6 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Follow You Around (And What To Do About It)

Do you have a Chihuahua that follows you around everywhere? If so, you’re not alone. Many Chihuahuas love to stick close to their humans, and there are several reasons why this might be the case.

In this blog post, we will explore six of the most common reasons why Chihuahuas follow their people around. We will also offer some tips on how to deal with this behavior if it becomes problematic.

Key Takeaway

• Chihuahuas may follow you around due to their strong attachment to their owners, their need for security, their desire for attention, or because they’re trying to communicate a need such as hunger or the desire to go outside.
• If your Chihuahua is following you around constantly, you can manage this behavior by providing them with other activities to engage in, reinforcing independent behavior, and meeting their physical and psychological needs.

6 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Follow You Around

Do you own a Chihuahua? If so, you may have noticed that they follow you around everywhere. Believe it or not, there is actually a reason for this behavior! Here we will explore the 6 reasons why Chihuahuas follow their owners around and offer some tips on how to deal with it.

1. They are loyal

Chihuahuas are often considered to be loyal dogs, and it is not uncommon for them to follow their owners around. This loyalty is likely due, at least in part, to the fact that Chihuahuas are bred to be companion animals.

They are also known for their small size and big personalities, which can make them seem even more loyal than they actually are. However, it is important to remember that Chihuahuas are individuals, and not all of them will necessarily be devoted followers.

Some may prefer to spend their time lounging on the couch or playing with their toys, and there is nothing wrong with that. Ultimately, it is up to each individual Chihuahua to decide whether or not they want to follow you around.

When it comes to a Chihuahua that follows you around, the best thing to do is just let them be. They are loyal dogs and they want to be close to their owner. If you try and push them away or ignore them, they will only become more attached and follow you even more. Just relax and let them be by your side. They will eventually calm down.

If you have a Chihuahua that is following you too closely or becoming aggressive, it might be time to consult with a professional dog trainer. They will be able to help correct the behavior and make sure both you and your pup are safe and happy.

2. Your Chihuahua wants to be close to you

This is perhaps one of the most obvious reasons why Chihuahuas follow their owners around. Chihuahuas simply want to be close to the people they love and trust. In fact, a study published in the journal Animal Cognition found that dogs were more likely to follow their owner’s gaze if they were in a familiar environment as opposed to an unfamiliar one.

The study also found that when dogs were given the opportunity to choose between following their owner or a stranger, they chose their owner almost every time. So it’s clear that Chihuahuas see their owners as a source of safety and security, which is why they’re so drawn to them.

If your Chihuahua follows you around constantly and you don’t want them to, there are a few things you can do.

First, always be consistent with how you respond to your Chihuahua. If you want them to stop following you, make sure you ignore them when they do. Don’t give them any attention at all, even if they try to get your attention by whining or barking.

Second, create some boundaries for your Chihuahua. Establish specific areas in your house or yard that your dog is allowed to be in and ones that they are not. This will help teach them where they can and cannot be.

Lastly, provide plenty of exercise and stimulation for your Chihuahua. A tired dog is less likely to follow you around constantly. Playing fetch, going for walks, and providing puzzle toys can help keep your dog busy and out of your way.

3. They think you are their pack leader

Chihuahuas follow their owners because they see them as their pack leaders. Chihuahuas are pack animals and need a leader to guide them. When a Chihuahua doesn’t have a strong leader, it may become anxious or even aggressive. By following their owner, the dog feels safe and secure.

It’s also important to note that dogs aren’t the only animals that follow their pack leaders. Wolves, lions, and other predators also follow a strict hierarchy within their packs. This ensures that everyone knows their place and understands their role in the group.

As the pack leader, it is your responsibility to set boundaries and ensure that the dog understands their place in the hierarchy.

Here are a few tips on how to deal with a Chihuahua that follows you:

• Don’t encourage the behavior. If the dog follows you and gets attention or treats you for doing so, they will continue to do so. Ignore them or give them a quick verbal rebuke to let them know that this behavior is not acceptable.
• Establish yourself as the alpha dog. The alpha dog is always in charge and sets rules for subordinates to follow. When the Chihuahua sees that you are the one in charge, it will be less likely to follow you around.
• Use positive reinforcement. When the dog displays appropriate behavior, reward them with treats or petting. This will help to reinforce the good behavior and make sure it continues.
• Be consistent. Make sure that you always enforce the rules that you have set for your dog, otherwise, they will become confused and may start exhibiting undesirable behaviors.

4. You are their food source

Food is one of the most important motivators for dogs. They love to eat and they love to please their humans, which often means following them around. So, in their mind, they might be following you around as a way to show you respect for feeding them.

There have also been cases where pet parents simply do not feed their Chihuahuas enough food, so they are following their owners in hope that they will get enough food.

Now that we know how Chihuahuas see us, we need to figure out how to prevent them from seeing us as their food source. There are a few things you can do to make sure your Chihuahua doesn’t see you as their food source:

• Don’t feed your Chihuahua from the table. This will help teach them that they cannot expect food from you and that they should only be looking to you for guidance, love, and attention.
• Feed your Chihuahua separately from where you eat. This will again help teach them that they should not expect food from you, but rather from their food bowl.
• Make sure your Chihuahua gets plenty of exercise. A tired dog is less likely to be interested in looking for food from you.
• Ensure that your Chihuahua’s diet is high quality and balanced. This will help keep them healthy and less likely to look to you for food.

5. You are their protector

Chihuahuas will likely follow you because he sees you as a protector. Chihuahuas are pack animals and they instinctively look to their pack leader for guidance and protection.

By providing your Chihuahua with structure and leadership, you can help him see you as the alpha leader that he needs in his life. This will make it more likely that he will follow your lead and look to you for protection.

A Chihuahua that follows you around because it perceives you as its protector can be a real annoyance. However, there are ways to deal with this behavior that doesn’t involve yelling or using physical force.

First, try to create some distance between you and the dog. If possible, put up a fence or use a baby gate to keep the dog from getting too close. If this isn’t possible, try using verbal commands to tell the dog to back off says The Spruce Pets.

6. Your Chi sees you as their ”territory”

Some people believe that Chihuahuas follow their owners because they are territorial, while others believe that the dogs are simply loyal and protective. In reality, it is probably a combination of both factors that leads to the close bond between Chihuahuas and their owners.

Territoriality is certainly a factor in how some Chihuahuas behave, but there are also many cases where a dog will attach itself to a specific person for no clear reason.

If you have a Chihuahua that follows you around because they have claimed you as their ”territory”, there are a few things that you can do to help curb this behavior.

One is to make sure that you are not providing them with any incentives to follow you. This means not giving them attention or treats when they follow you. If they are not getting anything from following you, they will likely stop doing it.

Another thing that you can do is create some boundaries for your dog. This means establishing specific areas in your home or yard where the dog is allowed to be and setting limits on where they can go. If the dog knows their boundaries, they will be less likely to follow you around constantly trying to claim their territory.

What To Do If Your Chihuahua Is Following You Around Constantly

If your Chihuahua is constantly following you around, you can manage this behavior by providing them with activities to engage in, reinforcing independent behavior, and ensuring their physical and psychological needs are being met.

Provide Engaging Activities

Chihuahuas, like all dogs, need mental and physical stimulation. Providing toys, puzzle feeders, or designated playtimes can help occupy your Chihuahua when you’re busy. Regular walks and exercise can also help to tire them out and decrease the need for constant attention.

Reinforce Independent Behavior

Reward your Chihuahua when they show signs of independence. This could be when they play alone, rest in their own bed, or stay calm when you leave the room. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, or petting to encourage more of this behavior.

Ensure Their Needs Are Met

Chihuahuas may follow you around if they are hungry, thirsty, or need to go outside. Make sure they have access to fresh water, are fed regularly, and get frequent bathroom breaks. If your Chihuahua is following you around due to anxiety or fear, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.

Create a Comfortable Space

Having their own comfortable and safe space can help your Chihuahua feel more secure. This could be a crate, bed, or a specific room in your house. Encourage your Chihuahua to spend time in this space by placing their favorite toys or blankets there.

Consult a Veterinarian or Professional Trainer

If your Chihuahua’s behavior is causing concern or disrupting your household, it might be best to consult a professional. A veterinarian or a professional dog trainer can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help address any underlying issues that may be causing the behavior.

FAQs

Q: Do all Chihuahuas have the tendency to follow you everywhere?

A: While it is common for Chihuahuas to follow their owners around, not all Chihuahuas exhibit this behavior. Some Chihuahuas may be more independent or have different temperaments, so their inclination to follow you may vary.

Q: Is it a sign of separation anxiety when Chihuahuas follow you constantly?

A: Chihuahuas’ constant need to follow you around can sometimes be a sign of separation anxiety. If your Chihuahua becomes anxious or distressed when you’re not around, it’s important to provide them with proper training and create a comforting environment to help alleviate their anxiety.

Q: Can separation anxiety be a serious problem for Chihuahuas?

A: Yes, separation anxiety can be a serious problem for Chihuahuas and other dogs. It can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and even health issues. If you suspect your Chihuahua is experiencing separation anxiety, it’s best to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or veterinarian.

Q: How can I help my Chihuahua with separation anxiety?

A: There are several ways you can help your Chihuahua cope with separation anxiety. Gradually desensitizing them to being alone, providing them with engaging toys or puzzles, creating a safe and comfortable space for them, and using positive reinforcement techniques can all contribute to reducing their anxiety.

Q: Should I encourage or discourage my Chihuahua from following me everywhere?

A: Encouraging your Chihuahua’s attachment and desire to be with you is generally fine as long as it doesn’t become excessive or interfere with their overall wellbeing. However, it’s also important to teach your Chihuahua some independence and create a balance to prevent separation anxiety.

Q: Can Chihuahuas follow you around excessively out of boredom?

A: Yes, Chihuahuas can follow you around excessively out of boredom. They are intelligent and social creatures that thrive on stimulation and interaction. If they don’t have enough mental and physical activities, they may resort to following you around as a way to alleviate their boredom.

Q: Are Chihuahuas known to be clingier than other dog breeds?

A: Chihuahuas are often described as clingier compared to some other dog breeds. Their small size and their strong attachment to their owners contribute to this perception. However, it’s important to note that each dog, regardless of breed, can have different levels of clinginess depending on their personality and upbringing.

Q: Why does my Chihuahua follow me into every room?

A: Chihuahuas have a natural desire to be close to their owners. They may follow you into every room because they feel more secure and content when they are near you. Additionally, they may also be curious and want to explore different areas of the house with you.

Q: Can Chihuahuas stop following you around as they get older?

A: Some Chihuahuas may become less clingy and follow you around less as they age. However, this can vary from dog to dog. Some Chihuahuas may maintain their attachment and continue to follow you around, while others may become more independent. It largely depends on the individual dog and their unique personality.