New pup not bonding well?

[Jaan]

Dang, I'm so glad to have found this site and the many people more experienced than myself. I have about a hundred questions to ask about the newest addition, but I'll keep them on seperate posts.

I picked up Grizzelda on Tuesday, 9 weeks old, and I must say that she is a beautiful and very well socialized baby. This is my 4th Rottie and also, in many respects, the oddest one of the bunch. All of the others, at this age, looked upon me as the be all and end all of their young lives---followed me everywhere and came when I called. Griz doesn't seem to have any interest in me at all and would far prefer to go to the older dogs, much to their dismay. I'm not saying she isn't friendly because she is. She is happy to play and get fussed over, up to a point. Then she heads to the old Rottie or the Border Collie. I'll confess to feeling dissed!

Though she is a rather dominant little girl, she has no issues with giving up toys, bones, getting in her crate, etc. but she does have a problem with restraint. Earlier this evening I put her between my legs and just held her with one hand on her chest and the other petting her head and back and she went bonkers. (She settled down after a few minutes, however.) She's just so unlike my other guys. I'm quite sure that all of this is perfectly normal Rottie pup behavior but if there is some way to bond with her more effectively, I'd love to hear about it. I realize that we have only known each other for 4 days so maybe that could be it?

Thanks so much for any advice you can impart. I look forward to your comments.

[marianne]

You have a new pup! Wonderful..I miss that puppy breath.
Might it be that your baby only knew other dogs? Did she live with a family with childern? Did the breeder let the pup around humans? Some breeders kennel their dogs away from the home enviorment.
Your girl should adjust to your touch. After having Rotts before,you should be able to get her to warm up to you.
Give the baby a hug from me!

[LolaLaRue]

A new puppy! Mine is just 8 months old but I still miss that fuzzy little bear with puppy breath. My guy was totally different from my girl. I bonded with Lola, now 2, immediatly she was snuggly and sweet and peaceful I could go on and on. My male on the other hand was growly and stiff and dominant (still is) and kind of aloof, I had a hard time bonding with him right away. I did a lot of work with him, touching him and feeding him and clicker training and in a week or so we bonded deeply. I love both of them to death and they both get along fabulously and have very different personalities. Just give it a little time and some patience and your bond will grow, start doing some training like sit and down (dont expect too much too soon) start rolling the ball and praising when she brings it back. Make sure you have some one on one alone time without the other dogs in sight so you are the main focus, and reward good behaviour and training with some yummy treats. Treats are always a way to their heart. Good luck. Enjoy the puppy days they go so fast.

[kathyg]

I've noticed (from owning & training Bernese, Swissies & now my Rottie) that Berner babies tend to have that independant streak you speak of - if they were laying down for example when they were only 8 to 10 or so weeks old & I were going out & called for them - they would just ignore me as if saying "I'm fine by myself, see ya later. Whatever". After weeks of spending time teaching, playing, & cuddling though, they completely turn around and are attached at the hip for the remainder of their days.

Puppies LOVE to play. And quite frankly, most attain more fun from playing with other dogs than with people. If you ever read "Dogs Never Lie About Love" you'll find the author attests to that too. We're NOT talking here about organized activities & sports here that handlers & dogs sometimes compete in or partake in, just every day wrestling type goofy play. Therefore, your pup may be looking to your older dogs to have somebody to just roughhouse with. Much like a child seeks out other kids to play with, despite being extremely close to his parents.

I would now go out of my way to spend time alone with only him. Need to go to the store for milk? Take him along. Go out in your yard and play or do short puppy training sessions with him followed up by tons of praise and a neat treat. Give him a little extra love and attention seperate from your other guys. I bet sooner rather than later you'll see a difference. And while we've discussed in other posts that some Rotties simply aren't the "cuddle bugs" we see other dogs being - even other working breeds, I'm certain he'll stick to you like glue in a short period of time. Good luck!

[JemarsSerena]

I know how you feel. My Isabelle was a velcro pup and that continued her whole life. If I sat down on the floor she was instantly at my side. Now Serena on the other hand likes to do her own thing. She rarely seeks me out to play or cuddle. She'll play or cuddle when I ask but rarely without my invitation. I felt "dissed" for a while until I realized it was just her personality. As she has gotten a little older she will decide to sleep next to my feet when I'm on the PC or watching TV but she is content to be little miss independent.

Do lots of one on one training and make sure your pup doesn't bond more with the other dogs than you and things will be fine.

[Jaan]

Thank you all for the words of reassurance. I guess there is some degree of bonding going on as she will whine in her crate if she is left alone but if I have the crate right next to me, she settles down. She won't settle down if only the dogs are with her.

She came from an excellent breeder of working dogs and yes, she was born and lived in the house and was extensively socialized by family, including two young girls, and friends. In retrospect, my first two Rotties were "only children". The third one came when I still had my male but she was still always more interested in me than in him. That's why this one came as a bit of a surprise. I think you are right that we need to get more one on one time, away from the other two.