My puppy won't play?!?!

[PoodleLover]

We just brought home our just going on 9 week old miniature apricot poodle. She is a very calm loving puppy that just loves to be held and is not that into playing. She will play would play wiht her brothers but not as much as other puppies usually do and she wasn't really the type to leap and bound and jump. She seems very calm. She also now at home won't play with her toys or us...just sits next to our leg to be held.....HELP!!! What is wrong with out new lil boy??

 

[ARottMweilerY]

Give him time to adjust to his new home, most dogs won't go right into playing as soon as they get home. Give him a few days, sometimes it takes longer. Don't hold him all the time, let him explore and make it all a good experience. If he is acting scared DON'T Reward that in ANY WAY. This includes talking to him like... oooooh It's Okay.... or petting him, picking him up....etc... Just let him adjust and soon he will be comfortable and come out of his shell more and more . Good luck with him!

~Amy~

 

[aelizilly]

She may just end up being a mild mannered dog. I have never known one though. I am certain once she adjusts to her new environment she will become a playful puppy. I agree with what Amy said, not to reinforce her shyness and get her socialized whether in puppy classes or around other dogs (once she has her shots!). Good luck!

 

[ARottMweilerY]

I know shots are an important thing, and everything, but it's much easier to cure a dog from an illness most the time than a dog that is undersocialized and missed the most important puppy imprinting stage. Deffinately socialize her as much as possible, make sure all experiences are good ones, and if she acts scared or fearful be sure NOT to reward that at all. Reward good and calm behaviour.

~Amy~

 

[PoodleMommy]

Just give the puppy time to adjust.
Our poodle seemed very calm for the first week and a half. However, after she adjusted to the new house, she turned into a maniac. lol.
We were also worried at first which now allows her to get away with alot.
Give the puppy time and they will probably start to adjust and begin to play.
Give lots of love and give them soft toys to lay next to them so they start to see they are good things.
Good Luck, I am sure everything will be okay.
Enjoy your new puppy.
Elissa

 

[kidsanddogs]

I have two thoughts. First, I assume your pup has had it's first veterinary visit. If not, get an exam and make sure there is nothing going on that would cause the pup to be so quiet. Talk to your vet about it. There is probably nothing wrong, but it never hurts to check.

Second, I would definitely socialize her, but she's kind of young to go places. You can socialize just as well when they're young by having lots of company at your house. The more company (not all at one time, of course), the more personalities she will meet and get accustomed to. Also it's good to socialize her with friends pets, as long as they're vaccinated and not too rough or big for her. Invite them over for play dates, and she'll watch and learn how to play from them.

Hope this helps! Congratulations and good luck!