I just got a retired breeding dog. A 8 year old Yorkie. She is sweet and docile but is not affectionate and doesn't want much to do with me. I have never had a dog seem so disinterested in my attention. Not sure how to handle the situation. Tried getting her to sleep with me and she just jumps down and sleeps by herself
Advice please
- Thread starter Sara61678
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Welcome to the forum! So glad you could join!
Some dogs are just like that. We have a Spaniel mix who will lie at your feet but doesn't want to be held, snuggled or sit on your lap. She doesn't even really like to be petted. She doesn't pull away or anything, she just kind of ignores it or moves. She is so sweet and gentle, its just not her thing. We got her as a puppy and she grew up around other dogs that liked to snuggle.
My dog, who is now 13, sometimes like to snuggle and always sleeps on my bed, but if I get in his space too much he sometimes gets uncomfortable and moves. It depends on his mood.
However, I will say, some dogs that are used for breeding weren't always well socialized and may simply not know how nice snuggling is. I would take it slow and encourage her to be near with treats, toys, or whatever she likes. You may try sitting on the floor, as some dogs like that better than being on furniture. Make sure she doesn't feel trapped, as some dogs simply get uncomfortable feeling like they are taking up your space.
We have 6 dogs and only two of them are lap dogs, the rest enjoy attention but don't usually want to cuddle. We got all of them as puppies and have never been mean to them, it is just in their nature.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Some dogs are just like that. We have a Spaniel mix who will lie at your feet but doesn't want to be held, snuggled or sit on your lap. She doesn't even really like to be petted. She doesn't pull away or anything, she just kind of ignores it or moves. She is so sweet and gentle, its just not her thing. We got her as a puppy and she grew up around other dogs that liked to snuggle.
My dog, who is now 13, sometimes like to snuggle and always sleeps on my bed, but if I get in his space too much he sometimes gets uncomfortable and moves. It depends on his mood.
However, I will say, some dogs that are used for breeding weren't always well socialized and may simply not know how nice snuggling is. I would take it slow and encourage her to be near with treats, toys, or whatever she likes. You may try sitting on the floor, as some dogs like that better than being on furniture. Make sure she doesn't feel trapped, as some dogs simply get uncomfortable feeling like they are taking up your space.
We have 6 dogs and only two of them are lap dogs, the rest enjoy attention but don't usually want to cuddle. We got all of them as puppies and have never been mean to them, it is just in their nature.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
I adopted a dog from a pound several years ago, and he was totally disinterested in me. He wanted no attention, no pets, it was like I wasn't there. He was a great buddy for my other dog though, so I didn't let it bother me. After about a year in my home, he started coming around to being pet and enjoying my company. I had him for 12 years and by the time he passed away he was as affectionate as any dog I'd ever had. My point is that maybe your dog just needs time to get comfortable with you? If she was a breeder she might not be used to one on one attention, or maybe it's just the new environment causing her to withdraw? It's hard because we want dogs to fulfil our needs for companionship and emotional support, but we rarely take into consideration what they might be going through too.
Every dog has different temperaments, some of them would be affectionate and enthusiastic (to you and other canines), but others may need time to get on well on a new owner, especially for the senior dog. I think you can continue to pet her and give her enough love, as long as she has no aggressive behaviors. She can feel your love and be willing to get closer to you.
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