Dogs don't have the need to be picked up and cuddled like humans have, and some dogs don't tolerate it well. Others learn not only to accept cuddling, but to thrive on it. I think it's important you train your dog to accept your hands, and when you pick him up, do a little grooming, and give him a reward, even if he is never a great cuddler, he should learn that hands give good things. Dogs that aren't great at cuddling, still love it if you hold their chewing sticks, and this is how I get a lot of one on one time with Joey. Don't confuse cuddling with showing love, cuddling doesn't show love to some dogs. Showing approval, and feeding and spending one on one time show love, but many dogs and most large dogs are never cuddled and get through life just fine. Also, instead of cuddling, try playing, most dogs love tug of war. Just remember the cuddling is more for the human than the dog. |