May 18, 2011
I have a 3 month old puppy who doesn’t want to cuddle with me. This may seem trivial but it’s very important to me, can you offer an opinion?
Full Question:
Hi Cindy,I have a very "happy" 3 month old puppy who is exceedingly friendly towards "strangers" but not as "ecstatic" with me. He wags his tail a bit and tries to "kiss me" when I carry him out to 'go potty' but he does not get excited and shows little interest in "cuddling" with me. I'd like to "cuddle" him more - hold and pet him calmly. Although this question seems trivial at first glance, it is VERY important to me because I've had a VERY tough time with him these last several weeks and I had considered returning him. However, it's getting much better now - I get to sleep overnight :-). We both know pups are A LOT of work so I'd like to get some "reward" in response. Perhaps your answer is as simple since he's a puppy, has lots of energy and doesn't want to sit and is very inquisitive in his surroundings. Either way, I'd appreciate your expert opinion. I don't want him to be more friendly towards others and not as affectionate with me!
Thanks so much!
Cindy's Answer:
Not all dogs are cuddlers, and it’s something you can’t force on a puppy or dog.
I’d read the article Ed wrote on The Groundwork to Becoming your Puppy’s Pack Leader. Show him leadership and structure and as he gets older he may look to you for more physical affection. He also may not.
Think of this from the dog’s point of view. For dogs, the one seeking the cuddling is usually the subordinate, not the leader. By trying to get him to cuddle he may be looking at you as a follower.
Cindy Rhodes
I’d read the article Ed wrote on The Groundwork to Becoming your Puppy’s Pack Leader. Show him leadership and structure and as he gets older he may look to you for more physical affection. He also may not.
Think of this from the dog’s point of view. For dogs, the one seeking the cuddling is usually the subordinate, not the leader. By trying to get him to cuddle he may be looking at you as a follower.
Cindy Rhodes
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