When you got your new puppy, you looked forward to cuddling with him and scratching his belly. Unfortunately, your pup doesn’t seem that interested in your attention and affection.
Does that mean you have to give up on a cuddly dog? Not at all. With these seven tips on how to raise a loving dog, you can make your pet fall in love with you.
Be affectionate with your dog
If you want your dog to be more affectionate, you must first be affectionate with him. But that doesn’t mean you should squeeze him into your arms whenever you see him.
Find different ways to show him your love. Sit on the floor with him, pet him, and brush his coat. Spend quality time playing with or relaxing with him in front of the TV. Speak to him in a soft, high-pitched tone. This should make your dog feel more comfortable around you. And the more relaxed he is, the more affectionate he should be.
Don’t cuddle or hug your dog if he feels uncomfortable
Unfortunately, some dogs don’t enjoy cuddles or hugs. If you try to take your dog into your arms and he growls, it’s a sign you should put him down and leave him alone.
But if he freezes, licks his lips, and looks at you with wide eyes, it’s also a sign that he’s uncomfortable with the affection you’re giving him. In that case, you should step back and respect his space. If you earn his trust and make him feel at ease around you, he might eventually let you scratch his ears or rub his belly.
Take good care of him and be a reliable owner
If you want your dog to be more affectionate, you must earn his trust. And you can do that by taking good care of him. Make sure all his basic needs are met. Keep him safe, and give him access to fresh water, yummy food, and dog treats. Also, play with him regularly.
Also, make sure he gets the exercise and mental stimulation he needs. Once you have a strong, loving bond with your pup, he will likely trust you and want to spend time cuddling with you.
Play with your dog and spend quality time with him
If you want your dog to bond with you, you have to play with him. Play fetch, throw him a Frisbee, or play hide-and-seek around your house.
It would help if you took him with you on fun adventures. Go to a dog park to make new friends or hike in a forest together. Visit a nearby park in your area, or take him to a beach where dogs are welcome. And be sure the time you spend together is quality time. Focus on him, and don’t get distracted by your phone.
Train your dog and use positive reinforcement
You should never yell at your dog if he misbehaves. If you do, he might become scared of you, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve. Instead, improve his behaviour by training him and using positive reinforcement. Teach him different commands, and when he obeys you, praise him and give him dog treats.
You could also treat him whenever he cuddles with you to indicate that this behaviour makes you happy and that you would like him to do it more often.
Be sure to reciprocate the affection your dog is showing you
As you learn to raise an affectionate dog, look for signs that your pup loves you. Give him one if he stares at you lovingly. If he shows you his belly, gently rub it or scratch it. If he leans on you, pet him.
Your pup might not be as affectionate as you want him to be but reciprocate it whenever he shows you affection. This will strengthen your bond.
Relax and be patient
Your dog might not be too interested in cuddling with you if you’re constantly agitated or speak loudly. Instead, stay calm and relaxed. Sit near him and speak to him softly. Show him that if he wants affection, you will be happy to give it to him.
And be patient. Those tips might work slowly, but with time, you should be able to raise a more affectionate dog that enjoys being close to you.
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