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Rehomed dog - missed crucial play?
Is it possible that my rescue dog - now 15 months old, has missed a crucial period in her life? She had been in the rescue centre for almost 3 months when I got her 3 months ago. I don't know anything more about her, although I suspect that she might have been kept tied up at some stage. She has squeaky tennis balls that she never plays with unless I am playing too, and she never initiates any kind of play, although once she pinched a squeaky ball from a dog on the beach and ran up and down with it for ages. She is prone to chewing (window frames too) but strangely, not the tennis balls. She generally has a short play attention span. What is baffling me is this - she is quick to learn, recognises lots of expressions and commands, but doesn't seem able to associate the word 'ball' with the ball, or 'walk' with a walk, etc. Is this common in rescue dogs? She is supposed to be Collie/Lab, but is more Olympic sprinter. Will she ever enjoy playing? Has anyone any ideas?
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Does she like a cuddle? settle when left alone? is she clean in the house? What did the rescue centre say and do they have post rehoming advice? Does she seem happy generally? Does she enjoy a walk and is she interested in the world around. Not all dogs like to play with a ball...I have had two whose attitude was "you threw it, you get it"
It might be worthwhile getting advice from someone who is trained in assessing dog behaviour and your vet might be able to suggest someone
I hope this helps, she sounds like a lucky girl to have found you
It might be worthwhile getting advice from someone who is trained in assessing dog behaviour and your vet might be able to suggest someone
I hope this helps, she sounds like a lucky girl to have found you
woofgang
She seems very happy with me, loves affection and a cuddle. She still gets nervous when she meets new people and wees generously in greeting.
She loves her walks (4 a day), and is on full alert when we are out, but I have never seen her get excited about getting ready to go out. In fact, she rarely shows any excitement about anything or anyone when she is in the house. A very laconic dog indeed. Maybe she has just been disappointed too often.
She likes to lie on the window seat watching the world go by, but I think she's missing a lot by not being able to enjoy play as she's so young.
I think the rescue centre had almost given up hope of getting her rehomed - it cares for all the dogs in the county, and there are dozens of them. They were very caring, but just plain overburdened.
Many thanks for your response.
She seems very happy with me, loves affection and a cuddle. She still gets nervous when she meets new people and wees generously in greeting.
She loves her walks (4 a day), and is on full alert when we are out, but I have never seen her get excited about getting ready to go out. In fact, she rarely shows any excitement about anything or anyone when she is in the house. A very laconic dog indeed. Maybe she has just been disappointed too often.
She likes to lie on the window seat watching the world go by, but I think she's missing a lot by not being able to enjoy play as she's so young.
I think the rescue centre had almost given up hope of getting her rehomed - it cares for all the dogs in the county, and there are dozens of them. They were very caring, but just plain overburdened.
Many thanks for your response.
Hello annemollie, your girl sounds so special; give her a hug from me!
Some dogs (especially if left alone or kennelled for long periods) just don't "get" toys. I know a lot of rescue greyhounds aren't big on play.
As woofgang asked, is she happy and content in herself? I am no behaviour expert, believe me, and it might be that you aren't necessarily worried about her, but if she is happy in other ways, maybe balls just don't do it for her. Does she accept/use other toys? Or is she not keen generally? Try different things, rubber toys, fluffy toys, ropes etc. until you find something that gets her excited. Most Collies and Labs I know love to chase, but there is always an exception to that, and maybe the gene passed her by on both sides!
Is she alert in other ways?
x
Some dogs (especially if left alone or kennelled for long periods) just don't "get" toys. I know a lot of rescue greyhounds aren't big on play.
As woofgang asked, is she happy and content in herself? I am no behaviour expert, believe me, and it might be that you aren't necessarily worried about her, but if she is happy in other ways, maybe balls just don't do it for her. Does she accept/use other toys? Or is she not keen generally? Try different things, rubber toys, fluffy toys, ropes etc. until you find something that gets her excited. Most Collies and Labs I know love to chase, but there is always an exception to that, and maybe the gene passed her by on both sides!
Is she alert in other ways?
x
Oh annemollie your comment about her being 'disappointed once too often' made me really sad. You may well be right, but it sounds like you are working hard to restore her faith in people.
Maybe she is still adjusting to your routine together? Having been messed around a bit, she probably just needs to know you are there forever. I know what you mean about feeling she is missing out, but if she is happy in your company, and you have a nice time together, it will come if she wants it to, and otherwise she will be satisfied in other ways.
How is she with new dogs?
Maybe she is still adjusting to your routine together? Having been messed around a bit, she probably just needs to know you are there forever. I know what you mean about feeling she is missing out, but if she is happy in your company, and you have a nice time together, it will come if she wants it to, and otherwise she will be satisfied in other ways.
How is she with new dogs?
I think you're right about the kennelling. She seems quite content on her own - at the moment, she is sitting upstairs in the sun on the window seat - just looking out but sometimes coming down to check on me. I also think the Lab/Collie is a bit of a misnomer - she is very lanky and, unlike Labs, doesn't eat much and isn't a scavenger. The main thing is that she seems happy - her coat was tatty and dry but is now glossy and smooth.
I suppose I was just a bit curious as all my previous dogs were ball mad - one used to carry three at a time.
Thanks a lot.
I suppose I was just a bit curious as all my previous dogs were ball mad - one used to carry three at a time.
Thanks a lot.
leelapops
My mail and your crossed. She is great with other dogs - no aggression, and very playful.
The only time I heard her growl was when a colleague visited with his family. She sat and growled gently at him all evening! He is big, and has a beard. She also doesn't like traffic wardens, so she's obviously highly intelligent.
My mail and your crossed. She is great with other dogs - no aggression, and very playful.
The only time I heard her growl was when a colleague visited with his family. She sat and growled gently at him all evening! He is big, and has a beard. She also doesn't like traffic wardens, so she's obviously highly intelligent.
Oh the girl is sharp isn't she!
Thanks for replying quickly, annemollie.
What is her name? She sounds wonderful. I know what you mean, sometimes rescue centres just seemed to pick 2 breeds from thin air and apply them to a crossbreed!
My dog is toy and ball crazy, he once ran across a (thankfully empty) road to get to a football 2 boys on the other side were playing with :S So I too would find it unusual to see a dog who doesn't follow your every move in the hope that you will pick up a ball and throw it for them!
x
Thanks for replying quickly, annemollie.
What is her name? She sounds wonderful. I know what you mean, sometimes rescue centres just seemed to pick 2 breeds from thin air and apply them to a crossbreed!
My dog is toy and ball crazy, he once ran across a (thankfully empty) road to get to a football 2 boys on the other side were playing with :S So I too would find it unusual to see a dog who doesn't follow your every move in the hope that you will pick up a ball and throw it for them!
x
I ought to edit that, my dog is plain crazy!!
He has a number of "quirks" too. I find it fascinating the way dogs react to some people. Jack isn't a fan of men, especially if they have facial hair. He also hates scooters, skateboards, those Heelies shoes, rollerblades, motorbikes, kids, some other dogs but not many....The list goes on!
Surprisingly, he is quite a charmer.
x
He has a number of "quirks" too. I find it fascinating the way dogs react to some people. Jack isn't a fan of men, especially if they have facial hair. He also hates scooters, skateboards, those Heelies shoes, rollerblades, motorbikes, kids, some other dogs but not many....The list goes on!
Surprisingly, he is quite a charmer.
x
Hi, leelapops
Her name is Martha. I have a friend who insists on calling her Madge - says he can't remember her name.
She loves the beach, but I have to say she has no real quirks, except that she also hates pigeons. I can't really blame her for that. A pair were roosting on my fire escape when I first got her, and it was her mission in life to get rid of them. They have gone now, thank goodness, but she lives in hope.
Her name is Martha. I have a friend who insists on calling her Madge - says he can't remember her name.
She loves the beach, but I have to say she has no real quirks, except that she also hates pigeons. I can't really blame her for that. A pair were roosting on my fire escape when I first got her, and it was her mission in life to get rid of them. They have gone now, thank goodness, but she lives in hope.
Hello, what a lovely name for her, annemollie! Was she named by the rescue or did you "christen" her?
I must admit, any friend of mine who doesn't remember Jack's name doesn't stay a friend for long! *lol*
We get pigeons in the yard, and also seagulls, and I think they next in our chimney (there has been lots of flapping and squawking recently, and it wasn't me for a change!) so I know how Martha feels; they are odd!
Anyway, give her a cuddle from me. I have a friend with a Lab/Collie cross (she is very petite, and slim, but she has been ill since she was speyed, so that contributes to that) and I am fond of them!
x
I must admit, any friend of mine who doesn't remember Jack's name doesn't stay a friend for long! *lol*
We get pigeons in the yard, and also seagulls, and I think they next in our chimney (there has been lots of flapping and squawking recently, and it wasn't me for a change!) so I know how Martha feels; they are odd!
Anyway, give her a cuddle from me. I have a friend with a Lab/Collie cross (she is very petite, and slim, but she has been ill since she was speyed, so that contributes to that) and I am fond of them!
x
Not to denigrate your worries but I did smile when you said she doesn't get excited at the prospect of a walk. I am raising two pointer cross pups (Mum is a weimaraner, Dad is a German shorthair) they are nearly six months old and weigh in at about 20 kg, we expect them to be 30kg plus when fully grown. They both have lovely friendly natures as do mum and dad. BUT one of my main training focusses at the moment is getting them to NOT be excited when I produce collars and leads as it was like trying to leash two mad irish dancers who weren't very good at it....lots of fast vertical movement and crashing in to things, mainly me.
ooh just thought what she might like...an empty plastic mineral water bottle (individual size is best) with a few dog treats in it so they rattle have some little ones in there that will fall out quick, also some bigger ones that will take more efftort. Give it to her with the lid OFF. My boys love these, it keeps them quiet for about half an hour
Most people I know would give their right arm for a dog that is quiet and placid, I know I would! Try taking her to obedience classes, if she is quick to learn she will enjoy doing the exercises and you will have fun teaching her. Many dogs don't actually 'play' particularly with a ball or toy. Provided she is happy and relaxed then I think you have found the ideal companion.
LOL at woofgang's description of the 'two mad irish dancers' - that certainly describes my lot, although I seem to have the whole company. Canine Riverdance!
LOL at woofgang's description of the 'two mad irish dancers' - that certainly describes my lot, although I seem to have the whole company. Canine Riverdance!
woofgang (great name!), leelapops and lankeela -
it has been great 'talking' with you over the weekend. woofgang - I know what you mean - cue my brother's young Dobermann, who is one of the most exuberant dogs I know, and can clear walls and fences with a bone the size of Yorkshire in his mouth - but what he loves most of all is to have his ears rubbed - big softie, but don't tell anyone. He likes to sit in the car with his paws on the steering wheel - scares the wits out of passers-by.
I have a fantastic photo of his predecessor, also a Dobermann, who, sadly, died from an undiagnosed torsion, and my former dog, Molllie the Lab. Spud has his mouth wide open, teeth scary, and Mollie is looking down his throat. My nine year-old nephew wrote a poem about it called ' Mollie the dog dentist'. If you like, I can post it for you - I am sure you would enjoy it. Unfortunately, the photo is not digital.
Re my lanky lass - she suddenly started playing with the tennis ball - rolling it under the coffee table and then 'killing' it. She must have known I was wondering when on earth she was going to play. Sixth sense or what?
Thanks for all your advice - Animals and Nature is surely the nicest category on AB.
X
it has been great 'talking' with you over the weekend. woofgang - I know what you mean - cue my brother's young Dobermann, who is one of the most exuberant dogs I know, and can clear walls and fences with a bone the size of Yorkshire in his mouth - but what he loves most of all is to have his ears rubbed - big softie, but don't tell anyone. He likes to sit in the car with his paws on the steering wheel - scares the wits out of passers-by.
I have a fantastic photo of his predecessor, also a Dobermann, who, sadly, died from an undiagnosed torsion, and my former dog, Molllie the Lab. Spud has his mouth wide open, teeth scary, and Mollie is looking down his throat. My nine year-old nephew wrote a poem about it called ' Mollie the dog dentist'. If you like, I can post it for you - I am sure you would enjoy it. Unfortunately, the photo is not digital.
Re my lanky lass - she suddenly started playing with the tennis ball - rolling it under the coffee table and then 'killing' it. She must have known I was wondering when on earth she was going to play. Sixth sense or what?
Thanks for all your advice - Animals and Nature is surely the nicest category on AB.
X
Hello annemollie, same goes! I love to hear peoples' doggie tales (tails?!). They make me smile so much, each pet is so different, yet there are always commonalities with our own pets!
She MUST have read your mind...she was testing you to see how long it would take before you started questioning her 'fun-ness'...Oooh she is special :) I for one would love to see Mollie the dog dentist! I hope you can post it, it would make us all smile a lot I think.
You are right, with very few exceptions A & N is a lovely section. Animals rule :D
woofgang *lol* and lankeela, I know I wouldn't mind a dog who wasn't on the go all day, every day!
x
She MUST have read your mind...she was testing you to see how long it would take before you started questioning her 'fun-ness'...Oooh she is special :) I for one would love to see Mollie the dog dentist! I hope you can post it, it would make us all smile a lot I think.
You are right, with very few exceptions A & N is a lovely section. Animals rule :D
woofgang *lol* and lankeela, I know I wouldn't mind a dog who wasn't on the go all day, every day!
x
Hi all, just thought I'd chip in with my experience of a collie x alsatian rescue. Tara came to me at 'between 6 & 10 months old'. She didn't know how to play with people or other toys & heartbreakingly would only play with a ball by herself - throwing it up then chasing it to catch it, repeatedly. When I try to play ball with her she just walks away. It took nearly a year to teach her to play with toys & two years to stop the chewing of seperation anxiety - even if I was just upstairs. She chewed furniture legs, a wallet, a remote control, endless biros & a straw hat! Now just the odd biro 'gets it', if it's on the floor! She's been a fabulous family dog, letting children play endlessly with her & never a growl. She displays the odd obsessive moments typical of both the pure breeds of her make-up - watching out the window, washing flapping on a line & my cats with whom she is great friends - partners in crime. She's 15 years old now, going a bit blind - she always had selective hearing! The family is grown & gone but she enjoys a lovely life.My only wish is that I had known then what I know now about dog behaviour & training! She'd be better behaved but not much! Persevere with your girl, educate yourself so you can help her, it is always worth it. Good luck.
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