Puppy not cuddly?

Welcome.

Yep, just keep on cuddling. They do seem to go through phases where they don't want cuddles - too much energy that they want to expend. I kept persisting with cuddling my two and now they are cuddle machines! Deska went through a no cuddles stage in adolescence whereas Tully didn't like cuddles until she was about 9mths. The main reason I got a Sheltie was for the affection so I was a bit worried for a while, but if you persist generally they will recognise that cuddles are the most highly valued reward and when they become more attuned to you tend to be more responsive.
 
The sweetest sight

Is when Gavin runs into my open arms :) When I kneel down and open my arms, he always runs to me (in a playful way) for a hug. It gives me warm fuzzies all over!!!
 
I also agree on personality.

Cleveland (who waits at the bridge now for us) did NOT like to be cuddled but was very attached to both Ron and me. He always followed us around and never left our side outside.

McKinley (9 weeks) can't seem to be cuddled enough. He crawls up in our laps and just snuggles in and seems to eat it up.
 
Ruckus used to hate snuggling. He is the type of dog that does not like to be on the sofa with you, and he actually doesnt even like to be petted more than a few strokes.

He has gotten old (three now) and more mellow. Now he will let me snuggle with him some. Its just his personality. If you pet him he looks at you through the corner of his eye like "how dare you bug me!"

lol, we love him anyway though. He has sooo much personality.

Now Lynn on the other hand, she is a lover. she will get up in your lap but its only for a few seconds. Lynn is just a little over 1 now and is still too busy playing with toys and "her" cat to snuggle with me!
 
Thanks so much for the input guys! I am very reassured that it's not a "bad" sign, and that he may eventually get to be more cuddly. And if he doesn't, that's fine with me too- he does indeed have a lot of personality and I would be fine with it if that just happened to be a little different than your typical lap dog. I'll try having him sit in my lap when he's sleepy and perhaps give him some treats as well. The boy will do just about anything for a treat, so I'm sure that will be motivating!

I'm excited to have a wonderful sheltie boy in my house and to join the forum as well!
 
Maybe try giving him a yummy treat while he's in your lap...a little frozen yogurt...or a biscuit and hold it in your fist so he has to try and work it out of your hand...so it takes a few minutes. During that time...be petting him, or softly brushing him with the other hand. Maybe he will learn that sitting in your lap is something to look forward to?

I also think that with all their sheltie hair..they get too warm sitting on a lap..
 
Aonghus is nearly 10 months old now and he is definately my dog, but he hates beng cuddled. He will sit with me when we are away from home, but he is generally too busy doing his own thing to bother with affection unless it is on his terms.
 
You described my dog down to the letter. It's not that he minds being petted, but he's got other things to do and can't be bothered by something like petting. After he's done doing whatever he thinks is most important (stealing socks, playing with toys that are too large for him, zooming down the hall at top speed, ect.) then he'll come back and whine until I pet him. Drama queen. :lol:
 
Spencer has never been a cuddly dog. But, he is always at my side. If I leave the room and I'm sure he's sound asleep, he magically awakens to join me wherever I have gone. Contrasting him with the dog I had before him, a very loving, very cuddly Papillon, I simply have to remember that she was a lap dog and he's a herding dog. She was a total kissy-face. I might get one kiss a day from him and only if I present my face in front of him and pretty much ask for one!! How pathetic am I?!:rolleyes2:
 
Some pups haven't had the exprience of being stroked by a human. A lot of these little guys are brought up in an ex pen with their siblings and have had little contact with humans in their first weeks of life. Give him a hand with that. When it's time for dinner sit on the floor and put the bowl between your legs pick up the kibble with your left hand and feed him a couple of pieces. When he willingly takes the food from your left hand try touching him under the chin on his chest with the fingers of your right hand. Don't go over the top of his head to pet his head or his ears, that can be considered an aggressive move on your part toward him and he will step back.. Once he is comfortable with you touching his chest pick up one of his feet and massage it gently between your fingers. This kind of practice will help him relate your touch with a pleasant experience (being fed)

Give it a try but be patient. Baby steps with a baby is the best way.

Hugs
Judy
 
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