Dog ignoring me after absense

[montyandpippa]

Hi everyone, have joined this forum as very upset about a situation I'm in with my pups and not sure what to do to help.

I was unwell over the summer that saw me hospitalised twice. As a result of this, I moved to come live with my mum (who lives about 500 miles away) for a while to recuperate back in September. My other half stayed back home but due to him working full time, we decided the dogs would stay with my sister (who lives near to my mum) until we found a new house to settle into.

At first the dogs seemed a little unsettled which I expected, but I see them every weekend and try and make lots of fuss.

The last weekend gone though, Monty (who is almost a year old) completely ignored me and instead spent most of his time fighting for the affections of my sister's boyfriend who makes a proper fuss of him every time he sees him. I don't know why but it just really upset me, to think Monty was actually annoyed at me, or even worse, had forgotten about me. Monty has a special bond with my partner too, which I'm worried is now being replaced by this new one he has with my sister's boyfriend.

Pippa, who is about 8 months old, seemed happy to play with me though and didn't seem too fussed about anything which is a positive I guess!

We're taking the dogs home next weekend. They'll be staying with me for a week with a friend while our new house is finalised, then we'll all be living in a new house back to the four of us, which I'm pleased with.

I wondered if anyone had any suggestions though about why Monty is maybe doing this and what I can do to help? Is there anything I should do to help the next transition easier?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gypsysmum]

He could be picking up on your fragile emotional state if you have been poorly.

I am having the same problem with my new rescue dog. He spent the first few months bonding with my retired husband and much prefers him to me. I have been poorly and I am sure it makes him anxious so he prefers to be with my husband. It is very upsetting isn't it?

Not much you can do other than be patient.

 

[Shewbert]

You dont always need to be away from your dog to make him not speak to you.

Sometimes if I get home from work, If I say Hi to my wife or my Macaw before saying Hi to him he sulks and ignores me all night, he will physically turn his back on me when I try to speak to him.

But your case could be different, and he is picking up on your emotions, he will go to your brother in law cause he has been his provider whilst you are away, he is going to him for comfort.

Give them time, when you are all together again, he will soon revert back to normal.

Shewy