Is this something I can improve?

[PortSalutSherryHello]

We have a standard poodle, she's 2.

She's v calm indoors, bouncy with other dogs on walks but recall is getting much better

Thing is she is just not affectionate with us at all. She stays away from us indoors mainly. If we have friends over she will be up for a cuddle and will lay on the sofa with them. But if it's just us she spends the evening in the kitchen with us in the living room.

It just makes me sad, I've wanted a dog for so long and thought we'd have that cuddliness. It's great she's not clingy or full on, I know.

I don't think so, to be honest. I have a 4 year old cocker. She is a velcro dog during the day. But as soon as I sit down in the evening, she takes herself upstairs to sleep on my bed. She's always been like this.
She has stayed in the same room as me this past week, because she's unwell. As soon as she was dosed up on pain meds she went back upstairs.
I understand how you feel though. It's hard not to feel rejected. 😂

Some dogs are, simply, just not very affectionate - and will go against breed standards. @SpanielsGalore and I have had a similar experience in the last few weeks - both our antisocial girls have been very clingy because they were sick, but as soon as they were better they just went back to ignoring us. 😤

There's not really anything you can do to change a dogs personality. You could look at doing more things she 'likes' so if she likes walks, take her for more walks (3 a day instead of 2), give her more treats (but less food with her meal), let her come upstairs at night if you don't already etc. But they are all 'buying' love in a way I don't think you'd necessarily want?

But I would also say, at 2 she is still quite young given she's a Standard Poodle. Most large dogs aren't really mentally developed until they're 2/3, so please don't despair - and remember, if she's recalling to you that is a sign of affection. Even if you have food, she's still picking you over everything else.

Does she like to play with toys,do you play fetch with her or any other games, the more you can get her to play the stronger your bond will become. I know some dogs don't do toys and games but she's only 2 so hopefully you can get her to engage. My dog gets more cuddly when he's had lots of play.