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Old April 6th, 2006, 11:40 AM
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Corrie Corrie is offline
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Question Can you make a dog more affectionate?

My little 1 1/2 year old Westie is a very nice girl…but not very affectionate. By affectionate, I mean…I want to kiss and cuddle and smooch with her, and she will have none of it.

She will sit beside you on the couch, fall asleep beside you…but doesn’t want to be held or even patted. If you start to stoke her at all, she gets all agitated and then jumps off the couch and runs for a toy in order for you to play with her.

Do you think you can train a dog into being more affectionate?
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Old April 6th, 2006, 12:10 PM
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jessi76 jessi76 is offline
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I think you can absolutely train her to accept affection. I would try rewarding her with a small treat when she accepts petting. You should probably start small, touch her, treat/praise. repeat. pat her lightly, treat/praise, repeat. longer strokes, treat/praise, repeat. she may never be a "super-snuggler" but I think you can convince her to accept some over time.
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Old April 6th, 2006, 03:47 PM
Luvmypit Luvmypit is offline
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I'll send mine over, I can't even sit on the couch beside him without him stealing a lick. I just hope I have my mouth closed most times.

But I think what jessi said is correct. I don't know how much of a cuddler she will become but I am sure if you try easing her into it you can relax her into it.
Use a specific word for petting as you are doing it, like cuddle or pat or pet. So that she can associate it with a word and when you go to pet her she won't mistake it for an invitation to play which is also what she may be doing.

She may not be a cuddler like some people but I am sure you can find some common ground.
good luck
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