Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Velcro dogs: The pets most likely to become mini stalkers (and what to do about it)

Some pups can't get enough of their humans and follow them everywhere earning them the title velcro dogs

Rebekkah Adams
By

One of the best things about pets is they love us unconditionally: They jump for happiness when we get home, dutifully stand by our side no matter what, and beg for our attention even when we’re in our PJs with unkempt hair. Velcro dogs take this to the next level. These pups stick to their humans like glue, or well, velcro. They can’t get enough of their people and follow them around, even into the bathroom.

While this behavior can be common in many pets when they’re young, right after being adopted, or immediately following a long separation, velcro dog breeds never seem to grow out of the tendency. Just about any beastie can wind up fitting into this category, but some types of dogs are more prone to it than others.

Woman reads a book with a dog on her lap
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What makes a pup a velcro dog?

The truth is, there’s no surefire way to tell if one animal will wind up being clingier than the next. However, there are some clues you can look to and make an educated guess. Essentially, all puppies go through this phase at one time or another, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate they’ll turn into a velcro pup as an adult. Additionally, many, or even most, dogs will also follow you more when they first meet you or after a big life event, like a move. However, a true clinger won’t ever let go, staying right underfoot all day for their whole life.

Recommended Videos

As mentioned, some breeds tend to shadow their owners more closely than others. A rescue that has previously been abandoned might also exhibit these traits. Don’t sign up for one of these little guys if you’re not ready for a mini stalker that has full access to your home.

A cute Lab sleeps happily on the couch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why do canines engage in this behavior?

There can be a number of reasons a pooch might wind up with velcro dog syndrome. Some of it stems from pack mentality, which can cause these guys to always want to be near you or even desire to have the whole family together. They’re following you around because, since you are the pack leader, that’s what they’re supposed to do. As long as you’re being careful not to step on them, it’s usually not a problem.

However, your furry friend might also be suffering from separation anxiety. If you suspect there’s an underlying health cause, you should talk to a vet and a trainer to work through this issue. A true velcro dog will always want to be by your side, but won’t freak out when you leave — that stress signals that they’ve tipped into anxious territory and it means they need a little help.

A pug puppy carries a bone in the grass
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What can I do to curb my dog’s velcro tendencies?

Working with a trainer can help assuage the symptoms if your pooch is clinging to you as a result of trauma or anxiety. But some little buddies will always be more inclined to follow around their humans. The American Kennel Club points out that our behavior might be somewhat to blame. “If every time you are with your dog, he gets affection or treats, he’s likely to follow you around more often,” Dr. Barrack said.

Try creating safe spaces for your canine, introducing them to other people and pets, and working on basic commands, like stay, to ensure they’ll leave you alone when necessary. These might help curb the need to obsessively walk in your footsteps.

Chihuahua cocks his head while lying on the carpet
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Which breeds tend to become velcro dogs?

While these types of pets don’t work for everyone, some people love having a companion for all hours of the day. Before you bring a velcro dog home, make sure you have a lifestyle set up for it. For example, if you work from home and mostly travel by car, you’ll be able to hang out together all the time. Here are the breeds most likely to fall into this category.

Chihuahuas

The ultimate velcro dogs, Chihuahuas tend to all but worship their owners and expect you to dote on them in return. This breed often attaches particularly to one person, so they don’t always fit well with a big family. But many can adapt and see your whole unit as one giant Chihuahua pack. One benefit of owning the tiniest breed: You can take them with you on a plane. That means your best friend truly never needs to leave your side.

Labrador retrievers

America’s favorite dogs love to commit fully to their humans. These guys make perfect family dogs and love to play with kids and adults alike. You won’t always find that your Lab follows you around, but many like to go on the hunt with you as you go about your day.

Shetland sheepdogs

This dog breed, often known as the epitome of the herding group, loves to follow around their humans and may even try to herd them. In fact, one drawback of shelties is that they don’t do well if left alone for long periods. But they’re extremely intelligent, which means it’s easy to train them to respect your space when necessary.

Pugs

Like Chihuahuas, pugs fall into the toy group, so they have literally been bred to be your best friend. From the day you bring home your pug, you won’t ever go to the bathroom alone again. Instead, your sweet pup will shadow you at all times and constantly beg for attention and lap. It can take a lot of work to train a pug, but they’re easy to maneuver because they love food so much and jump at the chance to get a treat.

Papillons

Known for being the favorite companions of Marie Antoinette, papillons might rank as one of the prettiest of the toy breeds. Because of their attractive features, people adore their papillons and they love us back. Additionally, these little guys are really smart and quite agile, so they can do the tricks that are more common in the larger types, making them a great choice for those who want a small yet lively pup.

While velcro dogs don’t work for everyone, you’ll never find a more devoted or loyal friend than any of these Fidos. Research your chosen breed carefully and get the right one for your lifestyle. You can also ask about velcro tendencies if you adopt or find out if these characteristics run in the family when buying from a breeder. It might mean a little extra work, but it also guarantees a lot of extra love.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Why do dogs sleep under the covers? It all comes down to nature
Does your dog enjoy burrowing under the blankets? This could be why
A woman wearing a sleep mask over her eyes snuggles a Pug with his tongue out in bed

If you've ever tossed and turned all night, you know it's frustrating. Finally, finding the perfect sleeping position feels oh-so-good. Both humans and their furry friends can appreciate the bliss of discovering a comfy spot beneath the blankets, though it might not seem as normal for your pup’s sleeping routine. So, why do dogs sleep under the covers?
The reasons behind this adorable behavior may not surprise you, and they’re just as cute as you’d expect. Be careful while you read, though, or you may convince yourself to share your bed more often. Your dog will certainly get behind the idea of sharing a bed, but you might have to get used to having a lot less space while you sleep.

Why do dogs sleep under the covers? Here's what experts say
You like to believe that your fur baby gets under the blankets just to get closer to you … and you may be partially right. Because dogs are pack animals, feeling the touch of a family member while sleeping can be the ultimate form of comfort and warmth. Your presence lets them know they’re protected and part of the pack, even if they only snuggle up when they feel anxious. This may feel especially comforting for pups who grew up with their siblings — just think about puppy piles.
Snuggling under the covers has instinctual roots, too. Not long ago, dogs and wolves were born, raised, and sheltered in dens or caves, so it’s easy to see why your pup might feel cozy in a small space of their own.
Canine behaviorist Clarissa Fallis explains that certain breeds might be even more likely to burrow. Small hunting breeds like dachshunds and beagles "tend to mimic their innate behavior of flushing out small animals from tunnels by burrowing." She goes on to explain, "Larger burrowers, like huskies, live in extreme temperatures that make the instinct to burrow under the snow crucial for staying warm."
Whether your fur baby is actually cold, anxious, or just used to a routine of denning behavior, burrowing is generally not a cause for concern. Of course, there are a few safety precautions you can take to make it the best experience possible.

Read more
Why do you often find your dog with their tongue out? Here’s what vets say about the ‘blep’
A dog with their tongue out may be cute, but what does it really mean?
A German shepherd puppy sticks out their tongue

There's nothing cuter than a "blep" but what does it mean? Whether you first heard the term blep on the internet (it is meme-worthy, after all), or are learning of it for the first time, you're in for a treat. Bleps are positively adorable! The term started gaining online traction in the late 2010s, though it's no less popular today. The common canine behavior it's based on, however, is a habit as old as time: sticking out a tongue. Yep, a dog with its tongue out is enough to break the internet!
It's pretty dang cute, after all, but it's not always easy to figure out why a dog's tongue is sticking out. Don't worry though, pet parents — this is a great place to start! This is everything you need to know about bleps and what they mean.

What is a blep? How about a mlem?
Besides being one of the most popular terms used in pet-related social media, a blep refers to when an animal sticks their tongue out of its mouth only slightly. Braxton's Animal Works describes the action as "leaving the tongue, usually the tip, outside the mouth unconsciously." Many pet owners will notice it while their buddy is sleeping, or even after!

Read more
4 fun Father’s Day activities for dog dads so your pup can join the fun
Father's Day activities that the family dog can enjoy, too
Man and his dog doing a selfie outdoors

Dog dads, it’s your time to shine! With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to plan your special day — with your four-legged friend. Since the weather is heating up, Father’s Day activities are a great excuse to get outside (which your dog will love, too), though quality time with your kids — whether human or canine — can be found just about anywhere.
These Father’s Day activities with dogs are just the right amount of adventure: You’ll get some sunshine and fresh air, but you won’t need to jump through hoops to do it. Whether you’re planning for yourself or the special dad in your life, you won’t go wrong with any of these fun ideas with dogs. Happy Father’s Day!

Host a barbecue with your pooch for a more social weekend
Nothing says summertime quite like a backyard barbecue. Gather your loved ones, whether they have two legs or four, and stock up your menu with Dad’s favorite foods. Meats, sides, veggies, maybe something to drink — just make sure not to season any meat you plan on sharing with your pup!
In an enclosed, outdoor space like the backyard, you won’t have to worry about keeping an eye on your dog at all times. Plus, Dad can have a drink if he wants! If you prefer a park setting or don’t have a grill at home, just bring a long leash so your pup can chill without getting into trouble or taking off.
Fido will love all the attention he’s getting from happy partygoers, and Dad will love having his favorite company in one place. Who doesn’t love catching up with family? But the star of the show, of course, will be the delicious meal you prepare!

Read more