Why is my dog not overjoyed with us?

[andersonsh]

My pup is 10 months on Nov 4th. He is a while English Lab and from the time we got him he has been not like a "typical lab" that loves to retrieve and swim etc. Beau does not get overly excited when he sees us. He has somewhat come out of his shell and wags his tail a bit more and is a bit happy to see us when we get home. Because of this we feel like we have not bonded with Beau as much as we have with our last two labs that were just overcome with joy when they would see us. My husband has wondered if we should rehome him to another family that maybe has another dog because Beau is happiest when he is around other dogs. The thought of this makes me sick as I cannot imagine selling him. Does anyone have any advice or has anyone given away a pup before because they felt he maybe didn't fit in. I am just not sure if he will grow out of this calm behavior or if this is just his personality. I do love him but he definitely does not act at all like our other two labs.

[Snowshoe]

I've read and commented on your earlier posts about Beau. I assume the Vet check did not show any hearing problems or thyroid. Some do not want to swim or retrieve till after a year old and not all Labs want to, ever. Have you tried swimming with him? He was still young this past summer though, maybe need to try again next summer. Assuming you've had snow, Ontario has. Maybe Beau is just so confident he doesn't fret when you are gone? Maybe you have done such a good job at making your comings and leavings low key he just doesn't react? Mine didn't even come to the door when I got home and if they were there I followed the tip of ignoring for 10 minutes before acknowledging them. I don't want hysterics when I come home in case it means the dog is stressed when I'm out.

Mine seemed happy with other dogs too. But if our walk took us away from them my dogs came with me. Does Beau do that? We are lucky to be able to walk in large areas off leash, not dog parks.

[Shelley]

My pup is 10 months on Nov 4th. He is a while English Lab and from the time we got him he has been not like a "typical lab" that loves to retrieve and swim etc. Beau does not get overly excited when he sees us. He has somewhat come out of his shell and wags his tail a bit more and is a bit happy to see us when we get home. Because of this we feel like we have not bonded with Beau as much as we have with our last two labs that were just overcome with joy when they would see us. My husband has wondered if we should rehome him to another family that maybe has another dog because Beau is happiest when he is around other dogs. The thought of this makes me sick as I cannot imagine selling him. Does anyone have any advice or has anyone given away a pup before because they felt he maybe didn't fit in. I am just not sure if he will grow out of this calm behavior or if this is just his personality. I do love him but he definitely does not act at all like our other two labs.

Please do not "Rehome" him.
Call your breeder and ask what you can do, breeders, if they are decent anyways, always want their dogs to be happy and well adjusted, and are happy and thrilled to get their puppies/dogs back for any reason, at any time. This dog sounds like he is not the right fit for your family and is probably not happy himself, because he knows he is displeasing you. His breeder can help you both.
I find that most people that try to compare their other dogs to a new one, can be disappointed when the new dog is not like their other dog(s).

"Rehoming" or "giving away" a dog can be a disaster if you are not well versed in placing dogs, they can end up in some pretty horrific situations, such as bait dogs for dog fighting, or tossed outside, or abused, or underfed, etc... etc... We all know that that is not a good life for a Labrador, and they deserve better. Good luck.

[Black Labbies]

Beau is a cutie!

We've had many Labs and all of them have been/are different. Loua is way too happy to see us when we come home, were as Ursa is happy, but doesn't show it so much. One of our Labs, super sweet Dana, was very calm and independent, it was just her nature and we accepted it. She was also a great visiting Therapy dog, going the our Children's Hospital. Dana was chosen out of many dogs to visit a young boy who was sick with leukemia and was in isolation, but not sick enough to want a dog visit him. We had to shower Dana and at the hospital, she was gowned (so was my sis), and taken into visit the young boy. "It was the best visit of my life", he told his Mom afterwards.

I've learn to NEVER compare one Lab/dog to another, never. Dana at work:

Enjoy your sweet Beau and don't look back, but ahead of your wonderful journey together .

[andersonsh]

Thank you so much for your reply. It is good to hear from others, not just family. Beau is coming along and it may just take more time than our other dogs. I love him and will continue to just work with him. He may just take more time and I just need to stop comparing him to others. I could never give him away but just want him to be happy. I see what you mean that you don't necessarily want your dog to be crazy and jumping all over you when you come home. Beau does come over and wag his tail a bit and give us a hello for sure. Thanks again for your reply.

[andersonsh]

I honestly could never give him away. My husband and daughter make comments that he may be happier somewhere else but if it came down to it I could just not do it. I compare to other dogs too much and just want him to be happy. He perhaps just doesn't show his happiness in such an aggressive way but a more calm way. He will cuddle on the couch with us so he isn't walking away and hiding from us like he doesn't want to be with us. I am listening too much to others that are always saying he doesn't seem like a typical lab. I think I just need to ignore that and love the dog I have. It is nice to hear from other lab owners about the different personalities too. Thanks for your reply.

[Black Labbies]

Can you please send Loua some of Beau's calmness? Loua goes nuts when we come home, all jumpy and crazy. If I had a Loonie (Can dollar) for every time I tell her "off", I'd be stinking rich, lol.

You're right, stop comparing Beau to other dogs and enjoy him . Good luck!!

[andersonsh]

Thanks Black Labbies - I will send you some calmness to Loua and you can send a little more excitement.

[Jollymolly]

From reading your posts it sounds like he has the perfect temperament to be trained as a therapy dog. I would highly recommend getting involved in training with him. It will make your bond a lot stronger

[kimbersmom]

Every dog is different. I think I actually would’ve been disappointed in Kimber, our first lab, if we’d had Stormy first. Kimber was very independent and wanted to sit where she could see us but not be touched. She would sleep with us but only leaned up against us under her terms. Stormy has been incredibly affectionate from Day 1. On the other hand, Kimber loved retrieving and lived for water. Stormy has little interest in retrieving and enjoys water, but not to the same extent.

When we lost Kimber, I wondered if I could love another dog. Yes, for sure. We love our labs for who they are, and not for what we expect them to be.