We recently "adopted" a golden retriever. He is 15 months old, we got him from some friends of ours that already had 2 dogs and 2 cats and just couldn't keep up with a third dog. He has been with us for about 4 days and will not eat and seems kind of sad. We have 3 teenage children that give him lots of attention. Suggestions?

Is he not eating at all or is he eat very little? What type of food are you using? Try using the same brand his first family was using. He will be a little sad because he just change environments.

Most dogs can go several days without eating. The worst thing you can do is tempt him with rich food, although Goldens are less prone to turn into picky eaters than some. You may want to read through the sticky at My dog won't eat
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post254171

Davis, a rehoused dog is a very confused dog. He doesn't understand what is going on and why he isn't "home" with his family. Dogs are creatures of habit and it is very hard for them to accept any changes in their routine. He is used to other animals, specifically other dogs, to play with. He is now the only dog in the household and doesn't have his usual energy outlet. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise. That will create an appetite. Are you following the feeding schedule that his previous family had him on and using the same food? If so, you just need to put his dish out and let him be. Don't allow anyone to hover over him and push him to eat. Don't try to hand feed him. If you do these things, you will create a food fussy dog. He will become accustomed to the attention and expect it. Is he drinking water? If he has not eaten anything at all for a few days, it may be time for a vet check. But, if he just picks at his food a bit, give it a few more days and try to get him to work up an appetite through exercise and play time. It will take him a while to adjust to his situation (at least a few weeks). Perhaps you can schedule a "doggy play date" with one or both of the other dogs at your house this weekend. Set it up so that the timing is done in a way that all of them can eat one of their meals together at your house after a couple of hours of playtime. See what happens with his appetite then.

P.S. I was writing this while labman posted. Please take a look at his link.