:confused: I have a 6 month old maltese puppy that I just got. The owner said he was very playful, but ever since I brought him home, he just cowers his head like a frightened puppy (he doesn't bite at all), sit, lay down, and sleep. He could literally do that all day. When I put him on a leash and bring him outside, he would just lower his head and sit. When I tug a little, he still won't move. The weird thing is that when he is alone, then he would start to walk around a little. How do I train him to walk on a leash... or even walk at all?

It's been a few days now and I have a special place in my room where he sleeps. During the day, when I walk out into the living room and leave him in my room alone, he would walk up to the door and peek out through the hallway and I can see him do this and he would lay down. When I enter my room again, I would pass by him and he would follow me and sniff me a little and go to his bed. And THEN when I go out of my room again, he would do the same thing and plop on the floor looking out the door. He has really shown some progress though (the first day he would sit and lay down wherever I put him). I am really understanding about how he perceives me. I do not stare him down, nor act threatening at all.

I want to be able to lighten him up when he is around me. He may have been raised antisocially, but he doesn't have a fear biting problem at all. I still didn't see a wag from his tail yet. What is his problem and how can I fix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This may be more than the normal adjusting to a new home. He sounds like one that saw little of strangers in the important period between 6-12 weeks. It will take time to adjust to you, and be slow to accept other people. You need to give it as much time and affection as it will accept. It sounds like you are doing what you need to do, being available, but not forcing yourself on it. Be generous with the treats too.

Just watch its weight. Evaluate it following LongLiveYourDog.com - Life Span Study - Rate Your Dog One thing you can do is measure out its daily ration of kibble, and then steal pieces from it to use as treats. It is easy to over feed small dogs. With good care, they will live a long time.

If coaxing it won't get it moving on leash, try dropping behind it and running in baby steps while calling ''Go, go, go!'' in an excited voice. It works very well.

You might introduce small children in small dosages. Many dogs have trouble adjusting to them.