Doesn't sit next to owner sits next to me

Germanshepherdgirl =] · 11-03-2012, 10:17 AM

Ever since my friend had to board her three year old male german shepherd, she noticed that he doesn't have as strong of a bond. When we were watching tv he sat next to me. I've been giving him treats and playing ball all day. While watching tv he later next to me . Then he gave me a lick on my face then 2 more times. He even showed me his belly. And let me scratch it. Whenever he sees this guy his tail will wag and he'll get all happy. Can german shepherds attached themselves to other people?

Stosh · 11-03-2012, 10:59 AM

My dog goes absolutely nuts over my two nieces and my best friend. He kisses, cries, wags, gets so excited he can hardly hold still when they come over. He paws at them to pet him and scratch his belly. It's great to see him enjoy others that much. But he's still MY dog. So maybe what you're seeing is the same kind of behavior

**Castlemaid** · 11-03-2012, 11:00 AM

Yes, German Shepherds can be attached to more than one person. They can have special friends outside of their immediate pack. It does not mean that they do not have a bond with their owner, and being friends with others does not diminish their bond or connection to their owner.

I like when my dogs have special friends. They are in general outgoing and friendly with other people, and I encourage it. I think it gives them more depth and richness in their lives, and does not take away anything from my relationship with them.

Zisso · 11-03-2012, 11:06 AM

My girl is insanely attached to my dad, and before we moved here she was equally attached to my buddy John. When they are present, I am pretty much chopped liver, unless I give her a command. That tells me she still knows who is boss, but that she is capable of loving more than just me. For us, it is a good thing, because she is a nippy dog. She still nips at my brother on occasion; more out of trying to get his attention or trying to stop him from messing with 'her' cat.

wolfy dog · 11-03-2012, 11:10 AM

Whoever provides the good stuff is their friend, that is, if they are well socialized with people as a pup. I would consider it a compliment on a job well done. Like with their owner, you have to earn their affection. That was sometimes hard for my friends as they said "he never flattens his ears for me". Then one day he did and everyone cheered him on.
I also got a payoff when one of my friends told me, "WD is a great dog to know." That made me cheer

11-03-2012, 10:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
Germanshepherdgirl =] New Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 5	Doesn't sit next to owner sits next to me Ever since my friend had to board her three year old male german shepherd, she noticed that he doesn't have as strong of a bond. When we were watching tv he sat next to me. I've been giving him treats and playing ball all day. While watching tv he later next to me . Then he gave me a lick on my face then 2 more times. He even showed me his belly. And let me scratch it. Whenever he sees this guy his tail will wag and he'll get all happy. Can german shepherds attached themselves to other people?

11-03-2012, 11:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
Castlemaid The Administrator from the Great White North, eh? Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern British Columbia Posts: 11,173	Yes, German Shepherds can be attached to more than one person. They can have special friends outside of their immediate pack. It does not mean that they do not have a bond with their owner, and being friends with others does not diminish their bond or connection to their owner. I like when my dogs have special friends. They are in general outgoing and friendly with other people, and I encourage it. I think it gives them more depth and richness in their lives, and does not take away anything from my relationship with them. __________________ Lucia Keeta BH, OB1, TR1, AD Rottweiler/Hairy Dog mix?? Shelter rescue Gryffon Vom Wildhaus BH

11-03-2012, 11:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
Zisso Knighted Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Baker City, OR Posts: 3,218	My girl is insanely attached to my dad, and before we moved here she was equally attached to my buddy John. When they are present, I am pretty much chopped liver, unless I give her a command. That tells me she still knows who is boss, but that she is capable of loving more than just me. For us, it is a good thing, because she is a nippy dog. She still nips at my brother on occasion; more out of trying to get his attention or trying to stop him from messing with 'her' cat. __________________ Nadia - GSD -DOB 12-29-07 Zisso - GSD- DOB 9-16-07 Pepe & Kiki`my sweet kitties Zisso is my heart~Nadia is my Love~My kitties bring me everything in between~Together they bring me Joy!

11-03-2012, 11:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
wolfy dog Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,300	Whoever provides the good stuff is their friend, that is, if they are well socialized with people as a pup. I would consider it a compliment on a job well done. Like with their owner, you have to earn their affection. That was sometimes hard for my friends as they said "he never flattens his ears for me". Then one day he did and everyone cheered him on. I also got a payoff when one of my friends told me, "WD is a great dog to know." That made me cheer __________________ To know if you are doing things right, you should be willing to trade places with your dog.

11-03-2012, 10:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 9,292	My dog goes absolutely nuts over my two nieces and my best friend. He kisses, cries, wags, gets so excited he can hardly hold still when they come over. He paws at them to pet him and scratch his belly. It's great to see him enjoy others that much. But he's still MY dog. So maybe what you're seeing is the same kind of behavior

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