My puppy kisses my girlfriend more; why doesn't she love me?

It's normal for puppies to get more excited over "new" people than with their owners - someone new is a novelty and very exciting :) This does not mean that she doesn't love you. It sounds like she's very closely bonded to you, and everything is going just as it should be. So try not to be offended that she gets more excited about new people than she does over you - she's excited about them because they are new and different.

If you are the one who feeds them and has the most interaction with them, than that's likely why they prefer you to her. You are showing them the love, care, and attention they need, and they are trying to reward you for that with their love attention. If you want them to have more of an attachment to your girlfriend, then I agree she should be feeding them and have more interaction with them.

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! Dogs are thankfully all about treats and affection. I would recommend that you consider having your mom give him treats and as much affection as possible. Usually with treats he will most likely get to like her company more and more. This will likely help. Good luck!

While some breeds are more aloof than others, and some are more gregarious, it seems as if Reks is outgoing with other family members so I doubt it's a breed issue. There may be an imbalance in the relationship between you and him. Try assuming all of the dog-related chores at home: you be the one to feed him, walk him, give him treats (not too many!) etc. for a week and see if that helps. Ask the rest of the family to be cooperative in this. I would also suggest that you enroll with him in a basic dog obedience class, where you and he will learn to work together as a team. Any training you do with a dog strengthens your bond with him, assumng your methods are gentle, consistent and kind.

Congratulations on your new puppy Callie! Things that can make Callie bond with you more are things like feeding her. Dogs bond well with the person who gives them their meals. Also playing with her, taking her for walks, training sessions with her...all the one on one attention will help. Your gender does not make an impact on your new baby! You may also see her preference switches periodically! Please reach out again if you have any further questions!

It is very unnatural for pets to be held like we hold human babies. Some pets just are not as affectionate as we would like. Some dogs will grow used to your ways of showing affection and will tolerate it, but think of how momma dogs show affection to puppies - through care, licking (petting is our equivalent), playing, and feeding. No momma dog actually wraps her arm around her puppy to hold her! It is good that Nova loves to sleep in her crate. She has chosen this as her safe and cozy haven. Dogs that feel safe in a crate are easier to potty train and have a safe way to remove themselves from situations when they are uncomfortable. She has chosen where she is most comfortable sleeping, and you should respect that boundary. I would recommend trying other ways to bond, such as play time, going for walks, and obedience training. Once basic obedience commands are learned, Nova can work on learning fun tricks! Teaching a dog new skills is great mental and physical stimulation that will create a deep bond between the two of you.