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ehdabeags
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Location: Iowa, USA
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20-08-2012, 05:09 PM

New Puppy Adjustment Period

I recently rescued a Hound/Springer Spaniel mix who was around 12-13 weeks old when I got him. I have had him 9 days now and he just isn't acting as I would expect a normal puppy to act. As in he doesn't have that puppy spunk and energy that most puppies exhibit. He actually sleeps most of the day and night, only getting up to go outside or to chew on a bone or toy.

He hasn't seemed to bond much with me or my girlfriend, and while he certainly likes us he doesn't feel the need to be around us all the time which I am not used to in a puppy. His crate is in our bedroom and he is quite content when tired to leave us in the living room and go to his crate or the bedroom floor to nap.

Also, he doesn't really have that strong of a desire to play with us. If we get him riled up a bit he will play a bit of tug of war, or "chase" a toy. I use the quotes because him chasing a toy consists of him moving a slightly quicker pace than a walk.

He is also a bit timid of new things and noises. For instance, if we are outside and he hears an adult dog barking he immediately cowers and either runs to me or runs to the door. However if that same dog comes out to play he will go up and sniff the dog and/or allow the dug to sniff him.

We rescued him from a foster home where he was on a farm with an older couple, his 4 siblings, and three adult dogs.

I was originally concerned that he wasn't properly socialized, but he always approaches strangers with his head down and tail wagging looking to get petted. He also half plays with the adult dogs in our apartment complex when they are outside.

He has been to the vet and checked out clean for parasites and such.

Is it that he is just taking a while to adjust? Or is this just his personality? I am just not used to having a lazy aloof puppy.

No that I am complaining per say; he rarely chews on things he is not supposed to, has only had one accident, and never whines when we put him in his crate at night or while I am at work.
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smokeybear
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20-08-2012, 05:42 PM
I strongly suspect that when this dog matures he will have a very independent streak which may be difficult if you hare used to having a handler dependent breed.
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maxine
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20-08-2012, 06:12 PM
He may be on his best behaviour as he's still quite new to your place. Give it a week or so and he'll remember he has Springer Spaniel genes. My mother acquired a 14 week old Cocker x Collie from rescue and he was very quiet for the first few weeks. Not any more though!
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ClaireandDaisy
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20-08-2012, 06:36 PM
Hang on in there. The Honeymoon Period will shortly be ending and you`ll wonder what hit you......
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ehdabeags
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20-08-2012, 06:54 PM
Thanks.

I figure he is just laying low getting used to everything but I am used to getting puppies at 8 or 9 weeks where they adjust quite quickly.

I am taking him home this weekend to my parent's house who have a huge fenced in back yard and a 5 month old Beagle pup who is nuts. I am betting some serious puppy play time with the beagle will help get my dog out of his shell.
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Patience
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20-08-2012, 07:55 PM
This behaviour sounds allot like my Fenny when he was a little baby.
He did not even like to be touched (he would move away from human touch) even when he was so little.

He got to around 10 months old and came right out of his shell. Rough playing and racing around like a loon.
It took around a year for him to settle down from being a total nut.

He's now a little grumpy and does pull away from cuddles (unless he comes to you). He's unlike allot of dogs I know in how he acts, though I would not swap him for the WORLD.

I don't know if this is very helpful to you or not, but I hope so.
There's something special about an aloof dog. When they choose to have cuddle time, its like being chosen for a super reward

My Fenny is a Schnauzer Shi Tzu x BTW.

I'm sure your puppy will be a wonderful friend!
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Jenny
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21-08-2012, 03:51 PM
Aw bless him. He certainly does sound very timid. Hopefully he will enjoy having another dog as a friend and lots more positive socialisation.
Good luck and let us know how you get on with him.
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Darcy Boy
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21-08-2012, 05:37 PM
I had a lurcher pup who was very quiet, he spent most of his time sleeping & did not gel with me until he was almost a yr. He grew into a lovely loyal dog that every one took to.
Good Luck.
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ehdabeags
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23-08-2012, 05:09 PM
Just wanted to update that since I posted he has definitely came out of his shell some. He has even started barking occasionally when playing and such which is something he never did before.

Certainly becoming more and more like other puppies I have been around.
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Ben Mcfuzzylugs
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23-08-2012, 05:25 PM
Glad to hear he is settling in and getting braver
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