Does my puppy not like me?

[ferky1]

Miles is a healthy 14 week old Shih Tzu who loves to run, chew, play, etc. Despite the title of this thread I know that he loves my wife and I from the excitement he shows when we come home, the way he playfully rolls on his back and lets us rub his belly, the way he tries very hard during our training sessions and other such activities.

What really irks my wife and I, and the reason for this post, is how he, a Shih Tzu and "lap dog" (yeah right), doesn't really enjoy our laps, our sofa or hanging out with us for too long. I understand that an energetic puppy does not want to sit on the couch getting rubbed when there are ropes to chew, stuffed animals to attack and trouble to get into. But he also doesn't enjoy being close to us for very long when he is tired. When he slows down and settles and decides to lay with a toy, we try to bring him and the toy on to the sofa with us, he will usually be jumping down within 5 minutes. Sometimes we pet him, sometimes we don't; doesn't matter, he's gone. When he tries to jump up to the sofa or bed with us, and we lift him up, he usually won't stay. On the rare occassion that he does fall asleep next to one of us, he usually relocates after waking up and deciding that there is somewhere better to go. I should mention that I use the sofa as an example, but this happens anywhere we hang out with him, floor, bed, etc.

Is this just a puppy who has lots of energy and too much to do and see to waste time hanging with mommy and daddy? Is this something he will grow out of as he matures? I really want to force him to stay with us on the sofa and get him used to laying quietly and letting us pet him, but there is something so wrong about keeping my puppy in one place when he makes it quite clear that he wants to be elsewhere. My only other Shih Tzu experience was with a 1+ year old that wanted nothing more than to lay around next to you and get scratched. She would fall asleep nestled next to you and it was sheer heaven. Miles doesn't act like that but I'm not sure if he's just a normal, energetic puppy.

Thanks.

[Sanvean]

I've heard some folks on the Maltese forum I'm on say that their dogs did this as puppies. My Macy, who is 5, clearly loves us but doesn't always want to sit on our laps or even sit near us on the couch. From what I hear, though, most puppies get cuddlier as they get older.

[Guest Anonymous]

Don't worry, it is completely normal for THAT particular puppy. Even pupppies of the same breed will have different personalities. He may or may not be a lap dog when he grows up, but rest assured he certainly does love you!

[Rosebud]

:-?

pup1, are you referring to that breed puppy, or the puppy owned by ferky1. I ask this because the way you came across to me with your comment was that you know ferky1's pup.

I'm sure that you are just experiencing the joys of puppyhood and that as your baby matures he will calm down and decide that the couch is actually the best and softest place to be.

I am not knowledgable of the personality traits of shih-tzu, I will tell you that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are notorius coach-potatos. The problem is that they don't figure that out until sometime around 2-3 years old. Puppyhood with an RR can be a night-mare. RR's are mainly sight hounds but are also pretty good scent hounds, so can you imagine living with 2 8 week old hounds that have high prey drive and a curiosity streak that doesn't end. And even at 8 weeks old they're pretty dang fast.

:angel:

[stacer126]

My boyfriend is worried that or weim only likes me (can't blame her!!). She comes when I call her and when she gets scared she comes to me.
I think its just she's soo used to me, he works long hours in the summer and hardly works in the winter so it will get better for him. I think I just bonded with her more earlier. SHe's no longer a cuddle dog, she just wants to be in the same room.

[Bentleythewonderdog]

It could be just a phase. My Maltese went thru that but I think it was because he was getting accustomed to his new home. He is now at my side constantly. All dogs have different personalities and your new pup may be more active and never be a lap dog but enjoy his unique personality no matter what. They are such fun.

[courtnek]

My girls not a real lovey dog either. She likes to be scritched, and we have a specific time when she is allowed up on the bed, but she is not real affectionate - every dog is different - be assured she loves you....

:angel:

[rufus]

I think that all dogs/pups go through a 'settling in' stage when they go to a new home. They spend a lot of time working out what they can and can't do - and trying to let you know what they want. It will all work out eventually.

My last dog was brilliant but only wanted to play or be fussed when it suited him. If he wasn't in the mood then no amount of coaxing would get him out of his bed. The bonus of this was that I knew when he came for affection, (which he did very often) it was because he truly wanted to be fussed and show his love.

[Carolk9s]

I would not worry about it. Let the pup make that particular decision. Perhaps as he matures he will decide you are worthy of his continued snuggling. 8)
Actually my girl Brittany is a bit funny that way. She will lie near or against you as long as you continue to pet her. As soon as you stop, she's gone. It's almost like she feels as though she cannot lie against you and just be still. Like it's not allowed.
I think I've read that though Shih Tzu's are companion dogs, they can be quite independent as well. Your little boy might still be sorting out his ideas of where to sleep, perhaps he simply likes being alone with no distractions when he's ready to snooze.
Candy will alternate between wanting to be in my lap and wanting to be off by herself. She'll go into her crate or back into the bedroom at times. I get a 'look' if I disturb her slumber when she's on the bed by herself. The look that says, 'why oh why have you BOTHERED me? I was just minding my own business when you had to come in and wake me!'
Years ago I had a roommate with a female Shih Tzu. She could be hell on wheels and about the time you were ready to pack her little bags for her, she'd be all lovey dovey little girly and kiss up to you. She got away with too much stuff.

[ellieangel]

I'd go along with what everyone else has said your relationship will get closer with time try not to worry :wink:

[Guest Anonymous]

Rosebud--no, I don't know ferky's puppy, I just meant that he is acting the way he acts. All puppies are different, that's all I meant. :)

[Elsastarr]

This is a real eye opener. W/ my RR's they want to be right under me (actually, on top of me). The only time they are under me is as I'm in this chair @ the computer, then one of them is under me the others surround the desk. Now, when family visits they have to make sure everyone else knows how LOVED they are. That is my favorite thing about ridgies, but hounds are known for being very sweet. I thought companion/toy dogs were made for this, though...I thought they were all "lap babies" & I just figured that was from the beginning. Don't worry, I completely agree with the above post~you have a puppy & dogs are by nature lovin' & loyal so I'm sure your baby will realize what a great Mommie & Daddy you both are & appreciate you both. :laola:

[Peng1zrule]

It sounds like he thinks he's very low on the totem pole, (and he should be the bottom totem) and is anxious about it. Try training him, just any old tricks, including basic obediance. Not only will it build a big bond with you, he'll be more confident and willing to spend time with his "pack" several of my dogs were like this--very uncomfortable when I was at thier level, but through patience and training, they will now sleep curled against my back, or with thier heads on my ankles, etc. I still see the "oh no!" look on thier face when they make a doggy faux-pas. Try not to cuddle him alot, chances are, it's making him more uncomfortable than it is beneficial to him. Don't chase after him a whole lot to sit with or on you, he'll learn to sulk and pout when he's not getting his way. My little shih-tzu mix was like this as a baby, but I took her everywhere, and she would sit on my lap to look out the car window. Now she is always touching me or near to me, even when I am doing dishes.

[danyell]

I'm curious, Ferky, on how things are going now. My pup (chi-pom-poo) is like this. We've had her for 2 weeks and last night she finally cuddled on my lap and fell asleep. I was in shock!! She's usually way too excited to sit and be petted or cuddle with me. I had a springer spaniel puppy and she was such a cuddler from DAY 1. she also would sleep through anything we'd pick her up and put her in another spot just to confuse her but Georgia perks up if she hears the slightest squeek on the floor. She's too alert!! I think she will calm down after a while and settle in - but that is good advice about not cuddling and pawing at her too much . I'm sure I'm guilty of that :oops:

[Lemon-dog]

I think everyone advice is right ,as i have read through all of the posts on this i can see many things that has been said apply to Kelly-Marie our Jrt Cross she like to come to us when she wants a cuddle other than that she sleeps in her bed or with one of our Gsd's or the other JRT we have .Kelly-Marie is 21 weeks old and has always been a little bit timid with us but at night she gets on the bed and cuddles up to your feet or round our necks with the other Jrt but its taken all of 10 weeks of having her to do this .I am sure that your little puppy will come and always be sat with you with time .