bonding poodle

Question
We have a 8 mo. miniature poodle new to our home.  He was living with his breeder.  He is suppose to be my husband's dog, but is not bonding to him.  He has completely bonded to me, but doesn't want much to do with my husband.  Help!!

Answer
You can not dictate whom a poodle will bond too.  That is just not fair to the poodle.  If he is bonded to you then he is going to be your dog.  He may have had some issues with men in the past.  That is sometimes and issues with a poodle that is older and brought into a home.  Especially if the breeder was a woman.  Tell your hubby to go slow and gentle around him.  Bribery works great too with a favortie toy or food.  But if he is already bonded to you he wont bond to your hubby most likely but that doesnt mean that he cant enjoy spending time with your hubby.  Make sure your hubby has some good alone time with the dog.  Tell him to sit with him on the couch or in a chair and just watch TV.  He can slowly pet the dog but to pretend like he is paying more attention to the TV.  If the dog acts scared then just let him sit by your hubby and tell him not to rush it.  Let the dog sit by him and chew or play with a toy then gradualy move up to more touching and loving with him.  If the dog is new PLEASE give the dog time to settle in before worrying about it.  With an older dog it could take 2-3 weeks before the dog is totally stable in him new enviorment.