# dog around

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dog-around
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to follow someone everywhere in an annoying way or to treat them badly. You use this when someone is bothering you or bossing you around.

For teachers: to follow someone persistently or to treat them with contempt and lack of consideration. This phrasal verb is transitive and frequently occurs in the passive voice when describing being plagued by persistent problems.

## Examples

- Stop dogging me around and let me finish my homework.
- She felt like her ex-boyfriend was dogging her around by showing up at her favorite coffee shops.
- The disgraced politician was dogged around by the press for weeks, making it impossible for him to leave his home without being harassed.

## Usage notes

- usually takes a person as a direct object and carries a strong negative connotation of harassment.
- Teaching tip: compare this to 'boss around' or 'push around' to show how 'dog' adds a sense of persistent, animal-like following.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.