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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Anyone else feel ‘neutral’ to their dog?

21 replies

Icansmellsmoke · 09/04/2021 22:43

I’ve been wondering this- we’ve got an 8 month old pup and I’m so surprised that I don’t have any strong feelings towards him. I can kindof take him or leave him. My kids LOVE him, and its not that I want to re home him, he is totally part of our life now. But honestly, I’m just not bothered. He’s also a fab dog with a lovely nature and personality.
I’ve always loved animals and grew up with dogs, so its completely taken my by surprise!
Anyone else had/ has this?? Just curious...

OP posts:
Sarahlou63 · 09/04/2021 22:48

Sort of. I (we) have 6 dogs. I adore 5 of them for their personalities, quirks, habits - the sixth is just...a dog. There's nothing wrong with him but he's just not very interesting or engaging. He probably feels the same way about me!

Original poster
Icansmellsmoke · 09/04/2021 22:51

Ah, thats interesting- maybe its just a personality ‘fit’ thing (if you know what I mean). Mm...

OP posts:
justasking111 · 09/04/2021 22:54

In the pecking order if you have young children as a mother the dog came after my children. Before we had children the dog ruled the roost. Now they are just part of the family. Ditto the cat. I would not feel bad about it.

OverByYer · 09/04/2021 22:54

I do love my dog but I don’t get all excited about her and baby her like some owners I know do. I dint buy birthday presents and stuff like that for her. I like having her around but I’m not OTT about it

Idontlikethatnameanymore · 09/04/2021 22:56

Me, I like the dog, it’s got a lovely nature but I can’t say I love it. And before I get being accused of being a bad owner, it’s fed, watered, exercised, praised, taken to the vet etc but at the end if the day it’s a dog. Not a dearly loved husband, son, daughter, parent, sibling or friend.

Beamur · 09/04/2021 23:01

Same here to an extent! She's a sweet old thing and perfectly well looked after but I'm not soft on her the way I am with my cats..

Original poster
Icansmellsmoke · 09/04/2021 23:04

Oh, these replies are making me feel so much better, thanks everyone.

There are so many posts around that make them sound like life changing pets, and I just don’t feel that. And, yes, idontlikethatnameanymore- like you we do all that, and my kids have been learning how to training and engage appropriately etc, but, yup, he’s just a dog. I thought I’d feel more- but I just don’t.

OP posts:
flametrees · 09/04/2021 23:07

Out of all the dogs we have had I felt like that about one only. He only ever seemed to tolerate us too.
All my other dogs before him and after him seemed to really love us. But he just seemed to need food and the basics. Never seemed to care if we were there or not.
It was an odd feeling as I love dogs.

Profiterolegirl · 10/04/2021 00:15

I think it is a personality thing. I felt this way about one dog. He was a git of a dog. I've loved all other dogs. My current dog makes me so happy. We are good mates.

LadyBugg · 10/04/2021 00:24

I don't mind our dog and I notice when she's not here, but she's pretty indifferent towards me. We get on with our day and give each other a nod in passing and she'll let me know if she needs anything.

She definitely sees herself as oh's dog, he's her best pal but she's never been a dog that wants a cuddle, doesn't even sit beside him on the couch. She likes her own space and I give her it!

sunflowersandbuttercups · 10/04/2021 06:09

I think it's just personality.

I love my dog - he's my best friend and when I'm sad or need cheering up I know spending time with him is guaranteed to help.

MotherQueenXeno · 10/04/2021 08:26

Oh yes totally. I mean I am kind of fond of him, wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him but I don't enjoy any part of dog ownership, find the walks stressful and annoying and I will never get another dog!

Roystonv · 10/04/2021 08:48

Yes, our last dog. Never really took to me/responsive to me. Preferred Dh for cuddles, would actually move away from me if I tried to fuss her. Well trained, never nasty but just didn't care so I didn't. I always said she took but didn't give when trying to explain it but we rescued her at 6 so probably something in her past. Don't worry, well cared for, fun walks etc.

Original poster
Icansmellsmoke · 10/04/2021 08:54

Thanks, everyone. Loved reading these replies. Bizarrely, I feel more relaxed about it having posted this. I think I felt pressure to FEEL something. He’s definitely got a great relationship with the kids and they are learning a lot, and seems very happy and content. So, that’s enough for me.

Obviously - no one is implying anyone is a bad dog owner for not having gushing feelings of love for them! Just being honest Smile

OP posts:
tadpole39 · 10/04/2021 08:57

It took probably longer than eight months to properly fall for my dog. He was attacked in the park and I was properly upset then, no looking back. now I absolutely adore him but it did take a while because he was so different to my previous dog.

lanbro · 10/04/2021 09:01

I feel that way about my cat. I've never been a cat person but dd loves them and a friend needed to rehome hers so I did. She's well cared for, and she seems to love me and follows me around like a dog but I'm not too fussed about her! I pet her when she sits on my knee but I'm equally happy if she wants to sit on her bed

bluetongue · 10/04/2021 09:30

It took me ages to love dog but now I’m totally smitten.

He was a very different puppy with separation anxiety issues. For months I regretted getting him and my depression got worse. Now he’s an adult he much easier to live and a fantastic companion. Sometimes it just takes time.

bookworm1632 · 10/04/2021 09:36

He’s definitely got a great relationship with the kids and they are learning a lot, and seems very happy and content. So, that’s enough for me.

You've got your priorities in EXACTLY the right place.

TheOnlyKoiInAPondOfGoldfish · 10/04/2021 09:59

I've had about 15 dogs (losing count now!) about 5 dogs ago we had a bitch that we got as a cute 8week old pup. She and I never gelled, it was weird, I was the dog person in the family, love dogs, I did all the care and training, the dc adored her, and she them, but she pretty much considered me the staff and I wasn't upset when she died.

It wasn't so much dislike as just an absence of the feelings I was so used to having about our dogs. Yes I felt guilty and would never have told the dc how I felt!

Blueberrymuffin40 · 10/04/2021 22:15

I'm the opposite my dog is nearly 7 and I've had him from 8 weeks when I got him I couldn't wait to get up in the middle of the night or early morning I adored him from the word go.... He's a difficult dog people wise he only likes his family I will be deverstated when he goes i love him with all my heart so much so I've considered getting a tattoo with his ashes. I will never have another dog.
My previous dogs I've felt like you not really bothered but this dog is my soul mate.
I think you have to find YOUR dog it's like people some you click with some you don't.

Singinginshower · 10/04/2021 22:42

I think you will find OP that with a ' family dog' they will become knitted in with your family memories and experiences.
When my previous dogs have passed on, I was not expecting the wave upon wave of memories from when my kids were small.

It's lovely for your children that they are having a very positive experience with your good natured pet.

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