I just lost my 13 year old beloved lab Shaye yesterday. I am hurting and crushed. We bonded from the get go and had a great relationship. We also have an 8 month old lab. I have not bonded with her yet really. It makes me sad. I just see her as work. It makes me worried thay I will never bond with her. Any advice?
I'm so sorry for your loss of Shaye @KirbyHawk75, it's heartbreaking when a dog has been such a large and loving part of your life. And Shaye's loss probably highlights even more your lack of connection to your pup, which must feel really hard. But I would say that, just like our attachment to our children, bonds can be immediate or a slow burn. For me it took about a year, possibly a bit longer, to really feel an intense bond with my dog. Perhaps your 8 month old will be a source of comfort in time.
My sincerest condolences, what a tough time for you I know it's horrible when you think a bond isn't forming, but as Plum's Mum has said these things can take a lot of time. If you don't do it already, getting involved in some positive reinforcement training can be a great way to forge a closer connection as it involves spending focussed but very rewarding periods of time together. Wishing you all the best, Lucy
I agree with the others. The same things happened to me years ago. We had an older springer and a young lab. I adored the springer and hadn't really bonded with the lab. Gradually he found his way into my heart finally becoming the best friend I have ever had. Despite developing epilepsy at age 3, he was a wonderful dog and will always have his place in my heart. You may have to force yourself at first to do much with your youngster but I'm sure you will bond with her and there will come a time when you'll think back and wonder how you ever thought it wouldn't happen. Having said all that, I know you are grieving right now and I wish you all the best.
Hi @KirbyHawk75 my condolences for your loss. Although your heart might be heavy, perhaps you might teach your younger dog a trick/exercise you had never taught the other dog. Scent training is one way of reading the younger dog's body language. Don't enter the exercise with the expectation that it will build a bond. Just let it happen. Watching one's dog find the target item, when you have absolutely idea in which box the scent is located, is wonderous.
