Do Labradoodles Like to Cuddle? What to Do If Your Labradoodle HATES Cuddling?
Labradoodles are people pleasers that will keep you in constant company. They love to be around people and have a very playful personality. Labradoodles also make anexcellent guide dog or service dog, a job for which they were originally bred.
Most Labradoodles are highly social and incredible with children, which makes them great family pets. They’re also very active, which means you don’t even need a FitBit to keep healthy if you have a Labradoodle playing with you.
On the other hand, Labradoodles sometimes have a temperament that makes them want to be in control. That is why proper training is necessary. Their temperament is a reflection of their parents’ temperament and personality. Good thing that a dog’s behavior will come to change according to the training and socialization opportunities provided.
Do Labradoodles Like to Cuddle?
Mostly, yes. Labradoodles are a highly energetic cross breed of a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. They’re adorable, fuzzy, and look like teddy bears. They’re incredibly affectionate and quick to please, which makes them one of the most sought-after breeds of dogs in the Western world.
They come in various sizes – miniature, medium, and standard – depending on the parent breeds. The Labradoodles appearance gives off major cuddly vibes, but as not all of us prefer pineapple on pizzas, not all Labradoodles like to cuddle.
Here are some of the factors that affect the Labradoodles willingness to cuddle:
Energy Level
Labradoodles are a highly energetic crossbreed who love to cuddle when tired, just like a toddler who has tired himself after a long day of play. That’s one of the major factors that affect Labradoodle cuddling. The more energetic, the less likely to cuddle.
*cue bringing out all its favorite games and toys*
On a serious note, after a tiring day, the Labradoodle seeks to cuddle with people he loves, and trusts the most and if that person is you, you, my friend, are The Chosen One. More power to you.
Age
Age plays a key role here. The first few months of Labradoodle’s life are filled to the brim with changes. Changes in both growth and temperament.
While a pup of 2-4 months tires itself out easily and is, therefore, more open to cuddling, the next two months see a direct opposite. It becomes independent and inquisitive in the environment they live. As your Labradoodle pup discovers a new world, it won’t hesitate to leave your side to explore. It is what we call the pre-adolescent phase.
From 6-12 months, we see the pup relaxing as its attention span gets shorter. It would need a lot of stimulation during these months. When coaxed with a favorite toy or bone, the pup would be much more open to cuddling.
A Labradoodle aged 12+ months tends to have already found its place in the world, transitioning from a pup to a grown dog. It then slips into a well-deserved calm life with lots of cuddling time and attention.
Personal Space
A lot of us have varying degrees of personal space, the violation of which sets us on edge. We tend to lash out at people who intrude into our space. Often, we avoid going to places where we know our personal space would get threatened.
The same is the case with Labradoodles. Just like us, Labradoodles have different comfort levels around different people. A lot of Labradoodles are claustrophobic and don’t do well in smaller spaces. They can also be triggered by close cuddling.
If your pup exhibits these symptoms, give them the space they need.
Panting – unless brought about by overexertion, panting is a clear sign that your dog is uncomfortable.
Trembling – an indication of fear, not usually seen in dogs unless they’re under an extreme amount of stress.
Whining – this can also include howling, whimpering, moaning, and barking.
Coat Length
Most Labradoodle owners prefer longer coats, which keep in body heat. It may result in a pet’s unwillingness to get close because of the temperature boost.
Like we prefer to keep a healthy distance during the summer, the Labradoodle is too shy to cuddle during summers. It is due to a rise in their body temperature. At times like these, you can pet them instead of going head straight to cuddling. Labradoodles would seek to cuddle during cooler weather seeking body heat on their own without any effort on your part. Make sure to give them lots of attention during times like these.
Why Do They Shy Away From Cuddling?
Don’t go on a guilt trip because you feel your fur baby doesn’t trust you enough to cuddle. That does not make you a bad parent. Cuddling is a love language, and living with a dog that does not like to be cuddled may seem like a personal failure. It may prompt us to wonder, “How exactly can we show our pups that we love them?”
A lot of Labradoodles have an independent streak. But With time and proper guidance, they can be coaxed into snuggling with you.
Before looking at ways to get your dog to like cuddling, a pet owner must first learn why it doesn’t like to cuddle. Don’t forget the golden rule: Understand before being understood.
Previous Family
If a Labradoodle is adopted, it may have gone through abuse from its former family. It may make a dog shun proximity and avoid personal interaction and affection. But with time, a new owner can earn a dog’s trust so that they are willing to cuddle. To do this, make sure to give your adopted Labradoodle ample exercise, training, and play.
Injury
Most dogs tend to isolate themselves to heal without having to constantly watch their backs. The same applies to Labradoodles. Give your wounded pet the space to heal while constantly making sure he knows he is protected. It would be best to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Fear
A change in the environment causes the Labradoodle to be on edge. It may also be caused because the Labradoodle feels threatened by someone mistreating him. Restricting its movement by cuddling stresses the pup out. Make sure not to overwhelm your pet by constantly trying to cuddle.
Exercise
Understimulated dogs who have plenty of energy left in them tend to be anxious until the excess energy is spent. It is most evident when the dog showcases anxiety and has little to no attention span when it comes to cuddles. Making sure they get plenty of exercises will eradicate this problem. Exercise is a dog owner’s holy grail to getting their pup to cooperate and relax.
What to Do If Your Labradoodle Hates Cuddling
Remember that dogs are cursorial animals, which means they have adapted to running. Their first instinct is to run when they’re scared. Hence, cuddling may feel restricted to them.
It’s a good thing that Labradors are also friendly and intelligent. Their traits are passed down from their parent breeds – the Labs and the Poodles. This breed is highly trainable, so introducing your dog to cuddling is not as hard as it sounds.
Dogs who like to cuddle understand it as a positive interaction between them and their humans. One of the best ways to ensure a puppy grows to be a cuddly dog is to expose him to it during his formative years.
Some dogs are not natural cuddlers, so you will have to slowly reinforce the idea with treats. If they see they’re getting rewarded for it, they will be tempted to continue it.
Here’s a list of what you can do to increase the chances of your Labradoodle to like cuddling:
Touch and Time
Get your pup used to touch by scratching its ears and holding its paws. This will not only ease them into cuddling but also help during a visit to the groomers and the vet.
Make it a habit to put your pet on your lap. To balance this off, make sure to give your Labradoodle plenty of relaxation time away from you.
Start cuddling for short periods. It will get your pet used to your presence while honoring their need for personal space. Limit it to belly rubs and ear scratches until they’re comfortable enough to snuggle with you.
Attention and Respect
Talk to them in a calm voice. They need to see you in a positive, safe light. It will not only build trust between you but will also strengthen your relationship.
Respect their private space. Stop cuddle time as soon as you notice them getting fidgety. They will be more open to cuddling if they know you won’t force them into it.
Give your undivided attention. Dogs can sense when you’re distracted. Maintain eye contact and let them know you’re focused on them alone.
Exercise and Play
Labradoodles have a lot of energy, so take them on walks every day. Dogs love the outdoors. This will be great for their overall health and well-being. Plus, they will be more likely to curl and relax after tiring themselves out.
Play with your pet, and give them plenty of mental stimulation.
If you notice they have an attachment to a specific toy, make sure to spoil them with it every couple of days.
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Labradoodle Love Language (How to tell if your Labradoodle Loves You)
With patience and guidance, non-cuddly dogs may come around to appreciate touch and even learn to love cuddling. Even with training, there’s a chance that your dog might not be up to cuddling at all. That does not mean your dog loves you any less.
Labradoodles show love in numerous ways. They love you, but they just have a different way of expressing it. You can create a lasting bond with your pet in other ways.
Read on to find out your dog’s love language.
Follows your orders down to the T – One of the ways Labradoodles show love is by following your commands, showing that it trusts you and sees you as its leader.
Keeps a constant lookout for you – If your dog gets super attentive when there are other people at your house, it’s trying to keep you safe while being alert to prevent anything that may cause harm to you. It protects you and your home.
Maintains constant eye contact – Looking at their owners in the eyes releases oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in bonding. Making constant eye contact is a sign of love.
Is vulnerable around you – Asking for belly rubs and putting itself in vulnerable positions shows that it trusts you completely.
Constantly licks you – Dogs groom each other by licking. Also, they usually lick when they are being submissive. This gesture shows that it has accepted you as the head of its pack.
Gets excited when you get home – Does your dog wait at the door for you while wagging its tail? This enthusiastic welcome shows it missed not having you around and is happy you’re back.
Brings things for you – Bringing his favorite toy or chew stick to you as a gift shows it considers you as a part of his pack and cares for you.
While it’s hard to guarantee that your Labradoodle will be a pro cuddler, I can bet they’ll still be a joy to be around and a great source of happiness. With these tips, your pet will come around to cuddle with you when they’re ready to settle down.
Conclusions
A lot of people believe the Labradoodle dog breed to be hypoallergenic, which isn’t necessarily true. This misconception because one of its parents, the Poodle, is known to be hypoallergenic. However, a lot of people with some dog allergies have experienced none after bringing this fuzzy bear home. As long as it is regularly groomed, this dog poses no health risk.
This mix of traits, along with their confidence and lack of aggression, makes Labradoodles a top-notch breed.
