant life transition or a rapid change in environment, they are just as sensitive to stress. Suppose you recently moved into a new home, and a new person, dog, or other pets have been brought to the dog’s house.
Dogs, like humans, can become quite stressed under such situations. And that makes your dog isolate itself. You may need to give your dog time to adapt to his new surroundings during such cases.
To help your dog get through the anxious stage, provide him with plenty of goodies, praise, and plenty of exercises.
Injuries May Be Why Your Dog Doesn’t Follow You
Another possibility is that it has had an injury or is unwell. This is especially likely if your pup has suddenly changed its behavior. It also exhibits other symptoms of illness or injury, such as not moving around as much or being tired.
When nursing an injury, your pet likely wants to stay on its own and nurse its injury. It may be too much for it to walk about and follow you or even want to socialize or play with you.
Underlying Medical Conditions
A rapid change in behavior, such as seeming aloof, is usually enough to warrant a trip to the veterinarian. Your dog may be acting weird because he has an underlying medical condition.
Lethargy and gastrointestinal disorders, and other infections can cause your dog. It can lead to a loss of appetite and disinterest in exercise or bonding activities. This can cause your pet to stay away from you.
If Your Dog Doesn’t Follow You, It Is Afraid And Feels Threatened By You.
Do you hit your dog often? Do you exhibit negative emotions towards it? Suppose you constantly yell at your dog; it will have no reason always to want to socialize with you or even follow you around. Instead, it will withdraw from you
This is because your dog will be terrified of you and feels threatened anytime you come close to it. Your pet is likely to be aggressive toward you if this continues.
Do I misunderstand My Dog?
Your dog may have been expressing affection all along and following you. However, you probably have been too busy to notice. Suppose you want to go out, and it wants to follow you. If you leave without it, don’t be surprised if your dog doesn’t follow you next time.
It might jump up at you, growl and lean in close to you. It could also walk with its tail down to garner your attention. However, if you misinterpret its action and go alone, it will likely not want to follow you next time.
I Want My Dog To Interact More With Me
Patience And Tolerance
When dealing with other people or pets, being patient with your dog is essential. Behavioral changes do not occur overnight.
Building a good and healthy relationship with your dog might take months or even years, just like it takes months or years to create a connection.
Engage and Play With Your Dog
If you participate actively in activities that your dog enjoys, your dog will adore you like no other. This might be as simple as taking it for a morning walk or simply offering it its favorite dog treats from time to time.
Your dog’s favorite activity may not be so good for you. For example, they may like digging in the yard; you will have to be resourceful in these cases.
Rather than taking these activities away from your dog, you may have him participate in a similar exercise in a different setting.
If Your Dog Doesn’t Follow You, Use Positive Reinforcement
It’s not easy to train your dog, especially when he doesn’t understand what you’re saying. If you start training your dog with adverse actions, such as hitting and shouting, it will lose trust and respect for you.
Instead, use positive reinforcement training to establish a bond with your dog. You can do this by rewarding your dog every time it does as you command or plays and socializes with you, and this is sure to make it accompany and play with you often.
Conclusion
If your dog does not follow you anymore, it does not mean it hates you; it could simply be that there is miscommunication between you and your dog.
Maybe you are not as observant as you should detect changes in your pet’s mood, health, and behavior.
Furthermore, you could also have exhibited past actions that make your pet believe that you do not want its company. If you socialize with your dog correctly, it will always follow and play with you.
