when did your dog finally like you?

[LissG]

hahaha my dog NEVER lets me hug him or cuddle with him. do they grow out of this or are some of them just really not into affection?

[NewbieShepherdGirl]

I think some just aren't as affectionate. Sasha adores me, but she'd rather not cuddle. She will, on occasion, oblige me, but it's not something she naturally loves. I figure it's like people. I'm not a very affectionate person (don't like to be hugged or have people get in my space) but my best friend is the type of person who would hug a stranger lol I figure dogs are the same way.

[Brisco_dog]

Mine didn't have a choice! lol! j/k. He was very snuggly as a baby, but at 8 months, the only snuggle time I get is when he's halfway on my bed in the morning trying to wake me up or I sneek some cuddles when he's passed out. I love hugging on him, but I think if i want lovey dog, I will have to get that from my labrador.

[Alexandria610]

Being that Alexandria was a rescue, my situation is sort of different. I got her around 4.5 months, and I'd say the first month with her, she not only didn't like to really be around me much (she didn't shy away or hate me, just didn't really look to me for guidance or support), but she wouldn't respond to a thing I said.

I think it really took her about two months to start blossoming into what she is now. And when she started to blossom, she really started to respond to me better. Not as in 'she listened when I asked her to do things' but more like, if I called her all playfully, she didn't just stare at me, she ran over excitedly like most puppies and dogs do.

Once she actually started to be a happy dog was when she really started to like me. Now? I feel so close to this dog it's like she's a part of me. She's not necessarily super affectionate, but there's just a connection we have. You'll get there! Best wishes. When it happens, it's one of the best feelings in the world.

[Mac's Mom]

haha. I laughed when I read your title. I remember when we first brought Mac home and he kept his distance and I thought he didn't like us . He warmed up to us but did not cuddle. He tolerated hugs and would let me pull him onto my lap but I could tell he was not diggin' it like I was However, he always loved being pet and was generous with kisses. As he's gotten older he's become much much more affectionate. Maybe that will be the case for you.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Some dogs just aren't that affectionate, even with "their" people. I have two extremely affectionate, cuddly dogs and I love it! Keefer was always that way, the breeder described him as outgoing and affectionate before I even got him at 9 weeks old. Halo was pretty kissy face as a puppy, but I've noticed her bond with me growing stronger the more I've been doing fun training with her. She was very much a Daddy's girl, even though I did all her training - he was the "fun guy", who threw the ball for her at the park, while I was the one taking her to OB classes. She would seek me out for attention and affection, but not as much as with him. But now we're doing nosework and flyball together, and suddenly *I'M* fun too. We've never allowed dogs on the furniture before (in 25 years!), but Halo likes to climb up on the couch and cuddle with me in the evening while we're watching TV, and somehow the little snot has gotten away with it, lol!

[RocketDog]

Originally Posted by Cassidy's Mom

Some dogs just aren't that affectionate, even with "their" people. I have two extremely affectionate, cuddly dogs and I love it! Keefer was always that way, the breeder described him as outgoing and affectionate before I even got him at 9 weeks old. Halo was pretty kissy face as a puppy, but I've noticed her bond with me growing stronger the more I've been doing fun training with her. She was very much a Daddy's girl, even though I did all her training - he was the "fun guy", who threw the ball for her at the park, while I was the one taking her to OB classes. She would seek me out for attention and affection, but not as much as with him. But now we're doing nosework and flyball together, and suddenly *I'M* fun too. We've never allowed dogs on the furniture before (in 25 years!), but Halo likes to climb up on the couch and cuddle with me in the evening while we're watching TV, and somehow the little snot has gotten away with it, lol!

Oh, this is so us. My DH used to let our lab up on the couch occasionally, and he'd jump on the kids' beds when they had nightmares (only to jump off and go back on his bed when they fell back asleep), but now that I have a leather couch and I WANT my fluffy, soft, sweet pup to cuddle on it IF invited, he doesn't like it. He'll spend about 15 minutes (once I got 30!!!) then he starts panting and jumps down to go lay on the cold tile in the entryway.

Dang it.


To the OP: He has always followed me around, but as he's matured, he is developing a deeper bond. I think especially if they're a very naturally confident pup they have no issues with separation, so it can seem that they're not as affectionate, when in reality they're just well-adjusted. Does that make sense?

[Stosh]

As you can tell, it just depends on the dog. Our gsd Omy would literally have died for me but only tolerated my hugs. She would oblige me a few pets and scratches then lay just out of reach watching me. I had to respect that. Stosh couldn't be more opposite- he loves affection and is usually the one to initiate it

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by RocketDog

I think especially if they're a very naturally confident pup they have no issues with separation, so it can seem that they're not as affectionate, when in reality they're just well-adjusted. Does that make sense?

That makes sense with Halo! Keefer is always in the same room with me, but Halo doesn't need to be near us every second. He's so close behind my office chair when I'm on my computer that I roll over his tail a lot, lol! Halo is in here with us sometimes too, but one of her favorite chill spots is in the corner by the front door, and that's where she goes to nap after nosework or flyball class or a long hike:



She can't see us or even hear us with music on, but she's perfectly happy to hang out there by herself. She'll put herself to bed in her crate sometimes too. She is VERY confident and definitely more independent than Keefer is.

[JakodaCD OA]

Maybe just me and my dogs, but I always found my males to want more 'physical contact' , mushy types. My girls, it's usually when 'they' want to be mushy, but are more in tune with whatever I or we are doing as in close by but not physically close, make sense?