Is my dog ever going to be playful?

fenwoman

Angelina-M wrote: »

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?

Not taking her on walks would be cruel and unlikely to make her behave differently. You don't mentuion how long you have had her. Some dogs aren't interested in playing especially if they are adult and possible had pups. My lurcher refuses to play. He's just not interested. My little dogs play as does my gordon setter pup and the newfie pup. Personally I think you need to just accept her how she is and be thankful she didn't come with 'baggage' and behavioural problems. Have you contacted the person you adopted her from to find out if she was ever a playful dog?
Why should dogs have to behave like loonies and play for your amusement in any case? The walks are stimulating for them with interesting smells. If she has a quick gallop off the lead and will chase a ball, what more do you want? I think you are expecting too much from your pets and perhaps being a little too demanding. Can you not simply accept and enjoy them the way they are?
Belive me, when I tell you that a few days spent with the lunatic gordon setter and his brother in crime the newfie and you would soon appreciate the calm and sensible dogs you have.

lil_me

Some aren't interested in play, especially when they weren't brought up playing. My younger dog is 4 now and just recently started playing with a ball etc. We got him when he was 6/7 months, yes it's took a long time. Few weeks ago he brought back a ball for the first time, only because Megan wanted it, I was pleased. He's still rather pull a ball to pieces than play with it however, same with rag toys.