[VALIUM]

Hi everyone. I have a question for you, my boy (gsd) is 8 months and he is like a glue..he follows me everywhere inside the home, definitely everywhere. Is this temporary? or he is just having a phase. You know, he is still a puppy and when he becomes an adult, is this habit gonna go?. What are your thoght on this subject?.Thanks

 

[katieliz]

hi valium...jmho...my thoughts are that i highly doubt this is a phase, it's very typical gsd behavior. i know that some people can find it annoying and i'm afraid those people may have chosen the wrong breed of dog. i do want to want to draw a distinction here between a dog who is AFRAID to leave your side (and those with separation anxiety),...and a dog who is just totally DEVOTED to you. it's been my experience that german shepherd dogs are naturally that way and very naturally protective of their "person/people" as well. please do not try to discipline or punish him out of this behavior...it's totally in character for a gsd, if you need privacy you could shut the door to the room you're in (but be prepared to find him lying directly outside it when you open it).

ps...gsd pups need consistency and limits, but punishment and harsh discipline can be very destructive to the relationship you have with them. there are many people on this board who have vast amounts of experience with training methods and behavior, keep the good questions coming...!!!

 

[Keeyah]

Mine is 20 months and very much a velcro dog!

 

[VALIUM]

Thank you guys, actually I love this, no complaints. don't get me wrong. I was just wondering if this is a phase, since he is still puppy. Thank you again.

 

[SuzyE]

not a phase- a breed trait.

 

[big_dog7777]

Some are more attached than others, but definitely normal. My 4 yr old male will sit outside a closed bathroom door and whine the whole time waiting for me, and gets excited like I just came home when I come out (we're working on that - I've only had him for 5 months).

 

[frenchie27]

I completely agree. My Charlie is only almost 5 mos. old. We have had him since he was 3 mos. He will NOT leave my side at any time. He is like that with me more than my husband by far!!! It is so bad that when I put him outside in the backyard, he will sit next to the back door and WILL NOT MOVE from there unless I go to the backyard with him. He will not even pee or poop if I am not with him outside. Talk about velcro/shadow/ etc. He is THERE!!! and you know what? I don't mind at all, love him TOO MUCH

 

[tibvixie101]

My velcro dog is under my desk as i type, and she randomly decided to climb into my lap throughout the day for some quick hugs and kisses before returning under the desk. I cant lift a finger without her looking to see if im going to get up and move. I love it though, as i work from home, im here alone all day and its nice to have company!

 

[frenchie27]

You are a very lucky person. I wish I could devote so much time to my 5 mo. old Charlie. I only get to do that on weekends when I don't work. However, he will also move wherever I do even if he's sleeping outside crate, which is very seldom. It seems sometimes he cannot breathe without me near.

 

[kbigge]

My 8 month old GSD is also like this, and I love it, although sometimes I get tired of tripping over him (he's a housedog). LOL! I grew up w/GSD's (they were outside), and the minute we stepped outside, they watched every move we kids made. If they weren't right beside us, they were laying within eyesight of us...

They are so protective and devoted, it's amazing...

 

[jetscarbie]

My GSD is velcro to me. He's been stuck to me like glue since day one. He's over 7mths now. He follows me everywhere. It doesn't matter what's going on elsewhere, he has to know what I am doing.

When the kids come home from school, he greets them like a long long lover, then runs back to me. I go to work and he attaches to my older daughter but as soon as I walk through the door....he is velcroed right back to me. haha It drives my husband insanse. He is so jealous.

He is very smart and obeys all my commands....but I am having to work with him to get him to obey everybody else's in the family.

 

[lafalce]

Originally Posted By: SuzyEnot a phase- a breed trait.

I think so too. 8 years later and my girl is my shadow. I swear she would jump in the shower with me if she could.

Doesn't bother me though. I think it's just part of GSD ownership!!

 

[big_dog7777]

Originally Posted By: lafalce I swear she would jump in the shower with me if she could.

At the very least every morning I get Diesel sticking his head in the shower curtain looking like he's saying "Everything O.K. in there? All right, I'm just checking. I'll be right here laying on the bath mat when you get out."

 

[sergekel]

My current GSD is just about 5. I got her when she was 3.5 years old..I was a perfect stranger to her.

It took about a weekend for her to bond with me. She immediately started following me around and she still does, to this day. I have a family of 5 and, while she likes everyone in the family...I am the only one she follows around.

I'd say it's definatly not a phase. If anything, it could increase as the dog gets more bonded with you. My husband said one day,"Sheesh, that dog is addicted to you."

 

[Xeph]

My velcro dog is only a few feet away from me in his kennel.

Definitely a normal puppy xD

 

[kelso]

most definately a breed trait, I have heard other breeds that are like this as well though

but I think there are varying degrees of velcro, just like all of our gsd's are different.

Kelso, our male, is like lint on my pantyhose, he will just not go away, not that I want him to

, but that is just how he is with me

Our two females have all in all been more affectionate than him, but also less velcro, if that makes sense. Meeka and Allie would/will go off on their own and lay down...Kelso has to be where we are...or is it that they just want to get away from him

needless to say, I think everyone would agree if you dont want a stalker than do not get a gsd ...

 

[larrydee33]

Kelso
So your 3 dogs get along well without problems?

 

[kelso]

Larry,

We only have 2 dogs right now. We had Meeka when Kelso was a puppy, and yes they got along, but she passed away last year. We did not have Allie then.

And, yes, Kelso and Allie get along very well

no problems, they play rough though!

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

Both my GSD's want to be with me in the house and it's a wonderful thing! I'm the center of their world and where all fun comes from, so you better stick close or you may miss something!

That said, I make a huge effort to socialize and expose my dogs to 'the real world' outside the house. So I know I have confident and happy dogs that neither a vet visit, police car with siren, exhaust from a bus, or anything else the world may throw at us will bother them.

So I want to make sure my dog is sticking with me cause they want to, not cause they have to cause the world is a bit of a scary place. (not saying that's your situation at all, just something to be aware of).

 

[Cooper&me]

My boy is ALMOST 6 mnths and is also a velcro dog. It is odd though because he wants to be with me but not necisarily touched or fawned over.

My boxer is more independent but more affectionate when she is around.

I try to repect Quincy but I constantly want to pet or coo to him. Is it best just to ignore?

Also Quincy BARELY notices my husband's exsistance. No hostility or fear but he could be an ottamen for as much enthusiasim the shepherd shows towards him. Is this likely change as he matures?


I do EVERYTHING for the dogs but the older dogs still love my husband. Boxer probably prefers him. Just odd the two do not interact.

My husband is fine ith the situation. He is going at Quincy's speed and states if he stays just my dog that is fine too.