My dogs don't play. Do they love each other? How to help them bond?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! They are probably communicating with each other. This does not mean that they do not like each other necessarily. This is just their interaction which is ok. Not every dog is playful with other dogs. My dogs for example get along fine and play with other dogs but do not play with each other. It is not a concerning thing. It is just their type of interaction and how they interact with each other which I just have to sit back and respect. In summary, I would not be concerned about this. Have a great day!

Every dog is different, and some dogs simply don't like to play with toys, bark, or sniff things when walking. David is also not a puppy, so he won't be as interested in playing as a puppy would be interested. You don't know his background either as a shelter animal, so it's possible that he came from a home where he was ignored and neglected, and that has caused him to be more withdrawn. It's a good idea that you keep the bedroom door closed to keep him from hiding under the bed. I would brush him daily, as that gives him positive interaction between you both. You can train him to sit, lay down, and stay, again forcing positive interaction. Give him treats and praise him when he comes to you for love and attention. Positively reinforce behaviors you want to him to have, which will make him want to do them more.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is obvious how much you love Gabby and I suspect she loves you very much too! Most dogs are very bonded to their owners-especially dogs who have been cared for by the same person for years. There may be a reason that she does not want to stay with you in bed. Where does she go? Does she go straight to tile or wood because the bed is just too warm (my own dog started doing this recently). Do you toss and turn and it bothers Gabby? Does a fan blow on her? Is there a new candle or scent in your room? All these things may be reasons Gabby decides to lay down elsewhere. As with most dogs, you can strengthen your bond by petting and sitting together (try laying with her wherever she likes to lay for a few minutes). Playing with toys and working on training is also excellent for showing her you love her. You are doing a great job! Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Gabby!

tSome dogs just naturally don't care to play, just as some people would prefer reading or knitting to being physically active. It is also possible that Jacki has not been with you long enough to feel comfortable "letting go." If this is a temporary adjustment to a new home (I'm not sure how long you've had her), you may find that she starts to initiate play at some point. Or you may discover that you have a cuddler rather than a player. Maybe she is an earnest chewer--preferably of safe dog bones rather than drywall! As you get to know each other, you will discover new ways to interact together.

It is very unnatural for pets to be held like we hold human babies. Some pets just are not as affectionate as we would like. Some dogs will grow used to your ways of showing affection and will tolerate it, but think of how momma dogs show affection to puppies - through care, licking (petting is our equivalent), playing, and feeding. No momma dog actually wraps her arm around her puppy to hold her! It is good that Nova loves to sleep in her crate. She has chosen this as her safe and cozy haven. Dogs that feel safe in a crate are easier to potty train and have a safe way to remove themselves from situations when they are uncomfortable. She has chosen where she is most comfortable sleeping, and you should respect that boundary. I would recommend trying other ways to bond, such as play time, going for walks, and obedience training. Once basic obedience commands are learned, Nova can work on learning fun tricks! Teaching a dog new skills is great mental and physical stimulation that will create a deep bond between the two of you.

While some breeds are more aloof than others, and some are more gregarious, it seems as if Reks is outgoing with other family members so I doubt it's a breed issue. There may be an imbalance in the relationship between you and him. Try assuming all of the dog-related chores at home: you be the one to feed him, walk him, give him treats (not too many!) etc. for a week and see if that helps. Ask the rest of the family to be cooperative in this. I would also suggest that you enroll with him in a basic dog obedience class, where you and he will learn to work together as a team. Any training you do with a dog strengthens your bond with him, assumng your methods are gentle, consistent and kind.

It can take a while for dogs to get used to new companions. As long as they are still playing together and not hurting one another I would not be too worried about this behavior. The more they interact together the more quickly they will become used to each other. Just make sure they are always supervised so they don’t hurt each other. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.