docile dog?

tsabo

Hope someone can help me, I think this is the right place!

We've just got a nearly 3 year old Scottie dog and he seems very well.. docile. I'm not sure if this is just how he is or if he's unhappy.

We've got him playing a few times, he seems to like fetch and tug games but not for very long - something like a noise outside will distract him and he'll just stop. How can I show him it's ok for him to play?

It seems to have settled in pretty well apart from a little whining on a night time. I'm just very worried he isn't happy, he hardly wags his tail.

However he loves his walks, says hello to other dogs in the park and is pretty much the perfect dog. :cool:

Does anyone have any advice?

picklepick

Aww how long have u had him?
Do you know much about his history?

He may not have been played with much before, just be patient and give him time. He'll probably take quite a while to settle in. You could try treating him when hes playing nicely maybe.

Have you tried him with a variety of different toys? I know a dog that couldnt give too hoots about most things, balls, tug toys etc but show him his little cuddly elephant and he goes bonkers. he loves it! Perhaps try him with some different things?

Whats his name? Can we see photos???

fav77

Hi Tsabo, and congratulations on your new little pal!

I have recently brought home a rescue labbie (with issues, lol) and he was very much the same at first. Not playful or "cuddly" but after nearly 3 weeks, he is slowly gaining in confidence and being much more demonstrative (and bouncy, my house suddenly seems very very small!)

How long has he been with you? I have been told that it can take months for some dogs to settle in enough to show their full personalities!

All the best, I love scotties

xxx

tsabo

We got him on sunday, so still very new. Been trying to ring the previous owners to see if he's always like this but no answer.
Apparently they just had laminate in their house so his new favourite thing is.. carpet!

Do you think socialising with other dogs will help? I have a friend with a pretty active Westie who he could have a play date with.

I'll update with photos later, he's very handsome.

fav77

Aw poor lad is probably still wondering whats going on and if he will be staying! I'm sure with a bit of time to settle in properly he will be just fine

foreign_correspondent

He may well be missing his old owners a little, and be a bit unsettled - give him chance - It will take a month or two before he starts to feel secure and at home in your house. Do not force the issue too much, it may make him more worried - just let him settle in quietly and I bet he will come out of his shell with time!

pboae

Just give him time, a few days is nothing, it can take months for a rescue to settle in. In the meantime, don't push him too much. Let him just be quiet and spend time with you. He'll let you know when he feels confident enough to initiate play.

When that happens, if he really doesn't know how to play (some dogs never had the chance to learn as pups), then crosskeys do a useful booklet around on how to get him started
http://www.crosskeysbooks.com/dogs/training-behaviour/how-to-get-your-dog-to-play.html

But for now, just give him time.

Fire_Fox

It can take pets months to settle in, at the moment everything looks smells and sounds new so he is probably remaining under the radar whilst he gets his bearings. Think how long it takes you to settle into a new home or new job, and that's with someone to explain what is going on in a language you understand!

hethmar

I thought you were going to say he had an elderly owner previously. We looked after a border terrier once and he didnt know how to play, would just wander about in the garden, no life in him - basically the elderly lady he lived with just hadnt had the energy to play with him. (We have our own border terrier who is full of life and quite mad whilst very obedient).

I guess you must know why they parted with him - may be they just didnt give him any time for fun? Socialise him, join a group of dog walkers and see how he plays with other dogs.

tsabo

Thanks for your help everyone. He's settled in really well.
Still doesn't play too much but I think that is just how he is. He hasn't been off the lead yet as he doesn't really come when called. Been trying to improve this and are looking in to training for him.

Here he is:

fav77

He is gorgeous