Four month old great dane babysitting.

by rain
(Paramount, Calif)

Hi,
I babysit my girlfriends four month old Great dane, we seem to have fun and lots of snacks, at night he starts whining and scratching at front door. And somewhat acts as if I, all of a sudden don't exist, or indifference towards me at best.

Girlfriend gets home at different hours, he's really cute, just love him, I just feel as if from 8pm to 1am that I'm just a big nobody to him. I have spent more time with him then girlfriend, funny really.

Should I take it personally?





Hi Rain
Dog's and puppies don't think the way we do, neither do they have the same feelings or even consider what they think or feel. This puppy's behavior isn't about you, it's simply that he misses his owner and knows that she is due to come home sometime soon and is anxious to see her!

As you take care of him during the daytime I'm certain he loves you and has bonded with you as well. Some dogs bond more closely with just one person, but that doesn't mean they don't love anyone else. I've no idea how long this arrangement has been going on for but I'm assuming that he's spent more time overall with your girlfriend than you - especially when he was younger. That makes his behavior totally understandable.

As this little (!) guy grows and the longer you take care of him, the stronger the bond and relationship will be between you. However, he will always love his 'mommy' and that's as it should be. He's not something anyone needs to 'own' but an intelligent animal with feelings of his own and he's perfectly capable of loving both the people who love him and take care of him.

I definitely wouldn't take this 'personally', just give it all time and continue to love him and take care of him. Hope this helps.