How can I bond with my roommate's dog and build a strong relationship?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and for being brave enough to ask this question. The great news is that Callie is young! The best things I can recommend for bonding are training and play. Training doesn’t have to be rigid or be done for hours a day. Work on fun tricks together and if you feel that you (or Callie) is getting frustrated, stop for a break or try the next day. Training is so positive because it gives Callie clear expectations with predictable consequences and increases her trust in you as she learns to understand that you will react the same each time. Play is also important but obvious avoid any actions that she might be wary of. Eg, be sure to throw things away from her to fetch rather than toward her as she might confuse this with you throwing something AT her. In general, sqautting down to be at her level and keeping your hands mostly palm-up are helpful in avoiding scenarios that might make her anxious. Exercise in any form is good for her mental health and will decrease anxiety in general. I hope this helps and I wish you and Callie all the best in a brand new, wonderful relationship.

Remember that, while you thought about this dog and bringing her into your home, all she knows is that one day she was Here, and the next day she was THERE, with no warning or explanation. She is confused and frightened. Try letting her come to you when she's ready, instead of approaching her. Don't pet her for the time being. Just be a calm and stable presence i her life. Understand, too, that dogs have no idea what a "name" is, other than a familiar word that usually has something to do with her. Yes, there are things you can do to help her adjust to her new surroundings, but this is not a "one or two sentence" answer. If you would like me to work with you on it, just click on the prompt ot initiate a consult.

That has to be frustrating for you! Dogs have different personalities, and although most dogs are very bonded to their primary caretaker, some dogs seem to take that person for granted. Your dog might just assume that you will always be around. and these other people are more exciting. To increase the bond with Maximus, I recommend you spend quality time together alone. This may be walking, cuddling. or playing with toys. I also recommend working on training sessions. This will help teach him to pay attention to you. Here is a link that discusses teaching 5 basic commands. If Maximus is already great with these commands, look into adding more. Make sure there is positive reinforcement with the training in the form of affection and treats! http://www.akc.org/content/dog-training/articles/teach-your-puppy-these-5-basic-commands/ Training is a constant project, and can be a fun game for you and Maximus. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is obvious how much you love Gabby and I suspect she loves you very much too! Most dogs are very bonded to their owners-especially dogs who have been cared for by the same person for years. There may be a reason that she does not want to stay with you in bed. Where does she go? Does she go straight to tile or wood because the bed is just too warm (my own dog started doing this recently). Do you toss and turn and it bothers Gabby? Does a fan blow on her? Is there a new candle or scent in your room? All these things may be reasons Gabby decides to lay down elsewhere. As with most dogs, you can strengthen your bond by petting and sitting together (try laying with her wherever she likes to lay for a few minutes). Playing with toys and working on training is also excellent for showing her you love her. You are doing a great job! Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Gabby!

Reward-based training is a great way to build the bond between you and your dog - it's something fun that you can do together, and helps your dog understand how to "read" you better, which in turn fosters trust :) If you have any training classes like this in your area, I would suggest signing up for one to see if both of you like it. If not, I would highly recommend the book "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves" by Dr. Sophia Yin. It does a great job of explaining how dogs learn and how our behavior influences them, and has lots of specific training suggestions that you can try.

Great question. Most dogs respond best to the family member who spends the most time doing things such as feeding, walking, bathing. It sounds like you are that person. I'm sure she loves you but your Mom may have a special bond of some kind that seems to attract you dog's attention. Continue to work on it and over time find the special things such as rubbing her ears, or massaging her back, that makes you the person she wants to be around most. Small treats can be a great motivator. She is still a young dog so plenty of time to develop that special bond between you and your dog. Best of luck. Thanks, Dr Steve Popish.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend that your boyfriend pets her frequently always approaching her very slowly and with a calm voice and demeanor. Also, it would help if he approaches her with treats. I find peanut butter in this type of scenario very helpful as it takes time to lick it off which will give him more time to pet her at the same time. Usually this works well. This will take time and patience but I think that eventually she will warm up to him. Good luck and have a good day!