Hi, Hunter is 9 months now. Training was going great but the past three or so weeks seems to have gone a bit "one step forward, two steps back". These things happen, that's ok. Recall was going pretty good. Then I had to go away for a few days. Hunter stayed with my parents (I live with them atm) he's a good family dog but as main carer/trainer/Walker I was his no 1. He was a bit of a shadow. When I got back he was a bit off with me. Not sitting with me (he used to sit on my lap/foot whenever I was still for more than 2 minutrs), or licking me or being as obedient as he had been. Fast forward to this week, I brought him with me this time to visit family who have two dogs, a 3 year old collie and a 8 ish month old husky-collie cross. H hit it off with my cousin who is excellent with dogs, a bit spoily, she let him sit on couches etc when I don't, but me and H were still a bit off but good. He was also in my bedroom because his usual crate didnt fit so I thought maybe sleeping next to me would help our bond. Then the husky-cross came into her first season and H went crazy. Not interested in me or training or anything. He had to be on a lead at all times which I know wasnt fair while the other dogs got to run and play. The problem is that now we are back home he is is massively off with me. He will still sit but wont wait. His recall seems none existent. He wont sit near me and he seems to avoid even looking at unless I'm holding treats. He wants to sit with my cousin and will do training stuff for her and generally acts with her like he used to with me. I feel like he resents me? I know I've made a mistake taking him and I really wish I could change it but I can't. How do I fix our bond? I'm so gutted right now. Sorry for the long rambling message.
Hi @Andrea0408 Just give him time. Play with him. Go for walks. Do things together. Try not to fret. He can smell your anxiety.
Our aging Springer was off with us after we put her into a kennel for the first time. She would always come on holiday with us but we had to leave her behind when she developed a heart condition and the vet advised not to take her on long car journeys. She was fine after about 2 weeks and was back to her normal self.
also think about his age, he will be hitting adolescence & also has been around a bitch on heat. Kyko's training has taken a step backwards & he has become deaf with us at the moment more than likely due to his age. His recall has gone south too in fact have put him back on the long line of shame for now
