Aloof puppy,

Just got an 8 week old Pembroke Welsh Corgi male.

He is uninterested in people. We try to get him to play and he prefers to take the toys and play by himself. He has an alpha personality, but how do you get a dog to be happy to see you?

We've tried feeding him by hand, grooming him, keeping him separated from our adult dog. Ultimately I want him to bond with my wife, so she's done all the puppy stuff so far, feed, potty, discipline, train etc.

Anything else I can do to make him a loving puppy or should I just wait for him to come around?



Hi
It's probably a bit early to tell what kind of personality your puppy has, as at 8 weeks he's a tiny baby really.

Also, for the first week (sometimes more) you often don't see the 'real deal', as the stress of leaving his momma and littermates and adjusting to a new home etc. tend to make a puppy homesick and uncertain.

Some puppies deal with this by clinging to their new owner, others by being 'aloof' as you describe, still others by pretty much shutting out the world and sleeping or ignoring what's going on around them.

This is perfectly normal, and as soon as the puppy begins to feel more secure and adjust to his new environment, his playful, loving personality will usually begin to show.

You're doing all the right things to help this process along, so it's really just a case of giving the little guy some time to come around and feel comfortable in his new home.

Although you don't want him to bond too closely to your older dog and become 'doggy', he will probably benefit from time spent with a more mature, confident, well behaved dog. He will take his cues from his 'elder'. Of course, puppies are rambuctious and he mustn't be allowed to pester the older dog to death.

If this puppy is to be your wife's companion, it's good that she continues to do the bulk of the feeding, grooming, training etc. However, you do mention an 'alpha' personality, and although I'm not sure how or why you've come to that conclusion, it is important with a dog that's confident and strong willed in particular, that he realizes that everyone (that includes you/children/other family members in the house) are above him in terms of dominance.

You can achieve this by being sure that everyone regularly (maybe one or two days a week) is responsible for feeding and grooming the pup. They also need to have the opportunity to help with training, as by giving commands and expecting the dog to obey, they are exerting their authority.

Male dogs, especially 'alpha males' will most likely try to dominate (often in a minor, harmless way though) and make their presence felt when they reach adolescence. Any serious issues with this can often be avoided by establishing a firm and consistent routine that demonstrates clearly to the pup that he is in no way 'in charge'.

I always recommend that every puppy should, at the very least, go through a formal puppy obedience class. It has huge benefits for the pup in terms of socialization and really helps you to learn how to communicate better with him. Your wife should be the person to take him to these though as he is her dog.

Also, neutering your pup will help to control the wandering, dominant behavior that some males are prone to and has long term health benefits too.

Don't worry about bonding and whether or not the puppy will love and respect your wife, or anyone else. This comes absolutely naturally, and when given love, affection, exercise, discipline and everything else that goes along with daily care, your pup will soon demonstrate his affection and loyalty to his new family.

Just give him time to adjust, love him to pieces (no spoiling though!)and all will turn out just fine!

Best of luck, if you have any other questions or concerns at any time, just ask :o)