Why Does My Australian Shepherd Follow Me Everywhere? 5 Facts

Last Updated on November 27, 2023

Australian Shepherds, also known as Aussies, are well-known for their unwavering loyalty and affection towards their owners. One of the defining characteristics of this breed is their tendency to follow their owners everywhere they go, earning them the nickname “velcro dogs”.

In this article, we will explore why Aussies are known for being velcro dogs, the benefits of having an Aussie who follows you everywhere, the impact of training on Aussie follow behaviour, and the reasons behind an Australian Shepherd’s need for attention and affection.

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? Keep reading below to know more about this!

Why Aussies Are Known for Being Velcro Dogs

As Australian shepherds have been bred to be herding and working dogs, they tend to show a level of commitment to the owners that border towards protectiveness, something they commonly show towards other animals they are tasked to protect, such as sheep.

In essence, The close bond that develops between an Aussie and its owner is due in part to the dog’s instinct to protect and serve its pack. This instinct, combined with their high levels of energy and intelligence, leads to a strong desire to stay close to their owners at all times.

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? The psychology behind Aussies being known as velcro dogs can be understood through their origins as herding dogs, their innate instincts to protect and stay close to their owners, and their high intelligence and energy levels.

This combination of traits leads to a strong attachment and desire for attention and affection from their owners, making them the affectionate and loyal pets they are known to be.

The Reasons Behind an Australian Shepherd’s Need for Attention and Affection

Aussies strongly desire attention and affection because they were bred to work closely with their owners. When they don’t receive enough attention and affection, they may become destructive or exhibit other negative behaviours. Some reasons for their attention-focused behaviour are given below:

Breeding: Australian Shepherds were initially bred to work on farms, herding and guarding livestock. This work required them to have a strong bond with their human handlers and to be highly responsive to commands. This has led to a breed highly attuned to human interaction and a strong desire to please its owners.

Intelligence: Australian Shepherds are brilliant dogs, ranking in the top 20 smartest dog breeds. This intelligence means they crave mental stimulation and attention and can become bored and destructive if they are not given enough mental and physical activity.

Energy Level:Australian Shepherds have a lot of energy and need a lot of physical activity to burn it off. Without enough exercise and play, they can become restless and destructive. Spending time with their owners through playing, training, or simply cuddling can help fulfil their need for affection and attention.

Loyalty: Australian Shepherds are known for their intense loyalty to their owners. They form close bonds with their families and always love to be near them. This loyalty and affection for their owners lead to a strong desire for attention and interaction.

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? In general, Australian Shepherds need a lot of attention and affection because of their breeding as working dogs. Neglect them, and they will become depressed and, eventually, destructive.

How To Stop Your Australian Shepherd From Following You Everywhere

If your Aussie’s constant following is becoming a problem, there are a few things you can do to help stop this behaviour. First, provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to keep your dog physically and mentally engaged, such as through training sessions and interactive toys. Second, consider using positive reinforcement training methods to redirect your dog’s attention away from you.

You may also establish clear boundaries for your dog, like having designated areas for them to rest or stay in while you’re in certain rooms. Be consistent in enforcing these rules, and reward your dog for following them. For example, if your dog stays in their designated area while you’re working, give them a treat or extra attention when you take a break.

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? Remember that training your dog takes patience and consistency, so stick to your rules and reinforce good behaviour every time. With time and persistence, your dog will learn to respect your boundaries and be more independent.

The Impact of Training on Aussie Follow Behaviour

Training has a significant impact on the following behaviour of Australian Shepherds. With the proper training, you can influence your Aussie’s behaviour and turn them into the well-behaved pet you’ve always wanted. Here’s a closer look at how training can affect your Aussie’s follow behaviour:

Building Trust: Positive reinforcement training techniques can help build trust between you and your Aussie. When your pet is rewarded for good behaviour, it’ll be more likely to follow your lead and obey commands.

Establishing Boundaries: Training can also help establish clear boundaries for your Aussie. By teaching your pet what’s acceptable and what’s not, you’ll be able to control their follow behaviour better.

Encouraging Independence: While Aussies are known for their Velcro behaviour, they also need some independence. Training can help your Aussie develop independence and the ability to be independent, which can benefit you and your pet.

Reducing Anxiety: Training can also help reduce anxiety in Aussies. By teaching your pet coping mechanisms and behaviours to alleviate stress, you can reduce the need for them to follow you everywhere.

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? Training generally plays a considerable role in shaping your Aussie’s follow behaviour. By building trust, establishing boundaries, encouraging independence, and reducing anxiety, you can help your furry friend develop into a well-behaved, obedient pet.

The Benefits of Having an Aussie Who Follows You Everywhere

Having an Aussie that sticks to you as glue comes with many benefits. Here are a few of the top perks of having an Aussie as a Velcro dog:

Increased Safety: Aussies have an innate drive to protect and stay close to their owners, which can give them a sense of security and peace of mind. With your furry friend by your side, you’ll always feel protected, and potential danger may be deterred.

Stronger Connection:Aussies have a deep bond with their owners, which is a significant factor in why they follow you everywhere. This close relationship can help strengthen your connection and make your relationship with your pet more fulfilling.

Better Health:Spending time with your pet has been shown to affect mental and physical health. Having your Aussie close by can lower stress levels, decrease blood pressure, and provide emotional support and companionship.

More Exercise: Aussies are full of energy and love physical activity, which can inspire you to get up and move. This can be great for your physical health.

Training Opportunities:Aussies are intelligent and eager to please, making training and bonding sessions a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? Having an Aussie that follows you everywhere can have many advantages, from increased safety to a stronger bond and improved health. So, embrace your furry friend’s Velcro behaviour and enjoy the many benefits that come with it!

Conclusion

Why does my Australian Shepherd follow me everywhere? The breeding practices for these dogs are the main reason they have developed their “velcro dog” behaviour and may not exactly be a problem unless the owner has a habit of being engaged in a work of theirs.

If so, a combination of positive reinforcement training and setting boundaries may work wonders for your Aussie to stop following you everywhere you go!