[Rustylab]

Hi all, feel like I could get some honest feedback from here, I’ve wanted a dog my whole life (30+years) and this finally became a reality, but it’s been 2 weeks now and this dream has not been at all as expected, I absolutely love dogs, so why don’t I feel the same about my own puppy!? Relatively speaking, he’s very good, he’ll run to the back door for toilet, sleeps plenty, is friendly with all, but something is stopping me at present feeling a true bond with him, has anyone else here had a similar reaction to having their first puppy!? I’ve read plenty online about this but would love to hear some reaction from actual people! My other half tends to get upset when I say I’m not really reacting to him the way I feel I should be, thank you

 

[Shell]

Puppies, even well behaved puppies, are a lot of work. They are cute but tiring. They don't yet have developed personalities and quirks, you can't yet do many activities with them like long walks or biking or sports (impact exercise is a damage risk to growing bones and joints) and well, its only 2 weeks in.

You gotta get to know each other and time together will tend to build bonds

My parents were never dog people as I was growing up. I got my first dog at 25 years old and surprised them when they came to my house for a visit. It took them a bit of time to get to know the big lug and put aside any preconcieved notions of being around dogs. But they loved him as much as I did and, heck, I think my dad may have loved him more maybe cause Da's the sentimental type. My current dog Eva gets a photo in their Christmas card. None of us humans, just the dog

My dog Eva started out as a foster. I liked her while fostering her but kind of had in the back of my mind that she was temporary. Then I just sat back after awhile and thought about how I would feel if someone wanted to adopt her. I realized I could not let her go and I texted the rescue that I had found a great home for her... mine Ever since, she's been my close sidekick and a part of my heart (even as she is whining for an early dinner like today, ha)

 

[RonE]

With a new dog or puppy, there's an adjustment period - for both the dog and the human(s) - that might take months.

I've gone through that, though not with every dog. I actually had a Plott hound named Esther that I liked just fine, but it took her about six months before she decided she liked us. That was humbling.

Nobody can guarantee it, but there's a very high likelihood that your relationship with your new pup will blossom as you get to know each other. We'll all be here for you if you have questions or concerns during your journey.

 

[Rustylab]

Thank you both for prompt replies, it’s nice to hear from other people’s experiences, I felt I knew everything about dogs, then I get a puppy and realised I knew very little! Seems I’m not alone in this feeling, was a shock as I’ve got the dog I always wanted (choc lab) ... but I’ll obviously keep working hard and hopefully it pays off ! He’s a lovely natured dog, and has a brain! So providing I keep at it, we have every chance I’m sure

 

[Hound Power]

Give yourself time. You both need it! It takes awhile before you ”learn” each other well enough to develop the bond you are craving!

 

[storyist]

All dogs don't mesh with their people the same way. I've had 4 Rottweilers from puppies now. One I'd only had a few days when I told a friend, "I'm besotted with this puppy." (The friend remembered and teased me about it later.) I swear if when I die, I'm autopsied, the ME will find the image of Schara, gone 5 years now, engraved on my heart.

I have another now I feel close but not quite that strongly about, but it didn't come that quickly. She was an adult before I realized how much she'd gotten to me. The two others I cared (care, one I have now) about and appreciated but it was something short of the same depth of feeling.

So if you, OP, are anything like me, you can't know after 2 weeks how things will end up for you with this puppy.

 

[DaySleepers]

Even if you researched for years, it doesn't prepare you for living with a puppy or dog. You think you know everything about how things 'should' be, but our dogs sure don't read the same books we do!

You'll get there, I'm sure. It can be hard to bond to an animal before you have a good picture of their personality and don't have a good mutual understanding of each other, but usually you get there if you give it some time and don't try to put too much pressure on things. You can do some really simple training and games to learn how to communicate him and get him learning how to learn and that interacting with you is super rewarding - I like the name game and some really basic behaviors like 'touch' and 'sit' for baby puppies, but the important part is just both of you learning how the relationship works. Don't rush the hard skills too much - you'll have lots of time to teach your pup specific commands once you have that bond.

 

[Rustylab]

Thanks all, feel a lot better reading the responses, nice to hear from experienced owners! Hope you all have a merry Xmas

 

[Quinsation]

I'm sort of struggling with that same thing. I inquired about a dog earlier this year, but she wasn't available at the time.
We ended up getting a puppy, then a couple months later the first dog became available and we ended up getting her.
She's a nice dog, LOTS of energy and is trying hard to be good. She's about 1 1/2 years old and hasn't had much, if any training. She loves me, snuggles with me, sleeps on my lap, always wants to be with me. But, I don't love her.

I'm working hard to give her the time she needs, and in time, I think she will be a great dog. But I do catch myself being too rough on her. I have to constantly remind myself that she's young and doesn't know anything.

I'm hoping once spring gets here and we can be outside more, and do more training, we'll click better.