Clingy Puppy Takes Stalking to a Whole New Level: The Viral Video That’s Breaking the Internet
Our dogs may be our constant companions, but some of their behaviors remain a mystery—like their tendency to follow us everywhere, even to the bathroom. A heartwarming TikTok capturing a Cockapoo named Moose shadowing his dog mom has gone viral, melting hearts across the platform. (watch the TikTok below)
Moose Follows His Mom From Room To Room
The viral TikTok uploaded from @moosethecockapoo_ features Moose, the Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix adorably trailing behind his mom wherever she goes. The video is not only heartwarming but also hilarious, with the background lyrics playfully echoing the dog’s perspective: “I’m following mum all around the house.”
@moosethecockapoo_ I’m following mum! #dogs #fyp #relatable #followingmom #puppysongs ♬ I'm Following Mom – Puppy Songs
From the kitchen to the bathroom to the roof, Moose never leaves his mum’s side. When she goes upstairs, the dog sweetly climbs the stairs behind her. It is no doubt an endearing sight and millions of people agree as the video has garnered 3 million views.
In addition, the video has more than 300K likes and a thousand comments on TikTok, with many users sharing how their furry friends behave the same way as Moose. A user, Victoria Deane, comments, “My bf laughs every time I get up cause both my dogs follow me he’s like they are obsessed with you 😅”
From viral videos like this one, it’s clear that many pet owners experience the same endearing “shadow” behavior. Whether it’s their way of showing love, seeking comfort, or simply wanting to be part of every moment, dogs like Moose fill our lives with joy and laughter. But why do the canine companions follow us?
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Around?
You may often find that when you head to the kitchen for a midnight snack, and there they are, your dog staring at you. You try to sneak into the bathroom, but a curious nose pushes the door open, accompanied by a wagging tail. According to the Family Handyman magazine, such dogs are called “Velcro dogs, due to their desire to be attached to your side.”
While their constant companionship can be endearing, it’s natural to wonder: why does my dog follow me everywhere? Let’s understand the factors behind your dog’s behavior of following you everywhere.
Genetics
There are several reasons why dogs choose to follow us, and it’s not just because dogs love us. Veterinarian Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell says, “The most consistent one is that it’s in their genes –– throughout history dogs have been pack animals. When we remove dogs from their canine pack, they simply adopt their human pack instead. The same instincts that kick in with wild dogs are present in our canine companions.”
Seek Company
Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction and companionship – just like us. They love our company and want to be close to their favorite person (that’s you!). If your dog was adopted as a young pup, they might even think of you as their “dog mother.”
Boredom
Some dogs follow us simply because they’re bored and want to see what we’re up to. These dogs need more physical and mental stimulation – exercise and playtime can help.
Routine
Dogs are smart and pick up on our daily routines quickly. They learn when it’s time for food, walks, or play and will often stick close to remind us (and ensure they don’t miss out). We often unwittingly reinforce this behavior with treats and attention, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.
Anxiety
In some cases, dogs may stick close to pet parents due to anxiety, fear, or uncertainty. This is especially true during loud events like thunderstorms or fireworks when they seek our protection. A small number of dogs may even experience separation anxiety, leading to distress for both dog and owner.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me To The Bathroom?
Plenty of dog owners everywhere have this question: why does my dog follow me into the bathroom? In fact, a Reddit user, mespdx, shares his story on a subreddit dedicated to dogs, “My dog is pretty independent, he does follow me around the house sometimes but usually just prefers his position on the couch … However, every single time he follows me into the bathroom for pets and kisses … Does anyone know why he might do this?”
To this, u/sassyprofessor, answers, “I asked my vet about this and she told me it is because they are on the look-out.” They explain when dogs poop, they are at their most vulnerable, which is why they look to their owners for protection and reassurance. Dogs simply return the favor when you’re in the bathroom, because they want to ensure your safety in your most vulnerable moment.
Dr. Mitchell cites curiosity as the reason for dogs following you to the bathroom. She states that the bathroom is a treasure trove of new sights, sniffs, and discoveries for our furbabies.
With their superpower sense of smell, dogs are drawn to the bathroom’s array of pungent odors, which can be both overwhelming and exhilarating to their sensitive noses. Toilet paper rolls, toothbrushes, and towels all carry the scent of their beloved family members, making the bathroom an irresistible playground for exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my dog follow me?
Your dog may follow you because they feel a strong bond, loyalty, or curiosity. The fact that dogs are pack animals also explains this behavior.
Why does my dog follow me to the toilet?
Dogs only follow you to the bathroom because they’re curious, protective, or want to explore the scents. It’s also how your dog spends time staying close to you.
How to stop my dog from following me everywhere?
Dr. Mitchell advises that if your dog constantly follows you, consult your veterinarian to rule out anxiety. You can train your dog by teaching your dog commands like “stay” or “place” to help them feel secure alone. Pair this with exercise, clear rules, and positive reinforcement for settling independently.
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