Why Does My Springer Spaniel Follow Me Around Everywhere?
I love dogs, and the springer spaniel I recently adopted is tops on my list of the most perfect dog. We spend a great deal of time together, at home, at the park, in the car. I have been learning a lot about this breed since I got my dog, but I don’t understand why my springer spaniel follows me everywhere. At home, I go from one room to the other and back, she follows me back and forth.
I needed to know the answer to this to better understand my dog, so I did some research. Please read what I discovered.
Why does my springer spaniel follow me around everywhere?
Why does my springer spaniel follow me around everywhere? Your springer spaniel follows you around everywhere because dogs are pack animals. Their history is that of being part of a pack where one is the primary leader, and others follow. The pack leader is the one that the other dogs would look to for information, knowledge, and answers.
In our modern world, the dog owner is the pack leader, even if there are no other dogs in their pack. Depending on the environment in which they live, play, and work, the springer spaniel, will stay close to their human leader and companion as part of instinct.
They can also remain tight due to positive reinforcements in the form of extra treats and lots of affection every time the dog is near their owner or companion. These loving gestures are welcoming, and the springer spaniel will want more so they will stay close.
Depending on age, puppies will also remain close to bond as their owner may become a replacement mother. The springer spaniels health can also play a part in whether they follow you around. Whatever the cause, this close connection can be both a blessing and a curse for the dog and owner.
When this type of behavior reveals itself, it is best to examine the relationship, health of the springer spaniel, the environment they work and live in, and other areas of their life.
All dogs are pack animals. This instinctual nature is part of their genetics, like the size of their nose and color of their hair. As companions to humans, this mentality of being a part of a pack hasn’t gone away but merely transferred to their owner or human companion. They look to that one person as their pack leader.
Usually, one human will be selected or command the position of pack leader. This situation is likely the one that the springer spaniel will attach to in times of need. Not all dogs show this type of behavior. Some are more alpha males and tend to attempt to be the pack leader with their human companions as followers.
The springer spaniel is also a working dog bred for hunting, which causes them to spend a great deal of time with their owner or human companions. In this way, they will naturally spend more time beside their humans as they await instructions about what is happening, what to do, and so on.
For some dogs, the desire to stay close is related to the response they receive back from their owner and human companion. There is so much love that we can give to our springer spaniel that it can be hard to distinguish between enough and too much.
That said, the springer spaniel may stay close if they receive excess amounts of treats and praise without a direct action that called for it. No action has been done, but they get a positive reward. This affection is okay sometimes when we want to share a treat for no reason or snuggle up because we love them. If done too often, following their owner around might be the result.
The age of the springer spaniel will help determine why they are following their owner around. If weaned too early, puppies will attempt to replace their mother with a human alternative as a coping skill.
Life can be rough for a young pup, and they may follow the owner around to learn and bond.
This behavior should go away with time and proper training and socializing to teach the puppy what is expected of them and how they should behave.
If the springer spaniel is older, it could be related to health problems that are simple or extensive.
As a pack leader, we must remember that we are the golden ticket to everything for them.
Their food, water, treats, playtime, walks, trips to the park, affection, and toys. When taken from that perspective, it is easy to see how being beside us would give them security, strength, and comfort.
What can be done to help a springer spaniel stop following me around?
The first thing that can be done is for the owner or companion to take a step back and look at the relationship from all sides. All things must be considered, the health of the dog, age, environment, interactions, treatment, training, and socialization. The message the owner or companion might send to the dog also affects their behavior.
The second step would be to review training commands and obedience to ensure that they remember what is expected of them in certain moments.
Once this is reviewed, it is essential, just like with humans, to establish boundaries. These boundaries will vary from human and dog couple. Some springer spaniel owners may not be bothered by their dog following them around for a certain amount of time, which varies from person to person.
This situation is a perfect time to remind them of boundaries and what is acceptable through their training and obedience. Walking them over to their bed or favorite spot and using a loving but firm voice to tell them to “Lay” and “Stay” can remind them who is in charge.
Some dogs may struggle with this, and our best efforts may be tossed to the garbage can when they proceed to continue following us around. If this happens, the above “Lay” and “Stay” technique should be repeated. How long it will take for them to get the message varies from one springer spaniel to another.
Patience is necessary during this time. If it becomes too much using a dog crate, a separate room or another area is necessary. It will provide the owner with peace and a much-needed break until they can begin the training again.
One area that can be examined is the springer spaniels’ direct environment. If this behavior starts suddenly, it could be a direct reflection of the home environment. The owner can take notice of any changes that have occurred.
Was there a thunderstorm recently? Did they go to the bathroom today? Did the UPS delivery man bang on the door to loud yesterday? Certain situations can cause unnecessary stress for a dog.
They are not able to adequately express this, so they will likely show it in physical behaviors. These can include following their owner around, whimpering, peeing on the floor, or other negative reactions.
If this is the case for their sudden follow the leader game, be patient, and provide a little extra love and attention to help them feel more comfortable. How severe the issue was, will determine how long it will take for the springer spaniel to recover and feel better.
If all things appear to be in order, not too much or little treats and attention is given. Their needs are met in a timely and comfortable manner that makes them feel safe.
Their home is safe, healthy, happy, and free from too many distractions. They are trained and socialized and are given ample daily practice in both. Nothing has happened recently that would affect them emotionally, then it is time to consult their veterinarian.
Are there any health conditions that cause a springer spaniel to follow someone around?
There are no health problems that have the symptom of the dog following their owner around. This body language is a behavior and not a health condition. If, however, the dog is suffering from some ailment, they may express it by silently following their owner or pack leader around to feel comfort and security.
In Conclusion
We all get needy at one time or another; most often, it directly relates to how we feel, physically, mentally, or emotionally.
While our dog can tell us with words how they are feeling, they use their body language to express their needs and wants.
Their need to be part of a pack is instinctual. The dog will naturally gravitate to one human as their appointed leader and sometimes follow them around.
Suppose this behavior becomes excessive or exhausting consulting. In that case, the dog’s veterinarian will help determine it’s an underlying cause or at least manages the behavior.
When the game of “Pied Piper” is too much, kick back and snuggle up on the couch for some cuddle time. Sometimes a little love is all they need!