My rescued puppy mill dog is not playful. How do I help her adjust?

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. First, thank you for adopting Maggie. It is always heartwarming when someone takes an adult dog into their homes. I did this several months ago with a pair of bonded adult mix breeds. I am so glad that Maggie is doing well after her illness. The influenza virus has been tough on some dogs. You have not had her very long,

Hello! If often takes some time for a pet to adjust to their brand new home and family. Most dogs need a few weeks to become confident and comfortable in their new environment. It would be helpful to know exactly what she is doing that is causing you to be concerned though. If you'd like to resubmit a question describing the possibly depressed or adjusting behavior (ie. hiding, pacing, licking, chewing, growling), I may be able to better advise. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Boop by Petco!

This is going to take time and a lot of TLC and some one on one time. Give her lots of treat and get her to play more. Unfortunately, it just may not be in her personality to be as playful and free as the other dog. Every dog differs and some need different type of attention than others. It is just important to pay attention to these cues and treat each dog as such. Just give her more times and she will likely continue to come out of her shell but just know it may not be to the same degree as your other dog. I hope this helps!

Thank you for adopting Archie! I'm sure he is very grateful to have a loving home, but sometimes it can take a while for dogs to adjust. I've included some links below on how to introduce Archie to other dogs, as well as on how to help him adjust to his new life and family. Keep in mind that some dogs (particularly street dogs, who may not have had traditional dog toys to play with when they were younger) may not show interest in toys, but you can use walks/ runs/ time at a dog park or daycare and training to do tricks as other ways to interact with Archie. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8677941 https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/ http://www.bcspca.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DOG_Ado_Packet_updated_1_30_13.pdf

tSome dogs just naturally don't care to play, just as some people would prefer reading or knitting to being physically active. It is also possible that Jacki has not been with you long enough to feel comfortable "letting go." If this is a temporary adjustment to a new home (I'm not sure how long you've had her), you may find that she starts to initiate play at some point. Or you may discover that you have a cuddler rather than a player. Maybe she is an earnest chewer--preferably of safe dog bones rather than drywall! As you get to know each other, you will discover new ways to interact together.

You can try HomeoPet for anxiety. They sell it at PetCo. For my terrified puppy mill dog I used the supplement Solliquin. Another product people recommend is rescue remedy. A pheromone diffuser can help as well. My dog took several years to relax in our home. I recommend having places for Brandy to hide and get away when she wants. Letting her come to you and not forcing the situation is best. Have treats and toys available to get her interested in being with you. My boy was much worse when picked up or restrained. He does better when he can get on the couch and sit with me as long as I don’t physically hold him or pick him up. The best thing for him was taking him to obedience class. He loved being with other dogs and learned quickly. He became more confident and relaxed from the classes. Be patient, neglect at a young age can be difficult to overcome, it will take time and lots of love. I’m so glad you’re taking care of Brandy. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help y

Thanks for using petcock, and congratulations on your new puppy! Puppy behavior when going to a new home can vary widely. Some puppies handle the transition without an issue, and others may be more shy at first as they get used to their life away from their siblings and the home they previously knew. I would use lots of positive reinforcement, including treats, toys, and attention to help her acclimate to her new environment. With time, she may adjust and become more bubbly and outgoing; some dogs, however, have a more reserved personality, so you will just have to wait and see which she is when she's better acquainted with her new environment! Best of luck, and congratulations again!

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! She may not like the food or is still nervous and unsure in your home since it has only been a week. A healthy dog will not choose starvation. I recommend that you stick to your guns and try not to let her train you. Put the food down for an allotted period of time and pick it up until the next feeding time. No treats until she eats consistently. If she fights this after 3 days then try adding a little water to the food for 3 days. Then try adding a little canned. After than change brands of food. She may be fearful of dominant people (men). This will take more time then the food. Your husband should be made the primary care giver: he feeds her, he walks her, he cares for her. Go slow. Once she is eating her food he can reward her with treats. The chewing of things could be separation anxiety. Again this may go away with time since you have only had her for a week. To protect your things and her put everything away. Have her confined or crated w

I recommend giving Ella some time. It can take up to 2 weeks for dogs to get comfortable with their new surroundings. Give her attention, love and play time. You should see her slowly warm up to you and your family. Congratulations on your new puppy! Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

I would give her a bit more time to settle in. If after a few more days she does not seem to perk up I would get her examined by your veterinarian. For the soft stools, you can try giving a probiotic (made for dogs) for the next couple weeks to see if that helps. If the soft stools continue despite that then I would suggest a fecal test with your vet to check for parasites (worms).