Hi, I'm new to this site and this whole process, but hopefully someone can help me out with my problem. I just got a new puppy, he's 16 weeks old. He seemed very lethargic/depressed at the breeders, just wanting to lay in the grass. She brought another little guy out, and my pup jumped right up and starting tugging at the others ears,etc..Then a min. of that, and then lied right back down. He was in the car for the few hrs. ride to his new home, just laid on my lap, but never did sleep. His eyes were wide open and he was deff. aware of his surroundings. We tried to get him going at a rest stop, but he would just lay down in the grass. Since having him at his new home for a few hrs, he has actually stood up! (he had been just laying down) and even managed to drink just a bit of water; but still hasen't eaten anything at all. He is deff. awake, but he either just sits in one spot, or lays down. He doesn't walk around or anything. So I was wondering is it something serious, just a case of missing his playmates, etc?? Any info would be most helpful! I love this little guy!!!

linnealand

actually, you might have just identified the issue. sometimes vaccines can wear a pooch out for a few days. it's good that you're taking him to see the vet. i wouldn't worry so much just yet. let the vet give his opinion, and keep watching how the pup progresses.

had you seen the puppy before the day you took him home? what breed is he? does he seem scared to you? has he been backing away from you, backing up into any corners, holding his tail between his legs, growling or showing teeth?

have you given him some things he might like to chew on? have you tried luring him into playing with some puppy toys?

no matter what, i would keep everything around him very quiet and serene. if he gets up, just let him explore at his own pace.

are you feeding him the same things he was fed at the breeders? if so, what is it? he might be a little more inspired to eat if you slip him a valuable treat like some little cubes of cheese, hamburger meat or turkey.

Gretzky427

We recently got back from the vet. He got his rabies shot, he doesn't have a fever or any obvious health issues she said. He just layed on the table and took it all like a man, lol She said while he could just be a non-rambuncious type, most of it seems like he just did get taken away from his home. No, we had not seen him before we picked him up. He is a Schnoodle, (mini shaunzer/mini poodle) He doesn't seem too scared, just timid I would describe. He doesn't back away too much, although if we're not around and he starts walking and we suprise him, he goes and lays right down in a kitchen corner. He doesn't growl or show teeth one bit. He has more than enough toys and things to chew on. We are just letting him do his own thing. He was eating Purina puppy chow, they sent a little bit of it along to mix in, and we bought Purina One puppy chow to start mixing in. He still didn't eat that food, but I got him to eat some cheese. He just sniffed at first, so I opened his mouth, put it in, and made him eat. I gave him a few more tiny pieces, and he at them right out of my hand! Very impressive! Then I put a sliver a few ft out in front, and another so we could see him from the other room. He made his way over and ate both places! As soon as he saw me looking, he turned around and went back to his corner though. At least he DOES move!! The vet she hasn't seen a puppy this calm in a lonnnng time; some people would love that she said,but I'd at least like to see some "puppy activity" But he is healthy so to speak, thank goodness for that. Thanks

linnealand

i'm so glad you posted again! your questions have been on my mind. i have a puppy, too (he's an english cocker spaniel and just under 3 months old), and i know how important every part of his well-being is to us.

i think you should feel extremely reassured by your vet's opinion. it looks like it really is a matter of adjusting to his new life, together with the possibility that he really is a tranquil puppy. in fact, the behaviors you described are very, very positive. although you might want to see him bouncing around, the most important part is that he's not scared. it sounds like he's an observer, which might show him to be a very smart dog, too.

with a little bit of time, everything will fall into place. no matter what, he is a puppy, and he will do all of the cute and silly things your heart desires. you may have also gotten extra lucky with him. a calm puppy can be easy to train, and can very easily mean that you're going to have an absolute dream of a companion as an adult dog.

you're doing the right thing by offering him some of his old food, which can be better for him both physiologically (at least in mixing it in for now - it's easier on his stomach that way) and even psychologically.

i'm thrilled the cheese worked! at least this way you know that he's eating a bit. plus, if you're only offering things that are good for him in the first place, you can feel good about every part of it. my puppy will do anything (including new tricks and learning to love anyone, anything and any place) for his special little treats. in addition to cheese cubes, i will pick up some turkey, chicken or ground beef (the real deal - not the fake stuff), bake it in the oven on a non-stick baking sheet (without salt or oil), cut it into cubes, and carry it around with me in ziplock bag. it works wonders, and our vet has approved the process.

i love that he's a schnoodle. in fact, everything about him sounds adorable. i wish all of you the very best in becoming a brand new family.

Ingridone

might have the answer as your pup was from a breeder and recently vaccinated.

Ingridone

Maybe you can research information on the side effects of vaccines. Much research is now reporting that vaccines doses are the same for a Bull Mastiff as a Yorkie, so research this and maybe only give the vaccines 4 weeks apart not all at once. Top Natural Holistic Dog Health Care Book: Multiple Award Winner

JudyKayTee

2008 thread, reopened.