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-   -   Why do my dogs follow my every move? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=435953)

  • Jan 16, 2010, 04:49 PM
    redrumx3
    Why do my dogs follow my every move?
    I've tried researching a little, I've gotten two answers, one being they are trying to dominate, the other being the exact opposite, that they see me as the pack leader.

    Here's the situation: My pit and my blue tick hound constantly follow me. The pit is male, about 6 and has ALWAYS followed me since we got him at 6 months. The blue tick hound is female, about 1 year and a half, and just the past couple months has started to do the same. They both sleep when I lay down, eat when I eat anything, etc. etc.

    I have another, older, dog who is the lowest in their pack, she doesn't follow me but she does lay down in my room at night with the other two (I'm assuming this is to sleep with the pack).

    I'm not complaining, I love the dogs dearly, I'm just wondering what exactly the behavior means :).

    Thanks!
  • Jan 16, 2010, 05:18 PM
    Cat1864

    Congratulations, you are the leader. :)

    They are following your lead as a true pack does its leader. A couple of clues are that you are not complaining and they aren't fighting or trying to 'herd' you into doing what they want.
  • Jan 16, 2010, 07:32 PM
    shazamataz

    Yep I agree with Cat, you are the leader.

    They wait to see what you do just as a wild dog would.
    When you eat, they know it's OK for them to eat.
    When you are playful, they are playful.

    Just be careful it doesn't turn into a problem and they become totally dependent on you, this can cause separation anxiety if you leave them alone for any amount of time.
  • Jan 16, 2010, 07:42 PM
    Catsmine

    As a human pack leader, you need to maintain order. If they start to pick on your older dog or the tall one gets jealous of the pit, human dominant behavior is normally to hold them by the scruff of their neck and look them in the eyes until they submit. Raising your voice is a challenge in a dominance situation, so be firm but don't yell. I have them sit to submit, as I don't give them enough slack to lay down. This is how their mother disciplined them, and they do remember.

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