Not bonding with my dog (and vice versa?)
Discussion
My fiancée and I adopted young Buddy about two months ago.
He's around a year old, we think corgi/lab cross. He's a really nice dog - very good natured and pretty well behaved most of the time, but for some reason I can't seem to 'connect' with him...
He comes to work with me most days and generally sits in his bed behind my desk, so we're rarely apart, but I don't really get any sense of bonding between us. We get on well, and I definitely like him, but I can't say I love him and neither can I say whether he particularly likes/understands me.
My old dog, Monty, was pretty much my best friend until he died a couple of years ago - am I expecting too much from my Buddy? Are some dogs just not as happy to see you/affectionate as others?
To cut a long-winded post short, how long can it take to form a bond with one's dog (if ever)?
He's around a year old, we think corgi/lab cross. He's a really nice dog - very good natured and pretty well behaved most of the time, but for some reason I can't seem to 'connect' with him...
He comes to work with me most days and generally sits in his bed behind my desk, so we're rarely apart, but I don't really get any sense of bonding between us. We get on well, and I definitely like him, but I can't say I love him and neither can I say whether he particularly likes/understands me.
My old dog, Monty, was pretty much my best friend until he died a couple of years ago - am I expecting too much from my Buddy? Are some dogs just not as happy to see you/affectionate as others?
To cut a long-winded post short, how long can it take to form a bond with one's dog (if ever)?
Sorry for the delay in replying, thanks you all very much for your replies.
I've been trying to make a conscious effort to interact with him more and it seems to be working. Some days are better than others, but I think there is some progress. He's certainly enjoying playing fetch with me, although he isn't entirely grasping the concept that he has to bring his ball back before I can throw it for him again!
He seems to be slowly getting into the swing of things although he still doesn't understand that his teeth aren't to be used on his mum and dad when he's excited (or any other time!) - not too sure how to go about that one...
Overall though, he's a lovely chap who will hopefully come to be the happiest hound around in time.
KFC, you must be really chuffed to have made such a difference to his quality of life
I've been trying to make a conscious effort to interact with him more and it seems to be working. Some days are better than others, but I think there is some progress. He's certainly enjoying playing fetch with me, although he isn't entirely grasping the concept that he has to bring his ball back before I can throw it for him again!
He seems to be slowly getting into the swing of things although he still doesn't understand that his teeth aren't to be used on his mum and dad when he's excited (or any other time!) - not too sure how to go about that one...
Overall though, he's a lovely chap who will hopefully come to be the happiest hound around in time.
KFC, you must be really chuffed to have made such a difference to his quality of life
moorx said:
Have you tried 'yelping' or saying 'ow, ow, ow' in a high pitched voice? They usually learn bite inhibition from their littermates in this way.
I do try and do this, but we struggle to get the timing right at the moment - it's barely a nip and he's pretty much been and gone before you can react! Whenever I've managed to time it right it hasn't really phased him and he's carried on bouncing about like a loon!Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff