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ginger08 · May 20, 2008, 07:59 PM

I have had this puppy for about 6 weeks now and she does not exhibit any "normal" puppy characteristics. She sleeps a lot and does not come when I call her. She's does not get very excited about anything and has a very indifferent disposition to humans. She gets along well with my other dogs and only seems to perk up when they are around (not for long though). She has been to the vet since I got her and she is healthy. I think I'm silly think that she is suffering from depression and I'm hoping she will grow out of it. What is also concerning me is that another puppy I had before her is beginning to exhibit the same characteristics. Should I be concerned?:(

shellyjo68 · May 20, 2008, 08:05 PM

Have her checked for parvo. Being lethargic is one of the symptoms. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea but I have seen cases where we would contact owners of littermates to let them know that one had full blown parvo and others would have it but not be showing symptoms.

carolbcac · May 20, 2008, 08:39 PM

With any puppy you have to keep Parvo in the back of your mind. However, if she has always acted this way, it may be more of a behavioral problem. Do you know anything about how she was raised? Her behavior suggests she may not have had enough socialization with people during the sensitive periods of very young puppyhood.

She understands her own species much better than humans--which is normal for any animal not exposed to humans extensively from a very early age.

Sounds like she has found a friend who communicates very well with her. It is easier to hang around together and "speak the native tongue" than to go out of their way to communicate with a different species.

Are you sure that she can hear? Dogs use more visual/scent communication than auditory. It would explain a lot--the deep sleep, not coming when called, the response to canine body language.

Check around to see if you can find a behaviorist or trainer who could evaluate her for you and give you some suggestions.

This sounds interesting (not from your point of view, I realize!) Keep us posted on her progress.

ginger08 · May 20, 2008, 09:11 PM

I've had her checked for parvos and she doesn't have the virus. Her appetite is good and she socalizes well with my other dogs, just not with me.
I think she hears very well because she is actually more alert to strange noises than my other dogs, she's a barker. I'll see if I can find a behaviorist to evaluate her. Thanks for the suggestion. I keep you posted.