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The post asking if GSDs are "clingy" got me to thinking:
Are they "clingy" or velcro dogs because they are gentically "programed" that way, OR is it more learned behaviour?
The reason I ask if it is "learned" behaviour is because there are a LOT of folks that get a pupy and REQUIRE that pup to always be in the same room as the owner. Human gets off the couch and goes into the kitchen or bathroom and MAKES the pup come with them so that it's not getting into trouble when left alone in another room.
Pretty soom the pup learns that it is to follow the owner when ever they leave the room.
Personally I think it is both. Granted most pups will want to know where you are 24/7, but making them follow you reinforces this.
It also seems that as they age they become less clingy. Is it because they get lazy as they get older or do they FINALLY figure out that the bathroom does NOT have an "escape hatch" and you WILL exit via the same door you entered?
Are they "clingy" or velcro dogs because they are gentically "programed" that way, OR is it more learned behaviour?
The reason I ask if it is "learned" behaviour is because there are a LOT of folks that get a pupy and REQUIRE that pup to always be in the same room as the owner. Human gets off the couch and goes into the kitchen or bathroom and MAKES the pup come with them so that it's not getting into trouble when left alone in another room.
Pretty soom the pup learns that it is to follow the owner when ever they leave the room.
Personally I think it is both. Granted most pups will want to know where you are 24/7, but making them follow you reinforces this.
It also seems that as they age they become less clingy. Is it because they get lazy as they get older or do they FINALLY figure out that the bathroom does NOT have an "escape hatch" and you WILL exit via the same door you entered?
