Is my dog ever going to be playful?

Angelina-M

Hi all

I have a two and a half year old boxer dog who wont play

She came to us from a breeder who loved her dearly and she was one of six other dogs. When she came to live with us, we treated her like a baby and she spends all her evenings laying on the sofa being held and stroked.

She never plays with us no matter what we do. We've bought loads of toys and we try to get her playing with us but she isnt interested. All she wants to do is lay down at the side of us.

We wondered whether she was missing her other doggie friends so we got a pup who is nearly five months old. She completely ignored him at first (unless he came to me for a cuddle and she would storm across and jump into my arms)

The pup tries to get her to play in the garden by going up to her and asking to play chase but she just walks off.

She goes on two good walks a day which she enjoys but she doesnt go off, just stays near me. Although she will chase a ball if I throw it.

Trouble is, I think the pup is now fed up as he's started laying down with her and sleeping loads.

So now I have two dogs that just lay down all day, not playing. I try and play with the pup but he really wants to play running games with the older dog.

I know this isnt normal for a boxer, so what can I do? I play with the pup but the older one just lays there watching.

I've thought about not taking her on walks for a couple of days and that way she'll have to play to get her energy out... I think?

I should be happy that I have a calm household but I just want to see them playing together and being happy. It cant be much fun for the pup just lazing around all day.

I'm quite sure its not because she is alpha and cant play because she moves back for me to go through doors first and is quite submissive.

What can I do please?

blossomsuz

maybe its just her personality, she obviously loves you with her wanting to be with you. Does she get seperation anxiaty at all if you leave her?

MrsTinks

Some dogs don't learn what play is when they are young and some dogs just aren't playful dogs... My dog was a rescue and initially the only toy she was interested in was a blue rubber ball... now she thinsg the world is full of toys and they all belong to her! Typical! lol

Have you tried to take her to agility or dog classes? You migh just find that she needs the stimulation of a lot of dogs to get her going and then she might break out of her shell.
Also worth trying is clicker training if she's food motivated... Whenever she touches a toy you click and treat - make it a positive association and I bet she'll soon pick it up.

hayleyc_2

My dog is similar in that he never plays with other dogs although he loves to fetch a ball. It doesn't mean your dog isn't happy. Some dogs just aren't in to playing. As long as there is no medical reason why she's tried and sleepy I would say it's just her personality. It could also be that she was not given much chance to play as a puppy so never really learned how to.

Perhaps you could try and meet up with some other dogs in the park so that your puppy gets the chance to play with other dogs whilst the older one can walk next to you or play ball?

tracex

We have two dogs - one who would play all day and the other who, like yours just lies by my side and is totally content in my company. Both were raised from pups and are well socialised and trained. It just seems that he has a laid back personality and can't be bothered to play. I shouldn't worry too much although it is frustrating when you are wanting to totally wear them out quickly!

nealallen

This thread could refer to cats or dogs. You say you got him from a breeder. If the dog, as a young pup, was taken away from their brothers or sisters at a young age, they won't know what playing is all about. After all this time I doubt there's much you can you.

We re homed a kitten a while ago, came from my sisters friend. When she got here I could see straight away she was still very young. She had no human contact and no contact with the rest of the litter.

Sadly, she don't want to play and wants nothing to do with us.

Some breeders just see ££ signs and don't think of the good of the pet.

At least you have a big baby that loves it's cuddles

Angelina-M

Thanks everyone. I suppose you have all put my mind at rest that I dont have to worry about her feeling lonely.. it is her choice after all.

She didnt leave the breeder until she was two and she had a wonderful life there. My friend gave me her as I was going through a bereavement and wasnt going out. My friend says she was always the quiet one and she has become my companion. We are a family of four but she doesnt bother much with anyone else. I am home all day with her and if I go out, she comes too.

Its almost as if she wants to play. When we go out on the field she will run up to other dogs but then comes back to me. One day there were two dogs running near us having a great time and my dog looked desparate to join them but she didnt have the guts to go to them, even though the owner tried to coax her.

She is laid on my knee at the moment and im trying to type over her head. She is happy, I just hope the pup doesnt feel too left out as he tries everything to get her to play :-(

How I would love to see two dogs chasing each other around the garden...

She is fine if I ever do leave her, but I think she has only been left once. Also I am thinking of agility classes for her, this may help her see its fun to play.

Justie

it sounds as though you've taught your dog to be your companion and now she's unable to give up the job and go and play even if she wants to. It doesn't sound as though she's unhappy and it's not a criticism but it can be a lot of responsibility if a dog over attaches to one person. If you want her to bond more with your other dog and be more independent then you need to make a concerted effort to ignore her for a few days - there are plenty of people who can give you advice on how and why to do it better than I can but the basic principle is to allow the dog to be 'off work' by not making eye contact of stroking or talking to him/her. Then once the dog has worked out that they can do their own thing you can start to reintroduce what behaviour you do want. You may want to get some proper advice though as your dog may be confused by this sudden removal of attention and show signs of separation anxiety.

Sorry I don't think I've explained it very well but IF you want your dog to play more and be more independent there are things you can do. If she's happy and you're happy with the status quo then it doesn't sound as though she's got anything to worry about.

nealallen

I think Justie has a point. I think your Dog sees you as their master and as such will want to be by your side whatever happens. That is good in a way but to change her you need to retrain her.

Try putting her in the garden with the pup and close the door, leave them out there for about an hour. don't go to the door or window to check, your Dog will know you're watching. Crafty they are

Keep doing that the same time each day and make it a routine. You will be letting her know that, that hour is your time and time for her to bond with the new pup. You might find that she acts the same for days until she gets used to the idea, but with luck and time she might start to bond with the pup and decide that time goes by faster by chasing the pup than laying down doing nothing ;D

let us know how she ets on.

candygirl

Aaaw bless she sounds lovely,My late collie cross was the same, he was a real mummy's boy.My two staffs are only 3 months apart in age and never stop playing, and biting each other etc.I suppose all dogs are as different as humans are:p

Angelina-M

Yes she is a real sweetheart. One night I put her in her basket and gave her a cuddle for bed, then I walked to the door and my daughter decided to straighten her bed up a bit for her. She settled back down, then jumped out of bed and rushed over to me, licked my hand and jumped back into bed.. it was as though she had to have another kiss as she had been disturbed! :A

It will be hard to lock them in the garden for an hour... I've never done that! It is a big safe garden though so plenty of places to run around in. Is it a bit cruel.. i'll probably just start with ten minutes and work my way up to an hour.

I've enquired about agility classes for her and im waiting for the lady to get back to me.

If it wasnt for this little dog I dont think i'd have left the house after my young daughter died so I owe it to her to make sure she's as happy as can be.

I spent a lot of today running around the garden like a loon with two dogs chasing me. For about twenty seconds they both ran ahead together so we are making progress!