Does anyone have a not really “affectionate” puppy? I mean, my puppy is really nice, and loves to follow me around, looks at me but when it comes to like rubbing and touching, he doesn’t like it. He would walk away. He doesn’t want to lay next to anyone either. He always want to see me, to know I’m there, but he doesn’t want me to touch him? This is just normal right, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like me or anything like that right?
Sorry to hear your puppy isn't affectionate, but I get it. Our lab just turned 2 and he was the same way. He never wanted to lay by us, didn't really like being held. He would lay at our feet and let us pet him or rub him but nothing else, he isn't a licker either. It was hard for us because our other lab was super affectionate. However, as he is getting older we have noticed what are his ways of showing affection. Lately we have noticed his affection is increasing, he will now lay beside us on the couch, and will come up to us for more attention. So it is getting better. He has increased since we got our new puppy as well. Our new puppy is super affectionate and one thing we think is why is, our 2 yr old lab didn't come from a breeder and we know that they were not interacting with the puppies, so they were not held much if at all, where our new puppy they were very active with the puppies so I think that makes a huge difference.
I agree as well it starts from birth. Our 6 month old Hope takes a bit for her to trust. She loves certain people and the rest have to prove themselves it seams. She definately my dog because I spend ALOT of time trainig and holding her whether she likes it or not. And thats happened since we ve brought her home at 3 months old. She likes to see persistence and then she trusts.
Our 14 month girl is a real cuddler in the evening and first thing in the morning. She did go through a standoffish phase . Might be what your pup is going through ?
Luna was the same when she was younger and would like to know where I was then would go lie down in the hall. She would always follow me round the house but never come up on the sofa for a cuddle. Roll on a few months she is now 10 months old and full of kisses and cuddles. She will come lie next to me on the sofa at night and if I am lying down will lie on my feet. I think it is a phase that they start off with but we were persistent in giving her cuddles and handling her loads and it has paid off now. Just keep at it and he will hopefully become your really big 'lap dog'!
I waited for Sully to engage in affectionate behavior. I don't force myself onto puppies or dogs unless it is warranted. I remember the first moment Sully came over and flopped onto my lap. Omg I nearly squealed. I was calm and just wow the moment was SO sweet. Now he does it more and more. I think sometimes it is a phase. Sometimes genetics? I am not sure.
I just want to update a little bit about him. Yes, he still doesn’t enjoy being touched or sleeps/lays next to me. But today was the day he was the most affectionate. I was having a mental breakdown. While I was crying, he woke up then saw me, he immediately rushed by my side try to lick my face then flopped right onto my laps. This was the first time ever I saw him this cuddly. He was so sweet, I’ve never known that he can be this affectionate. It is bed time now and he still doesn’t want to sleep near me. But I’m not worried anymore, I know that he is affectionate, just not a very cuddly guy
That is amazing! I do want to caution not to do it too much infront of your young puppy. It "can" make them insecure. I am training my puppy as a service dog (he will be my 2and service dog). I have triggers, flashbacks, 3 major heart surgeries (I have heart issues and use of one lung). I try to keep Sully away from me when I have having episodes. Sometimes it is not possible simply because I am that bad. Can you reward for being affectionate? Draw the behaviors out? Also puppies can be overstimulated by touch. My Sully definitely can be at times. Humans bond by touch. It is a natural psychological and physical need. Dogs not so much. But they can learn. Like I said just be cautious, you want your puppy to feel secure too.
I would make it a habit to implement Grisha Stewart's "5 second rule": Be sure to respect a dog's smaller signs of not being keen on being petted. However, it's also important to say that pain could be a reason a dog or puppy doesn't want to be touched - they may feel uncomfortable when touched in a particular place and might be sore. So keep that in mind and if it continues in an ongoing way or gets worse, or you feel pain is a factor, then consult your vet.
