My puppy doesn't like me!

[tmschult]

Linus is 10 weeks old now- my boyfriend and I have had him for two weeks.

He LOVES my boyfriend!

When he's alone with me, he whimpers and looks around for him. When we're both together, he is glued to his side. Listens to him more, etc.

There was a post relating to this on the site that I read, that dogs will just have their favorite person, but will it always be like this? I spend about the same amount of time with him that my boyfriend does. We share the responsibilities equally, I just hope he grows to love us both.

[ehayes21]

Originally Posted by GuinessBoxer

I have some suggestions for you:

Take him for walks on the leash. Do you run, bike or roller blade? The more of that energy you can burn off cuz puppies are notoriously unfocused...that is the CRAZY PUPPY ENERGY DRIVING THEM MAD!! He will very much appreciate the exercise and you will have an easier time bonding in other ways such as...

Walks are fine, but do not bike, run or rollerblade with a 10 week old puppy. Forced exercise at this age can cause damage to the growing bones and joints - it's generally recommended to wait until at least 18 months of age once the growth plates are closed.

OP, here are some great training ideas that are fun and will get your pup more interested in you.

ClickerSolutions Training Treasures -- Nine Easy Behaviors to Teach Your New Puppy

ClickerSolutions Training Treasures -- Puppy Shaping

Good luck!

[djheitz]

I really don't think I would be worrying about it after only two weeks. He's still becoming accustomed to you and your home - your bf may remind him of someone he left behind. When we got Harley, he was stand-offish for the first few weeks. He now never lets me out of his sight. Just make sure you each spend time training him and he should be fine.

[Gilbert]

I think the pup sticks with whom ever he is with the most when he was brought home. If you want to try an win him over, let him sleep next to you. Yes, it might cause some issuses later on, but the bond will be unbreakable.
I can be feeding treats to my girlfriends dog, but as soon as she steps in or hears her he goes sprinting to her side.
As a pup rocko sleep in the bed, curled up next to her.

[ELubas]

I say be the one who feeds The way to a pup's heart is through his belly! And you will develop your own special relationship with your pup-and it will be wonderful!

[tmschult]

Well see that's why I was so confused. I DO feed him and train him and walk him. It seems to be getting a little better, but he definately favors my boyfriend. Is it a male/female thing? The puppy is a male.

And thank you for answering my other question. I am a runner and that's partly the reason I wanted a high-energy breed. Looks like I have another 16 months to wait though.

[prittiegirl]

I hope the last few days have gone well. I have a boxer who is now 13 months and although she is mine and does not have issues being with me (whining, etc) she is much more excited being around my boyfriend (but that's ok because she listens to me more)... Just personality differences. I'm guessing it will be ok! Play with him and make yourself fun. He'll settle in!

[tmschult]

Well Linus is now 3 1/2 months old and he's still a daddy's boy, always prefer to lay in his lap, cries when he leaves (he could care less if I leave ha). But he is comfortable with both of us now and since he is in his terrible two stage he doesn't listen to either of us! ha

[ehayes21]

Originally Posted by tmschult

Well Linus is now 3 1/2 months old and he's still a daddy's boy, always prefer to lay in his lap, cries when he leaves (he could care less if I leave ha). But he is comfortable with both of us now and since he is in his terrible two stage he doesn't listen to either of us! ha

You haven't even begun the "terrible two's". Just wait until he hits the teens.