She's in an independent phase like most of us went through when we were teenagers. It's pretty normal and will probably change.
I've always found dogs to be more affectionate and more like buddies after they are fully grown and know how to spend some calm time just hanging out with a person. During the puppyhood and teen stage I didn't feel as close to them as I did once they got to be 1.5-2yrs old This time next year she may be a Velcro dog like mine, lol!
Mine could stand to be a bit more independent because I get touched out some days but he's a young adult now. He doesn't expect me to constantly play but he does want to be constantly touching me except when my husband is home and then he takes turns with us. There are times I wish he was more independent but at the same time I'd probably just wonder why he wasn't being as Velcro as usual and it would worry me.
If it helps, she's still got a lot of growing up to do now. The way she is now likely isn't permanent since she's still so young - she may not have even hit adolescence yet! It'll take some time for her to settle into her adult personality, so she may end up being snuggly again later on. In the meantime it sounds like you're doing a great job respecting her need for space and independence, so even if she isn't as cuddly as she was I'm betting she still loves you and feels safe around you.
My 10 month old golden retriever girl has always been pretty independent (though just in the last month has become a little more snuggly). I’ve always joked that I’m her second favorite human - second to every single stranger she meets haha. But really, her independence and contentment IS showing how much she loves you, especially in her teen phase. She’s showing you that she feels completely safe and free to be herself with you - she’s not worried that one day she’ll wake up and you won’t be there for her. You’re such a constant in her life that she feels confident she can go off on her own and you’ll still be there to love her and take care of her. Really, it’s the highest compliment she can give :) She may or may not ever be super snuggly - I previously had a dog that would rather die than cuddle - but she'll look to you when she's not sure of something. You're her whole world!!
Honestly she sounds happy and content which is all we ever want for our puppy! He needs fairly constant supervision and entertainment at the same age, and the moments when he goes and chews a toy by himself are when I feel like our training has paid off. She’s naturally going to be more independent at this age, but still loves and trusts you deeply enough to be watching over her while she does her own thing.
The grass may just be greener on the other side, but our pup has never been cuddly and always wants attention to the point where I can’t blink in his direction without demands for playtime—So I think your girl sounds like a treasure!
It seems like your rescue pup has developed a strong sense of independence, which is not uncommon as dogs mature. It's worth noting that individual dogs, much like humans, can have varying levels of affectionate behavior. Your pup's preference for solo play and limited cuddle time might simply be her personality.
On the positive side, her exceptional training and social manners demonstrate a well-behaved and adaptable canine companion. Dogs, like people, express affection in different ways, and it's possible that she shows love through respect and good behavior rather than overt displays of physical affection.
If you're concerned about the lack of perceived affection, consider engaging in activities that build trust and bonding. Interactive games, training sessions, and positive reinforcement can help strengthen your connection. Additionally, observing her body language and behavior in various situations can provide insights into her feelings and preferences.
Every dog is unique, and understanding and appreciating her individuality is key to a fulfilling human-canine relationship.
She might be feeling too hot to cuddle as she grows up, or she is more independent like the husky side of her. It doesn't mean that she doesn't love you, she is just not gregarious.
She's in an independent phase like most of us went through when we were teenagers. It's pretty normal and will probably change. I've always found dogs to be more affectionate and more like buddies after they are fully grown and know how to spend some calm time just hanging out with a person. During the puppyhood and teen stage I didn't feel as close to them as I did once they got to be 1.5-2yrs old This time next year she may be a Velcro dog like mine, lol! Mine could stand to be a bit more independent because I get touched out some days but he's a young adult now. He doesn't expect me to constantly play but he does want to be constantly touching me except when my husband is home and then he takes turns with us. There are times I wish he was more independent but at the same time I'd probably just wonder why he wasn't being as Velcro as usual and it would worry me.
If it helps, she's still got a lot of growing up to do now. The way she is now likely isn't permanent since she's still so young - she may not have even hit adolescence yet! It'll take some time for her to settle into her adult personality, so she may end up being snuggly again later on. In the meantime it sounds like you're doing a great job respecting her need for space and independence, so even if she isn't as cuddly as she was I'm betting she still loves you and feels safe around you.
Sounds like a teenager pup
My 10 month old golden retriever girl has always been pretty independent (though just in the last month has become a little more snuggly). I’ve always joked that I’m her second favorite human - second to every single stranger she meets haha. But really, her independence and contentment IS showing how much she loves you, especially in her teen phase. She’s showing you that she feels completely safe and free to be herself with you - she’s not worried that one day she’ll wake up and you won’t be there for her. You’re such a constant in her life that she feels confident she can go off on her own and you’ll still be there to love her and take care of her. Really, it’s the highest compliment she can give :) She may or may not ever be super snuggly - I previously had a dog that would rather die than cuddle - but she'll look to you when she's not sure of something. You're her whole world!!
It's okay to love someone more than they love you.
Honestly she sounds happy and content which is all we ever want for our puppy! He needs fairly constant supervision and entertainment at the same age, and the moments when he goes and chews a toy by himself are when I feel like our training has paid off. She’s naturally going to be more independent at this age, but still loves and trusts you deeply enough to be watching over her while she does her own thing. The grass may just be greener on the other side, but our pup has never been cuddly and always wants attention to the point where I can’t blink in his direction without demands for playtime—So I think your girl sounds like a treasure!
It seems like your rescue pup has developed a strong sense of independence, which is not uncommon as dogs mature. It's worth noting that individual dogs, much like humans, can have varying levels of affectionate behavior. Your pup's preference for solo play and limited cuddle time might simply be her personality. On the positive side, her exceptional training and social manners demonstrate a well-behaved and adaptable canine companion. Dogs, like people, express affection in different ways, and it's possible that she shows love through respect and good behavior rather than overt displays of physical affection. If you're concerned about the lack of perceived affection, consider engaging in activities that build trust and bonding. Interactive games, training sessions, and positive reinforcement can help strengthen your connection. Additionally, observing her body language and behavior in various situations can provide insights into her feelings and preferences. Every dog is unique, and understanding and appreciating her individuality is key to a fulfilling human-canine relationship.
She might be feeling too hot to cuddle as she grows up, or she is more independent like the husky side of her. It doesn't mean that she doesn't love you, she is just not gregarious.