How can I love my lab?

Question

My boyfriend and I adopted a lab when he was 3 months old (he's now almost 1yr.old) and being the animal lover I am, I don't really understand why I haven't made some kind of connection. I don't think its normal, people are supposed to love there dogs. As embarrassing as it is I'm not even sure I would miss him if he wasnt here. I want to love him, my boyfriend loves him but I just dont its more of a tolerence. Does any one have a suggestion on how to turn this relationship around?

Answer 1

believe me my husband has a mini dachshund that I feel the same for, maybe you just dont like that breed of dog, believe me I dont really care for small dogs so I some how never think of his dog, I think of my dog because he will be a large breed and just seem to feel more comftorable with him. try thinking why you dont feel love for this dog, did he eat your fav shoes? did he bark at the wrong time and your just trying to act like hes not there! might want to speak up or think on it because your bf's best friend will be there for years to come

Answer 2

You may not really be a dog person but haven't realized it yet. Some people just don't feel any kind of connection to dogs and there's really nothing that can be done about it. It's like their personalities just don't mesh together. Perhaps a different type of pet would suit you better.

Answer 3

already adopting him is a sign of love. maybe it will take a while. some dogs ajust faster and some others slower. spend as much time as you can with him. take him on walks, give him a bath, try to teach him tricks, play with him, and pet him. im sure that you and you lab will eventually love eachother. dont rush things. let the dog first estamble a little to where he is living. remember, rome was not built in a day!
hope i helped! =)

Answer 4

I'm guessing you just aren't a genuine Dog Lover. My wife is the same way and she spends more time complaining about the dog then she does appreciating it. That's a pretty clear sign if you aren't feeling it for the dog. Don't find it.
Get real with yourself and then decide what's next from there as a couple.

Answer 5

like getting to know your bf you had to spend time with him, spend time with the dog, preferably on your own. go to the park, teach it something new: a trick maybe, go to the beach (generally, labs love the water) brush it, etc. anything that requires contact and fun (brushing may not be 'fun' but it does require much bonding)

dogs are always love able, i think, it just takes sometime to understand the dog, and for the dog to understand you.

Answer 6

find something to do with the dog that you will both enjoy, like hiking or car rides or even going out for takeout. or if your up to it, take an agility class or rally class with the dog. whatever it is make it just the two of you. and make it FUN. just like people dogs will bond over shared fun experiences.
also, if the dog has a better bond with your b/f, thats understandable. there can only be one pack leader, apparantly hes it

Answer 7

Try some personal time alone with the dog, perhap an obedience classes.

Answer 8

Dogs seek guidance and structure as well as affection. Chances are he is getting this guidance and structure from your boyfriend but not you. Exercise him, dicipline him, train him, and then love him. Eventually he will grow to respect you more and will show a stronger interest in you.

Answer 9

maybe you dont like dogs as much as you once thought...or maybe if you get a dog for yourself ONLY you may bond better, could it be that your boyfreind spends more time with your lab??

Answer 10

You can't make yourself love the dog. Maybe you are a cat person.