I have a 18 week old puppy - have had him since he was 8 weeks old. I've had a dog/puppy before, and it was a good experience. The dog was wonderful. She died over a year ago. I decided I wanted to have a dog in my life again. The training/housebreaking has been frustrating, but I know it's all puppy stuff, and it will get better. But, I don't feel like I am bonding with this dog. He's excited to see me, and I'm affectionate with him, but there is almost a personality conflict. Some days, he just irritates me, or I just dislike him. He doesn't feel like he's "my dog". Obviously, this is an issue with me; but does anyone have any advice for me?

Could it be that it has been quite a while since you had a dog that you are adjusting to having one? Or do you still miss the dog that died? I must admit that there are also times when I am irritated by my dog especially when I had a really bad day. But of course I don't take it out on my dog. After a few minutes of jumping and seeking my attention, I eventually cuddle my dog. She relaxes me more than irritates me. Anyway, have you thought what will happen if you lost your dog? Maybe thinking about that will make you arrive to a conclusion whether you really want your dog. Training is really not easy. You must let the dog understand you, but you must also understand the behavior of the dog. To promote bonding you can spend some time in the park, or travel together.

the frustration of training does take its toll and Bambi brought upsome good points. Maybe you resent the dog cause you miss your other one??
I just got a puppy and I too felt the same as you, I was waiting for that moment when it would matter to me if she was not a part of the family. It took longer than I thought but it came. I think it came when things settled down too with potty training etc etc- I cant recall exactly when though. The fact that you recognise it - is half the battle.

[DoggieVogue]

I went through the same thing with my dog, Bodhi. He was extremely difficult to train and I felt very frustrated the first few weeks. Once he calmed down a bit and I got used to his personality differences from my last dog I bonded with him and now can't imagine my life without him. It just takes some time!

Like everyone else said, sometimes it just takes time. A lot of human mothers go through that with their newborns as well-- it ends up not being quite what we had imagined it would be (and hormones can make us feel really down too), and we wonder why we don't feel as happy and in love with our babies as we think we ought to be. But eventually, we get sorted out, and before we know it, we're thinking of having another! It is often the same with adoption, especially with a completely different species. Hang in there, and remember your previous dog is irreplaceable-- all dogs, like human children, have their own individual personalities. It does no good to compare them to the pets we've lost. We can only appreciate them for themselves.

I think it's probably you thats the issue.

Try to love him more, and i'm sure he'll love you back.

Please don't dump him in a shelter! Try to work it out.

May be you need to go to get some training, that may help you and the dog.


Do not give up!!

It might be because training a dog is not all fun and games. It takes alot of hard work and yes it does get to you. But all that hard work will pay off in the end. My Husky has really worn me out at times, i've even cried in the street! But once you have trained your dog it will look up to you as "pack leader" and if you show it your the boss then it will respect you. Keep on going and i'm sure your doggy does love you, i think you miss the other dog but give it time and you will heal x

I can understand and relate to your frusturation. Give it time though, I only bonded with my dog after many months he is with me.

Everything new needs adjustment, and having a new dog in your life would mean the same thing.

Good luck! hope everything will work out

My dog started out as a foster, and he was hard-headed and very frustrating at times. Sometimes I would look him in the eyes and have no idea about anything....who he was, what he was thinking, if he was happy or sad, nothing.

After I learned more about him we developed a rapport. I really like the "Nothing In Life Is Free" method, where no matter WHAT they want they have to do something for it. Then they start to learn that they really have to rely on you and trust you. Google it if you haven't read about it yet.

Anyway, after a few months one day "I love you" slipped out before I was going to work and I was surprised! Now I love him with all my heart and we know each other pretty well.

i know people who have gone through that, i supose its like post natal depression!

just give it time and don't forget to get some playtime in , especially between training sessions. He could be seeing you as only serious and no fun.

some dogs take right to people and others are more reserved.

does he have a favorite toy you can play toss with or go for more walks. How about sitting on the floor( couch if you allow it) with him and brush him and pat him after training. just a few ideas. hope it helps.

just don't give up.