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My rescue Puppy seems very independent.. I really wanted a lap buddy.. Please help

959 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Johndoe8389
Hi... So we rescued a lab mix puppy from a shelter.. my baby and her litter was found on a yard. It could be that she never was loved. My baby has ZERO training. At first she was afraid of our bed. But now loves to jump on our bed but only to play and chew on toys. She never cuddles or lays with us. She also doesn't like being touched for long time.. I really wanted a dog that would always be with me and cuddle with me. She does get sad and starts barking when we go outside and gets happy when we come home. She stares at me with love while laying on her crate. But, still not cuddly/lap dog.. She is approximately 14-16 weeks.. I am planning to take her to training class for obedience. DO you think with time she will be a lap dog or more affectionate??
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Some dogs are never really cuddlers. But for now, work on playing and strengthening your bond. She may become more cuddly, or she may not. But even if she doesn't want to snuggle, she will show her love in other ways, and will be happy to do things with you or just hang out in the same room. You can't really force or teach her to like it.
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Some dogs are never really cuddlers. But for now, work on playing and strengthening your bond. She may become more cuddly, or she may not. But even if she doesn't want to snuggle, she will show her love in other ways, and will be happy to do things with you or just hang out in the same room. You can't really force or teach her to like it.
Thank you for your advice. We will def try our best.. As long she stays healthy and bonds with us, we will be happy... I apricate your comment. <3
I actually had 2 dogs just like that. Got them when they were both puppies. One, a lab/shepard mix, never was much of a cuddler at all. She loved us, always wanted to be around us, but never want much cuddling or attention of that kind. It made grooming a challenge, but we found ways around it. Our other rescue puppy was some kind of hound mix that when he was a puppy, would literally push us a way when we would try to pet him or cuddle with him for any length of time. When he got older, he turned into the biggest cuddler you ever saw. So maybe when your puppy gets older, he might change. Another thing a behaviorist once told me is to make sure your dog always has an escape route and do not hug them because some dogs feel trapped when you do. Good luck with your fur-kid. I believe that as long as she knows you love her, she will bond with you as her pack leader.
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Some dogs are just independent, but I think it's also pretty common for puppies to be too "busy" to cuddle. My Poodle didn't sit still long enough to be cuddled until he was about 18 months old. Now he's very snuggly.
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Some dogs are just independent, but I think it's also pretty common for puppies to be too "busy" to cuddle. My Poodle didn't sit still long enough to be cuddled until he was about 18 months old. Now he's very snuggly.
This gives me hope.. Thank you so much..
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I actually had 2 dogs just like that. Got them when they were both puppies. One, a lab/shepard mix, never was much of a cuddler at all. She loved us, always wanted to be around us, but never want much cuddling or attention of that kind. It made grooming a challenge, but we found ways around it. Our other rescue puppy was some kind of hound mix that when he was a puppy, would literally push us a way when we would try to pet him or cuddle with him for any length of time. When he got older, he turned into the biggest cuddler you ever saw. So maybe when your puppy gets older, he might change. Another thing a behaviorist once told me is to make sure your dog always has an escape route and do not hug them because some dogs feel trapped when you do. Good luck with your fur-kid. I believe that as long as she knows you love her, she will bond with you as her pack leader.
Thank you for your comment. It feels like she is loving us more day by day and coming closer... she slept with us twice after I posted this thread.. we didnt force her, just brought her to our bed when she was really sleepy.. now she is laying on the corner of our bed as I type... :)
I have a new rescue dog as of 5 weeks ago. She is 1-2 and was very standoffish for the first few weeks. Now she rolls on her back for belly rubs as soon as she hops in bed. She loves affection, but does not seek it out. Your puppy is so young and this is a whole new world for her. Give her time to find her comfort zone. She may never be a lap dog, but she will come around when she feels safe to trust. Best of luck.
Per my fiancé, our 5 year old boxer was not a cuddler when he was a puppy which surprised me because when i first met him when he was 2 years old and 80 lbs he was a full fledged lap dog. He also enjoys trust fall exercises when he’s on his back on my lap and flips upside down off the couch much to the dismay of my arms and back. Lol
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