diff --git a/lib/jnpr/junos/device.py b/lib/jnpr/junos/device.py
index 3986015e7..26138722b 100644
--- a/lib/jnpr/junos/device.py
+++ b/lib/jnpr/junos/device.py
@@ -833,6 +833,7 @@ def __init__(self, *vargs, **kvargs):
             self._conf_ssh_private_key_file = None
             # user can get updated by ssh_config
             self._ssh_config = kvargs.get('ssh_config')
+            self._sshconf_lkup()
             # but if user or private key is explicit from call, then use it.
             self._auth_user = kvargs.get('user') or self._conf_auth_user or \
                 self._auth_user