Why can't I bond with my adopted dog?
Trying everything to connect with a new dog while facing constant demands for attention, unresponsiveness to toys or treats, and unyielding behavioral issues can lead to deep frustration and resentment. This emotional strain prevents owners from feeling close to their pet, leaving them feeling heartbroken and hopeless despite their best efforts.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1taking the dog for walks
- 2putting the dog in time out
- 3taking the dog to training classes
- 4taking the dog to multiple veterinary checks
- 5giving the dog antidepressant pills prescribed by a veterinarian
- 6consulting professional trainers
- 7carrying the dog outside for walks
- 8trying different types of treats and toys
- 9Waiting for time and love to help the pet blossom and the bond to grow.
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“So, Hilary doesn't care about anything at all. He doesn't want to play with toys. He ignores his Kong, squeky toys and sniffing pads. He doesn't want any treats, he just don't take them and ignores them when thrown at floor.”source ↗
“His tail is always hanging sad and low, he never wags. In home, he just sleeps or lies down in the same room as me or my wife.”source ↗
“I don't know how to make him happy, and it's breaking my heart.”source ↗
“It’s a month in. I still miss my class from last year. Usually I love my new group of kids almost immediately. I am having trouble this year. This is the first time this has happened to my and it’s my 12th year teaching.”source ↗
“As hard as I try to bond with him, take him for walks, etc, it’s not working.”source ↗
“It’s to the point where I resent the dog so much for the constant need for attention that I don’t want to be around him at all.”source ↗
“I am so frustrated.”source ↗
“I’d hoped for a girl, and when the vet told me he was a boy, I even struggled to bond with him at first.”source ↗
“I'm trying as hard as I can to make him comfortable and create a space for him to relax. Yeah I think that time will make a difference, but I'm just broken now after a another walk, where he was a sad ball of black fur, following me silently or freezing in place, and refusing to walk :c”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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- 4How to handle a traumatized puppy who is too scared for treats or touch
- 3What is it really like to foster rescue animals?
- 2Partner won't help with the puppy and keeps threatening to get rid of him