wonder

i got my daughter an english bulldog puppy for her birthday. this dog attached himself to me and i fell absolutely in love with him. i'm so much happier now that i have him. i never believed before that getting a pet can cheer you up after you've been having a hard time dealing with issues, but i believe now.

Gaia

Mmm I would have taken steps to make sure the dog attached itself to my daughter and not myself... but either way it's good you have a pet. Got any pics to show?

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"Feelings get you in relationships quickly, and feelings get you out of relationships quickly. Feelings do not fill in the for the sacrifice and dedication needed to make a relationship work. Feelings get themselves hurt." ~Nsweet~
Ignorance is an equal opportunity employer.~DedicatedDad~

RClawson

Last summer when my wife was living on a different planet and pretending like she was not married to me my little terrier was about the only thing keeping me sane.

It is very interesting because my wife now hates this dog.

Gaia

^^ ouch... at the pretending she wasn't married to you part.. :/ Glad your terrier was there for you though.

__________________
"Feelings get you in relationships quickly, and feelings get you out of relationships quickly. Feelings do not fill in the for the sacrifice and dedication needed to make a relationship work. Feelings get themselves hurt." ~Nsweet~
Ignorance is an equal opportunity employer.~DedicatedDad~

RClawson

That may have been a bit strong. Let is just say I was not much of a priority in her life. Ouch still.

Posse

Canine trainer and former police dog trainer and handler here...

Dogs attach to the Alpha member of the family (or pack in the dog's thinking) and look to them for leadership. It is their canine psychology. Dogs view younger kids as puppies and will love and show devotion to them, but view them as puppies nonetheless. The Alpha (particularly the Alpha male) of the dog's pack is where the dogs focus is going to be.

Even if the Alpha of the family ignores the dog, the dog still generally view the Alpha as the head of the pack and look for direction and affirmation from them.

You can't blame the OP for this-it is just how it works in a dog's mind.

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YinPrincess

Pets are shown to have such a positive effect on a person's health and well-being! I am glad that you've found happiness in this little creature!!

(Oh and I second Posse - canines are pack animals that feel most *comfortable* and secure with an Alpha to guide them and provide direction).
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This is me

When my wife seperated from me last year I went to visit my sister and her dog would not leave my side. I believe the dog knew I was in pain internally and was sitting with me to comfort me.

Then I started dog sitting him which helped distracting me in the lonely empty home. Now he is a regular visitor and I love spending time with him.

Even more interesting is how my wife said she would never want a dog. When she moved back home and the little guy comes to visit how he spends alot of time sitting with her. She clearly loves him.

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lamaga

Oh, dogs are the best. Good for you, Wonder!

Gaia

While true canines follow a pack mentality it is NOT true that they all attatch emotionally to the alpha member of the pack. As far as following orders, sure MOST dogs do obey what they consider to be the alpha of the pack however there have been quite a few cases proving that some dogs ... when bonded with one pack member, such as a child, will not obey the alpha member but instead.. will listen to said child. I've trained dogs here as well guy and have plenty of family in law enforcement so I understand the "disciplinary aspect" of it.. however there are emotional aspects at play as well. As far as this... You can't blame the OP for this-it is just how it works in a dog's mind. I never once put any blame on the OP for anything.. I merely said i would have just taken steps to make sure the dog bonded with the kid rather then myself if i had gotten my child a dog. Again.. this is just stating what I would have done not blaming or shaming the op for anything just a mere statement. I did say it was great he had a companion and i did ask if he had pictures as pet pictures are always wonderful to see.

__________________
"Feelings get you in relationships quickly, and feelings get you out of relationships quickly. Feelings do not fill in the for the sacrifice and dedication needed to make a relationship work. Feelings get themselves hurt." ~Nsweet~
Ignorance is an equal opportunity employer.~DedicatedDad~

Gaia

^^ At this risk of upsetting my joe.. I'll have to agree with this.. they are certainly easier lol. (Never thought I would say THAT before)

__________________
"Feelings get you in relationships quickly, and feelings get you out of relationships quickly. Feelings do not fill in the for the sacrifice and dedication needed to make a relationship work. Feelings get themselves hurt." ~Nsweet~
Ignorance is an equal opportunity employer.~DedicatedDad~