Why Did My Dog Stop Cuddling Me?
Canines are highly perceptive and use their senses to pick up changes in their environments. Behavioral changes are always something to take a mental note of but try not to be too concerned about it. While they are sometimes communicating with you that something is wrong, it might just be that they are going through some changes that have nothing to do with you at all. Here are a few reasons why your dog might be enjoying their alone time:
The 7 Reasons Why Your Dog Stop Cuddling
Some humans love to sit on the couch, snuggled up in blankets all day. Certain breeds enjoy that too, but it’s not the best idea for dogs who like to spend some of their pent-up energy. Energetic dogs like to be stimulated, and cuddling becomes a bit monotonous over time. Your pup might kick and squirm until he or she sets themself loose because they are no longer interested in what you’re offering. Pay special attention to what your pet is trying to tell you. Are they initiating a play session or trying to roughhouse? If you’re desperate to get your dog back by your side, consider that they might need some entertainment for the moment.
Humans know the feeling of jealousy all too well, and the last thing you want to do is go love on the person who made you feel that way in the first place. If you brought a new dog, pet, or baby into the house, your dog is probably feeling sulky that they’re no longer your number one priority. They’re also sensitive to new smells that linger on your clothes and possessions. If your dog gets especially anxious around new people and environments, they might prefer to stay away while they readjust. Of course, some dogs act the exact opposite and demand your attention when they’re feeling jealous. This characteristic is dependent on each individual dog and how they personally respond to new pets and people.
Sick dogs often behave in unusual ways, and cuddling might be making it worse. A behavior change is always something to be mindful of. Pay attention to any other adjustments in your dog’s performance and routine. Check them for pain or symptoms of illness so that you can take them to the vet’s clinic and get them back to feeling normal.
You aren’t the same person you were five years ago and neither is your dog. They lose interest in some things, and becoming less social is relatively common in animals. This process is especially prevalent in young dogs progressing through the developmental stages. It’s sometimes disheartening to think we brought home an affectionate puppy only to have them mature into one that is more independent. Our job as dog owners is to love them through all of their phases and let them know that the opportunity to cuddle is always available without forcing them.
It’s painful to think about, but not all dogs come from the loving homes we hope they do. If your fur kid came from an abusive owner prior to you, they might be overly cautious around you and other people. Keep your eyes peeled for how your dog gets treated by your friends and family. If there was an incident where they were abused behind your back, it might have traumatized them into thinking that their home is no longer safe. Be patient with your pups and think critically about who and what was around when the behavior changed.
Would you want to be forced to cuddle someone every night when you’d prefer to lay on your bed by yourself? Even though it makes you sad that they stopped cuddling, forcing your dog to be affectionate isn’t the resolution. Allow your dog to move towards you whenever he or she desires. Natural affection is one baby step toward getting them to cuddle you again. Remember that if they genuinely wanted to cuddle, they probably would.
Almost all pet owners have experienced a time where they took their dog to the vet and watched them shake from being so scared. Some situations make your dog extremely uncomfortable, and they might be too shaken up to even consider cuddling with you for a while.
Their general body language tells you everything you need to know. If they have a stiff body, lowered head, and pulled back ears, they’re not in the mood to be touched. Not all dogs react this way, but some freak out about even minor examinations, and excessive stress is a perfectly plausible reason for them wanting some distance from humans for a while. Let them decompress in a comforting space and they’ll come around sooner or later.
Can Your Dog Become a Cuddly Dog?
With a gentle approach and patience, non-cuddly dogs can learn to appreciate touch and can maybe even learn to love it! But helping your hands-off dog enjoy touch means putting your pup in control. Here are the steps you can take.