Your Pitbull following you around every step you take may seem cute initially. Still, after a while, you may be curious as to why your Pitbull follows you everywhere, and how do you get a moment to yourself?
I had the exact same questions, and my Terrier does the same thing to me, and here is what I can tell you on this subject.
Why Does My Pitbull Follow Me Everywhere?
A Pitbull will follow you around if they believe they benefit from following you, such as attention and love. A Pitbull will also follow you around due to their pack dog mentality and their need to protect you as the owner. A Pitbull may even follow you around if they suffer from separation anxiety.
In all honesty, you have a few more reasons why a Pitbull may follow you around. You do have some things you can do to help your Pitbull live more independently and with less anxiety in the future.
That is what the rest of this short 4-minute read will break down for you, and here is how I intend to layout the information for you today.
- Why Does My Pitbull Follow Me Everywhere?
- 6 Primary Reasons Your Pitbull Follows You Everywhere
- A Pitbull Following You Everywhere Is A Sure Sign of Love, Embrace It
Why Does My Pitbull Follow Me Everywhere?
Have you have tried to walk to the bathroom or even tried to take a nap in your favorite lounging room?
Just to find out you have no way to actually avoid or dodge your Pitbull?
It is common for a Pitbull to follow their owners everywhere and to stick right by your side like glue.
Shockingly enough, the reasons for why a Pitbull may be doing this in the first place can vary greatly.
Some common consensuses have been reached.
Still, it is hard to pinpoint why each individual Pitbull takes this strong liking to their owner and refuses to be anywhere else except by your side.
Below, I have put together what I believe to be the primary reasons you will notice your Pitbull following you everywhere.
While these top reasons may not help you avoid this situation in the future, at least you will understand why they do it.
Time to dive into those details.
6 Primary Reasons Your Pitbull Follows You Everywhere
#1- Imprinting
Imprinting can be a relatively in-depth subject matter when you start to uncover it, but, in a nutshell, imprinting is how your dog learns the world when they are young and who they look to in order to learn this world through.
This can include reading body language, what is okay to chew and bite on, and who “the pack leader” is in the home.
If this imprinting took place with your Pitbull, and they look to you as this trusted source of life decisions, it may be tough to shake them in the future.
Put simply, you doing your job with your Pitbull may be the exact reason they are following you everywhere.
Basically, they have latched on, and the bond has cemented.
Not something to complain about if you ask me.
#2- Breed Specific Traits
Some dogs are more prone to follow their owners than others.
That is for sure.
As a Terrier owner myself, I know this to be 100% true.
Some dogs simply find the need to be loyal, protective, and around their owners.
In contrast, other dogs are capable of some independence and alone time.
The only advice I can really give you is to do your research and ensure you are happy with a dog that will you follow around everywhere, such as a Pitbull, because that is likely what this dog will do.
#3-Positive Reinforcement
I agree with this 100%.
If you are one of those who love your dog all day long, rain or shine, and no matter what is happening, they grow to understand this.
And guess what?
They love you too and love the positive vibes you are giving off.
They love the treats, the belly rubs, and the frequent chatting and telling them that they are a good boy and a good girl.
If your Pitbull puppy is young and you do not want them following you everywhere, consider doing a little more ignoring.
Obviously, do not push this to an extreme such as neglect, but I think you get the point I am trying to make.
Some dog owners talk with their dogs all day, loving on them, and just purely glow with positive reinforcement and vibes.
If this is you, do not be shocked when your Pitbull follows you everywhere.
They simply enjoy your company and want the rewards that come with following you around everywhere.
Pitbull’s are very smart and they use this situation to their advantage each and every time.
#4- Anxiety and Separation Anxiety
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will also have trouble not following you around everywhere you go.
Mostly if you have accidentally made this need for them to be around you even stronger by mistake.
Sometimes, you find yourself taking days off work, in the beginning, to work with your new dog, train them, and allow them to adapt to their new home.
If this is you, you are programming your dog that you are always around.
This is going to make it more difficult for you to leave your Pitbull home alone without other issues coming up, such as the following:
- Destructive Crate Behavior
- Excessive Chewing
- Excessive Barking
Be sure that you always show love and affection towards your Pitbull and make them realize starting at a young age that life goes on when you are not around.
They need to get used to it, and this will also help you not have your Pitbull following you everywhere you go.
#5- Doing Their Diligence and Protecting
I think we can all agree that Pitbull’s make for excellent guard dogs and are known to protect their owners.
It is also common for dogs to feel the need to be a part of the “pack,” much like wolves.
Did you know the dog’s DNA sequence is a 98% match to wolves?
Yep, it is true, and once they know you are the alpha; they feel a duty to protect, serve, and remain in the pack, ready to prove their worth.
To do this, they need to follow you everywhere.
Get used to it.
#6- Pure Love and Desire
Sometimes, you do not have to look any further for an explanation except for the most straightforward answer that is right in front of you.
Have you ever thought that you just have a very loving dog that wants to be around you?
If you socialized your Pitbull in the proper fashion from a young age, then this should be expected.
My dogs are attached to my hip, as well.
Can it be one of the more annoying behaviors?
Yes, it sure can, but at the end of the day, I would rather have a dog that prefers to be by my side and a loyal companion than dealing with what the opposite would look like.
A Pitbull Following You Everywhere Is A Sure Sign of Love, Embrace It
Listen, fellow terrier owners.
Pitbull’s are a dog breed that will follow you around everywhere.
Especially when you raise a Pitbull in a loving, ethical, and affectionate home.
Trust me when I say that this is 100% better than the alternative and much better than a dog that prefers to run away from you.
Enjoy it and enjoy your companion and the bond you have built.
Sometimes it can get annoying, but hey, you have an awesome dog, a loyal and protective Pitbull, and a lifelong companion.
It does not get much better than that if you ask me.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Pitbull Terriers and the journey you have ahead of you.
Does Your Pitbull Follow You Around Everywhere as Well?
Does your Pitbull Terrier follow you everywhere as well?
Is this something that you love or something that you strongly dislike?
Be sure to leave those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today, and we will see you again next time.
