Jack of Hearts

I was wondering if you would be able to provide some insight into our dog, Jack. Jack is about a year and a half old, and our vet thinks he is a husky, sheppard, and a bit of a terrier mix. My husband and I adopted him in July of 08 at 3 months old from petfinder.com. We drove over an hour to the town to pick him up, and it wasn’t until we were driving home that we realized something was wrong with him. He was extremely lethargic, and covered with fleas and ticks. After getting rid of the ticks and fleas, we took him into the vet two days later, and he was diagnosed with distemper and bronchitis, and had ring worms, hookworms, roundworms, ear mites, and three impacted teeth that needed to be removed. The vet gave him only a 30 percent chance to pull through even with medication, but he thankfully pulled through.

We absolutely love Jack and he’s a relatively happy dog, but it almost feels like there’s a disconnect between us. Jack is afraid of being held or confined, and runs if someone tries to hug or cuddle him. He is so friendly though and will go up to a complete stranger and make friends with them and loves to be petted, but not cuddled, which isn’t bad, but I feel sorry for him because I don’t want him to be afraid of something like a hug. I guess what I’m asking is if you can tell what Jack thinks of my husband and I from his picture. Because sometimes it feels like he likes us, but doesn’t love us. Regardless, we love him no matter what :) - Lauren, Internet
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JACK OF HEARTS
We are talking about energy here, and animals sense energy in as many intense ways as we do. Stepping back, his first experiences with you were at a time he was in an unhealthy state. You did what you could to comfort him when he was so ill, including cuddling and hugging him.

He may never have been shown much attention or cuddling when he was a puppy, so he may not understand that. He was brought to the vet within 2 days, where he was was held by the vet techs, their arms were over and around over his body as they needed to get blood, give shots, and medication, etc. As he was held by technicians in a 'cuddle' he may not associate that experience as a pleasant memory. So, you will have to make the cuddle pleasant. Start moving your fingers on him very slowly, talking softly and telling him you love him while you pet him. Move your hands ever so slightly over the spine towards the other side of the body, if you need to,move inch by inch. Every time he allows you to pet him more, give him a treat, or a favorite toy or a play session for further loving enforcement. Let him learn to enjoy and accept the feeling. After a time, he may move to trust you and may be more open to being cuddled.

Keep in mind that if he was confined in a crate/cage as a puppy prior to you getting him, he may very well not be comfortable in that type of environment. Some pets simply hate to be confined, no matter how comfortable. If this is the case, you may have to accept that.

I wish you luck!