Do Mini Goldendoodles Like To Be Held?
Dogs are some of the most affectionate, loving creatures you can have in your home and will be your best friend until the end of time. The perfect cuddle buddy is one who wants to spend time with you and who will appreciate the love you give them. The Goldendoodle and Mini Goldendoodle are two very popular breeds for this reason!
Mini Goldendoodles are affectionate and friendly and will soak up as much love as they can get. They also have a high need for social interaction and love to play. However, all dogs are unique as individuals. Some may enjoy physical affection less or more than other dogs within their breed.
While most dogs of all breeds love human interaction and physical attention, not every dog is so. Some dogs, no matter the breed, might not enjoy cuddling or being held for long periods of time. This could be due to their own personality which cannot be changed, they might not particularly enjoy your way of interacting with them, or it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well and something isn’t right.
Enjoyment of Cuddling Can Change
Many dogs will be hyper or more active while a puppy will calm down more as they mature. The same goes for mini breeds. Some dog owners will often say the puppy stage is the hardest because of the bursts of energy and high need for training. Mini dogs will often be more playful and interactive with owners while babies, and will later prefer cuddling and relaxing more often with their humans when they’re older.
Some pets such as cats and dogs, especially those that are young babies, or those that haven’t had much human interaction before, may need to progressively ease into their comfortability with human touch and affection. It can be helpful to gain trust by exposing young pups to petting and cuddling early on so it feels normal to them as they grow up. For older puppies and dogs who aren’t used to being around other people, you’ll need to be patient as you work towards gaining their trust with you. Show them you’re gentle and caring, and that they are safe with you. Over time, they will be more open and accepting of physical affection.
But what if the dog has always been a cuddler, but no longer wants to anymore? This could mean they either just grew out of it, or something has changed their desire for physical affection, such as depression, a sickness, or they’re not getting their preferred method of attention.
Possible Sickness
If your dog is suddenly not interested in cuddling and doesn’t want much human interaction, the first thing you’ll need to consider is the possibility that they could be sick. Pets can’t fully express to us how they are feeling, but when they’re sick, their behavior will usually change. They may not be feeling well enough to cuddle or play.
Some signs your dog may be sick are appetite and weight change, changes in bowel movements, frequent shaking of the head, lumps, excessive sleep, a change in attitude, hard breathing or wheezing, sneezing, difficulty to move, lack of interest in anything, accidents in the house, and bad breath. If your pet exhibits any signs of sickness, please take them to see the vet as soon as possible. The sooner the sickness is caught, the better chance they have at recovering.
Possible Depression
Sometimes dogs become depressed. This can be caused by a sudden change in environment like a move, the loss of a family member or fellow pet, a lack of exercise and time outdoors, or abuse both past and present. A depressed dog will show a lack of interest in anything they used to enjoy, they may become more aggressive or destructive, they will lay around or sleep all day, they may have a change in appetite, and they might have a few accidents in the home.
An animal’s mental health is very important and should be a high priority, along with their physical health. If you see any signs of depression in your dog, be sure to have a vet take a look at them. They can better determine if they have depression, or if it’s something else causing these strange behaviors. They will work with you to come up with a plan to get them feeling better soon.
They Might Not Like How You Cuddle Them
Another thing dog owners ought to consider is the way you are cuddling and touching your dog. While most dogs really enjoy receiving physical attention from their humans, not all dogs enjoy being cuddled the same way. If they roll over in front of you with their feet up to expose their belly and look satisfied when you rub them, it’s a good sign they enjoy it!
When they’re sitting next to you on the couch and you start scratching or rubbing the top of their head, and they get up and walk away to sit somewhere else, this might be an indication they don’t enjoy being touched that way. Or maybe they approach you to ask for affection, then look happy when you pet them, but shy away when you approach them first. This might mean your dog prefers to go to you when they want physical touch instead of letting you approach them.
Pay close attention to your pet’s reactions to the things you do to them. You can also research the body language dogs exhibit and what they mean. This might be a process that will take some time, but your dog will be so much more happy and comfortable around you! (source)
Possible Abuse
If you are becoming the guardian of a dog that had a previous owner before you and they seem nervous or skittish around you when you try to pet or cuddle with them, this is a big sign of previous abuse. This is, unfortunately, a very common occurrence, so if possible, look into the dog’s history and who they’ve been with to understand how to better care for them. You can make your home feel safer to them by eliminating loud noises, approaching them calmly and slowly, keeping your voice low and comforting, and to not force anything on them. Be patient with your dog in these situations. It may take years to help them recover and trust again.
It’s very normal for dogs who have been mistreated, neglected, or abused to not want to be touched, petted, held, or cuddled ever again. However, this does not mean they don’t love and appreciate you. If you are patient with them and provide them with peace and safety, they will definitely know you care for them, and they will love you for giving them a better life.