Dog Community

help! dog suddenly has no interest in me

Posted : 4/13/2006 8:59:04 PM

This is the first time I have ever posted in a dog forrum, however I really need help!
I have male llasa-poo, who is a little over a year. He has always been very shy and timid, sometimes fearful when put in a new situation, but NEVER aggressive. He is actually extremely submissive. I have had him since he was 6 weeks, and although it took about 3 months for him to completely bond, (unlike my 1 1/2 year old female dog who bonded with me from the first day I had her, she is the dominant one by the way), he and I did bond and he became very affectionate, following me everywhere always on my lap, and just overall sweet and affectionate.
Here is my problem, I dont know what happened, but about a month or so ago he started to detach from me. It started with him slowly not jumping on my lap or following me around, and now I feel like if I try to pet him he actually pulls away. He seems only to come to me if some kind of treat is involved and basically seems to care less if I am there or not. For example he no longer seems happy when I come home, basically walks by me, while my female is all over me. I treat both of them the same, and I have not changed anything with the male: walking, time, playing with him ect....
So if someone could give me some insight I would really appreciate it, thank you so much. I really cant guess what would have changed or what I can do to get our relationship back[

]

Jeffrey Feldman

Posted : 4/13/2006 9:24:14 PM

As I'm a first time dog owner, please take anything I say with a grain of salt. Anyways, I was thinking that your dog is still a puppy at a year and may be going through a natural stage of independence. Especially if he was overly submissive in the beginning, he might now have gained some confidence and is testing to see if his "rank" has gone up. My puppy did this to me for about a week and I suspect it will happen again at some point. I sucks when you want to feel all the love coming back at ya that you give to your dog, but what I've found is that giving him the cold shoulder in return does the trick. Its almost a test of wills (LOL). Anyways, he now follows me all over the place again and doesn't feel as "rebellious". Now if only he would come every time I call at the dog park.

Elaine Li

Posted : 4/13/2006 10:01:51 PM

Try ignoring him for a while. I bet he will come around real quick.

melanie lockhart

Posted : 4/13/2006 10:36:10 PM

I thought about that, ignoring him. But I was weary about doing that because he is so submisive and shy..still even now. He acts normal with my other dog, but I guess that could be because well first they are both dogs

but she is obviously the dominant one. I guess I have given him extra attention, you think that is why, and not that I have made him scared of me?

melanie lockhart

Posted : 4/13/2006 11:09:36 PM

I thought about that, ignoring him. But I was weary about doing that because he is so submisive and shy..still even now. He acts normal with my other dog, but I guess that could be because well first they are both dogs but she is obviously the dominant one. I guess I have given him extra attention, you think that is why, and not that I have made him scared of me?

loveukaykay

Posted : 4/14/2006 2:15:28 AM

Wish I had some helpful advice but Im stumped. Just wanted to say good luck and I hope he comes around! And welcome!

Firestorm

Posted : 4/14/2006 6:21:38 AM

Try some clicker training.

shaylan putney

Posted : 4/14/2006 7:07:10 AM

try taking him on a walk because he was to trust you when you are holding the other end of the leash also try just some one on one activitys take him some places and what not

mudpuppy

Posted : 4/14/2006 8:14:21 AM

at his age I would guess he is going through a "becoming an adult" independence phase. Some adult dogs simply are not interested in cuddling; it doesn't mean they don't like you. Worst thing you can do is beg for his attention and force him to cuddle. Instead try to interact with him in fun ways: clicker training, obedience training, NILIF program, exciting games and experiences.

Firestorm

Posted : 4/14/2006 8:22:50 AM

NILIF program, what does the NILIF stand for?

Debbie R

Posted : 4/14/2006 9:51:36 AM

NILIF program, what does the NILIF stand for?

Nothing in life is free. If he wants to get picked up/petted, he needs to do something first like sit, down, same w/ feeding, playing.

Debbie R

Posted : 4/14/2006 9:52:36 AM

Guess I don't have the quote thing down! Duh

KELLY Broomhead

Posted : 4/14/2006 10:03:54 AM

deb, glad you asked ... 'cause I had no idea what it meant either.

melanie lockhart

Posted : 4/15/2006 1:01:25 AM

I have actually tried to ignore him for a while and that hasnt done anything..... I already for the most part make him either sit or down for food, treat, affection ect.. do you think something physically could be wrong? if anyone else has an idea please let me know

pumaward

Posted : 4/15/2006 8:21:49 AM

How long did you try ignoring him? It might take a few days or more for him to get the hint.