It varies alot. The dogs are all more attached to me than my husband, except Muskwa. Muskwa is Stuart's dog, unless he's sick, injured or in trouble. In those cases, he's a Momma's boy! I think they are more attached to me because not only do I exercise them, I feed them. Everyone loves the food lady!
The dogs have little groups within the pack that they formed on their own. Mac & Ozzy are very attached to each other as are Delta and Antare. Both sets are littermates, timid and spent extended periods in the shelter. I think that created a dependancy. The more timid ones (Mac & Delta) rely on their more confident sibling(Ozzy & Antare) to check things out for them.
Franklin and Preacher are the same way. Fortunately, Franklin has really come around and isn't soley dependant on Preacher anymore. Preacher's time in this life is growing short and sometimes I think he's hung on this long for Franklin's sake. Franklin still adores Preacher and spends lots of time with him, but he can function on his own now too. When the time comes, Preacher will be able to leave knowing that his little buddy will be ok.
All of the dogs adore Earle. He's the one dog who can go into just about any pen, anytime and the other dogs are thrilled to see him.
Chase and Goldie are very attached to each other. Chase brings great joy to Goldie's life. They like me and my hubby, but their strongest bond is to each other. Chase has been a true gift to Goldie. She didn't have any good doggie buddies before he arrived. They are a funny looking pair, but if you've ever doubted that dogs feel love for each other, you need to see these two. A couple nights ago, Goldie yelped when I was brushing her--for no reason, she was just being a drama queen! Chase ran over and stepped between us and would not let me brush Goldie anymore. Not aggressive about it, Chase isn't capable of aggression, but he kept his body between me and Goldie, like he was protecting her. Too cute.
Paxil has no use for the other dogs. She thrives on human interaction and especially with me. She's all mine. She's not mean to the other dogs in any way. She just believes that she's a person and shouldn't have to play with other dogs!
Hobo and Sleet are good buddies. Hobo brings out the puppy in Sleet. I hadn't seen her playbow in two years until the first time I walked her with Hobo. He knows the "sleet rules"--no wrestling, chase only & she always wins the races. It always makes me smile to see my 12 year old girl play again! Sleet is my soulmate dog. There will never be another quite like her for me.
Heyoka has the loyalty of a house plant. He'd go anywhere with anyone, any dog, any person, whatever.
I understand where the trainer who gave the original advice was coming from. I have a friend who adopted two Golden Retriever puppies--littermates--at about 8 weeks old. They were far more attached to each other than to her. Unfortunately, one of them died very young from a rare, aggressive cancer. The remaining littermate did not cope well and almost two years later, she remains a very stressed out, nervous dog who is prone to stress related illnesses (hot spots, fur problems, ect).
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, and he won't eat, and he'll wander around most of the night like he's lost. He clings to me when he's sick or doesn't feel well. I've had him since he was six weeks old. I think I'm just a "fixture". It makes me sad sometimes that he doesn't get all excited over me. But, he can't function without me 
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