Dogs are the most faithful animals in the world. No matter what goes on in our lives, they never leave our side. And one very adorable thing about dogs is that, if you’re late, dogs will often wait by the door to ‘receive’ you back. And not to mention the fact that some breeds seem to suffer from separation anxiety when left on their own.
This should not be a surprise since dogs are very strong social animals who forge strong bonds with their human companions and also with other pets. They love social interaction and stimulation and can get lethargic when deprived of them.
Dogs descended from wolves, which live in packs. And like wolves, dogs also like to follow their ‘pack leader,’ who, for them, happens to be their owner.
They love to follow their owner around, snuggle up with them, and also protect their lives. And in addition, they also miss them dearly and wait patiently for their return.
Since they see you leave (and later come in) through the door, they commonly associate the door with their arrival. This is especially true if they hear familiar sounds such as footsteps or car keys.
So, have you ever wondered why dogs await your return so much? What are the underlying reasons behind it? Here’s a more detailed analysis of all the possible causes:
Dogs crave bonding and affection
As already mentioned, dogs quickly form deep attachments with their owners. With time, they come to see their owners as ‘part of their pack.
Like obedient members of the group, they love to display deference and affection to the heads or guardians. Therefore, waiting by the door is a way to display their love and excitement when they finally come back.
It’s a part of their daily routine
Dogs love to live by discipline. They live much better when they are made to form a ‘habit’ and adhere to a routine.
Because they are creatures of habit, they can develop a deep-seated sense about their owners. They observe their masters keenly and ‘know’ when their owners usually leave and return.
They can also associate certain images, sounds, or smells with the owner’s departure and arrival. When they get any cues signaling their return, they follow it and position themselves by the door.
They may suffer from separation anxiety
It is common for dogs to experience separation anxiety. Some dogs are overly attached to their owners and experience severe separation anxiety when their latter leave.
This is more common in some breeds compared to others. Waiting by the door can be a manifestation of such feelings and anxiety. They can grow quite restless until their owner returns.
They may be bored
This might be a bit surprising to hear. As social creatures, dogs get bored as much as humans do.
When your dog has been at home alone all day with nothing much to do, it can grow fidgety and restless. This leads them to look for some excitement, like playing games or cuddling.
This boredom can also make them wait by the door, hoping for a walk or some other form of interaction when their owner finally comes back.
It’s a part of their instinct
Like humans, different dogs have different personalities. Some breeds can be more clingy than others, waiting by the door to see their owner.
This can also stem from a deep-seated feeling of possessiveness or territorial behavior, which is common in many animals.
Conclusion
There are myriad reasons why your dog may be waiting for you at the door, and rush to welcome you the moment you show up.
But whatever the actual reason is, we can’t deny that it is super cute and shows how much they love you. Dogs are also known to have a strong sixth sense.
Who knows, they probably want to protect you from any harm that might befall you if you’re outside. That’s incredibly loving and heartwarming.
Do you happen to have any cute ‘waiting’ stories about your dog? If yes, do share them with us.
