Doggie security blanket

[PapaFrita]

This is Cora with Dieter and Otto grabbing hold of her coat. She's been like their mum since they were little and they've always done this, sometimes all 3 male dobes will be hanging on to her coat while she drags them around. I wonder if they learnt it from her, because she used to grab my uncles GSD by his cheek hairs and the puppies in turn would hang on to her. She doesn't seem to mind except when she can't move from the weight. Any idea why they do this??

 

[Oneofthepack]

How very odd! It looks like a dominance thing but if they've known her since they were pups it won't be that. Think you're right........it's a security blanket! They don't shake or pull her, just hang on?

 

[PapaFrita]

They don't shake her, but they do drag her (or try to) a bit. They seem to get most clingy when she's upset and barking (for instance when someone (anyone) is leaving... she hates anyone leaving the house!)

 

[Oneofthepack]

Never seen anything like it before. Don't know how you stop it apart from maybe spraying them with a water bottle which seems a bit cruel if nobody minds that much. Does the GSD mind? Perhaps she likes it too, maybe it makes her feel secure somehow aswell?

 

[PapaFrita]

Nope, she doesn't seem to mind at all

We've tried spraying them, but they let go for a minute and then just grab her again. Only thing that is annoying from the owner perspective is that her hair gets all gooey and needs extra brushing.