My new dog won't bond with my husband. How can we build their connection?

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.

I'm sorry you're having this challenge with Koyah. It is common that small young dogs will often be nervous around men. The key to their relationship will likely be to have your husband do some training with her. She needs to see him as a positive person who delivers lots of treats while training. I would also recommend putting him in charge of feeding her for a while, so she really associates him with food. Make sure that all training is positive reinforcement, so she only has positive associations with you husband for now. Hopefully doing training together will help them form a good bond. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

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.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Max is very cute! Max is likely afraid of you because you are a man and more dominant in appearance and stature. I would take obedience training and seek a private trainer with him alone. I would discuss anti-anxiety medications with your Vet. German Shepherds are very anxious dogs and getting on top of it now with private training and medications (hopefully temporary) will help in the long run. It will take time and one on one interactions to build trust and a relationship, it may not happen over night. I hope this helps and I wish you and Max the very best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would ask the family of the child to not allow her to come play with Dane any more if you want to break that bond. You must do your part as well and keep Dane with you and not hurt the child's feelings by leaving Dane outdoors where she can see him without one of your family members present. Then you will have to make the time to play with Dane and build a relationship. Over time he will start to bond to your family. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

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!