It is no secret that German Shepherds make one of the best dog breeds in the world. They’re widely known for their loyalty, intelligence, and high trainability, but that’s not all that you get once you decide to adopt this gorgeous canine.
One of their most powerful trump cards is their impeccable adaptation to family life. That’s right! If you want a four-legged companion that fits into your life perfectly in all segments – don’t hesitate to try with this black-and-cream boy.
It’s not even rare to see them becoming irretrievably in love with their loved ones. What’s that like, you wonder?
Take a look at these ten proven signs that indicate your German Shepherd might be obsessed with you!
#1 They Follow You Everywhere
Are you going somewhere, hooman? Wait for me then…
Following you around is one of the ultimate signs that your German Shepherd just adores you! Even though their clinginess might be connected to separation anxiety or some sort of trauma, they’re mostly attached to you out of pure love!
So, if you need to go somewhere on your own, make sure your pooch doesn’t notice it. And, be back as soon as possible!
#2 Forget About Your Personal Space
They’re indeed one of the best family dogs in the world, but sometimes they just won’t let go!
GS canines that bond with their owners on a whole other level give themselves the right to intrude on your personal space any time they want. They will jump into your lap, nudge you with their nose, or sniff your private parts any time they feel like doing so.
But, don’t worry – all of these things are fixable… just make sure you start training them in time!
#3 Lots Of Separation Anxiety
If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be – never take your dog’s separation anxiety for granted!
Yes… sure, it is nice to see your canine go all nuts about you, but everything has its own limits.
One of the most common signs your German Shepherd is practically obsessed with you is their proneness to self-destructive behavior when you’re not around. And, that just screams “separation anxiety!”
So, before you start making any serious plans with your GS – make sure to train him in solitude first.
#4 They Sympathize With You When You’re Down
Have you ever noticed that your GS is trying to cheer you up when you’re not feeling quite okay? Well, According to the RSPCA, dogs are able to read our emotions through our facial expressions. And, German Shepherds are just masters of it!
They carefully read all of your emotions and act accordingly. If you’re sad or if you start crying and your GS reacts immediately in the attempt to cheer you up – you just know he loves you to the moon!
Dogs that have a deep bond with their owners sympathize with them on a very primal level. They take their owners’ emotions seriously, so when you’re sad, your GS is sad!
#5 Interestingly – They Might Ignore You At Times
My affectionate, well-trained, full blooded German Shepherd is ignoring me. How come?
Believe it or not – this is not uncommon behavior in these German boys at all! Occasional ignorance can have a more beautiful meaning than you think!
They sometimes ignore your behavior or your words simply because they trust you deeply, and they don’t feel the urge to react. Unlike in many other situations when they’re around other people – their home is their safe space where they can relax.
I know this sounds odd because GSDs are generally working dogs born to sniff, listen, and be on alert, but even they sometimes just need to take their guard down.
#6 They Listen To You Carefully
Okay, you’re already familiar with the fact that GSDs are impeccable in all kinds of training, including potty training. But, did you know that they’re fantastic listeners, too?
Their careful listening when you’re talking to them is a sign that there’s just no one else for them! And, if they make eye contact simultaneously – you just know that they’d die for you!
#7 They Obey You
Why are GSDs so smart, you ask? Well, there’s something that’s called “obedience intelligence” that directly affects their overall ability to learn new things.
Unlike some naturally mischievous breeds, such as Huskies, GSDs don’t need too many repetitions to adopt new knowledge or to display impeccable obedience.
However, their “obsession” with their hooman might add to the overall thing. GSDs usually listen to one person and one person only. If you’re the one – expect your boy or girl to be as obedient as possible! And, isn’t that just the purest expression of love?
#8 They Won’t Let You Sleep Alone
Okay, hooman… forget about sleeping alone!
GSDs are super clingy dogs. They just love sharing all things with their favorite hoomans. But, most of all – they love sharing the bed!
There’s something cozy about being snuggled up against their favorite person in the world. And, it’s not always about the feeling of loneliness or a traumatic experience. They have just gotten used to you to the level of not wanting to leave you even for a night’s sleep… period.
#9 They Tolerate You When You Annoy Them
Okay, there’s more to their tolerance than just pure love for you, but the truth is that they will be much more tolerant of their hooman than anybody else.
GSDs are not the kind of dogs that love being teased, mounted, screamed at, or pulled by their tail. They typically have a self-defensive attitude, especially towards strangers. But, when they love you – they know how to take things easy.
According to Marshall-Pescini et al.[1], training rectifies their performance, including negative reactions, so the advice is to train them from their very puppyhood.
#10 They Love Frolicking Around With You
The ultimate indication of your GSs obsession with you is his eagerness to goof around with you!
This is a working-type of dog that is naturally uptight and goal-oriented, so if you manage to make him goof around – you’re probably his soulmate!
Summing It Up
Isn’t it lovely to have a four-legged companion for life? And, when they’re, at the same time, obsessed with you – you just have tons of fun every day!
Still, you don’t want to overstimulate their obsession! Sometimes, it can lead to severe separation anxiety and self-destructive behavior, and that’s just something you don’t want in your GSD.
Letting things go naturally is probably the best way. And, if you have a little cute obsession on the side – that’s even more fine!
References:
[1] Marshall-Pescini, S., Valsecchi, P., Petak, I., Accorsi, P.A., Provide, E.P. (2008). Does training make you smarter? The effects of training on dogs’ performance (Canis familiaris) in a problem solving task. Science Direct. DOI