a Clingy German Shepherd

Question
I have a almost 4 year old German Shepherd Mix. HE is a very loving dog, but his constantly following me around is driving me crazy! I can not even get up and go to the bathroom without him having to follow me. Do you think that my being unemployed for the past 5 months has anything to do with this?
He also is very picky on where he goes to the bathroom, I.E. will not go in wet grass, tall grass (not super tall), won't go when it rains and has to be reminded to go potty while outside. We can not afford a trainer, so that is out. Maybe I should get some training books from the library to work on these behaviors?

Answer
One factor in the clinging could be your stress about being unemployed.  Your emotions transfer to the dog.  He knows you are stressed and is trying to comfort you.  A good book is much better than a poor training class.  

Here is a list put together by the professionals at a dog guide school for those caring for their dogs.

The Cultural Clash by Jean Donaldson, 1996

Excel-crated Learning by Pamela Reid, 1996

Don't Shoot the Dog, by Karen Pryor, 1996

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1993

Second Hand dog, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1988

Dog Problems, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1989

Super Puppy, by Peter J. Vollmer, 1988

HELP, Mt dog Has an Attitude, by Gwen Bohnenkamp, 1994

Owners' Guide Better Behavior in Dogs and Cats, by William Campbell, 1989

What All Good dogs Should Know, By Wendy Vollmer, 1991

How to Raise a Dog When Nobody is Home, Jerry Kilmer, 1991

Through Otis' Eyes-Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy, by Patricia Berlin Kennedy and Robert Christie, 1998

Puppy Primer, by Brenda K Skidmore and Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., 1996

Beginning Family Dog Training, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., 1996

Planet of the Blind-A Memoir, by Steven Kuusisto, 1998

The Other end of the Leash, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.