Hi everyone! I just adopted my boy from the Humane Society, and I'm a little concerned. He's SUCH a good boy and we love him so much, but he's just been laying around a lot. Today marks a week that we've had him, and I know that I'm probably just being paranoid because a week isn't much time for him to get acclimated, but it worries me. He's been to the vet and has all of his vaccinations, his heart worm and parasite tests came back negative, and the vet didn't seem concerned. I don't have much prior information on him, but I do know that animal control found him and he was neglected. He was covered in fleas, has callouses, and fly strikes on his ears (they're scarred and the hair isn't growing back). He seems like he was strictly an outside dog, and now he's inside with us. He has started eating (he is picky) and he drinks a lot of water. He likes walks, but other than that there isn't much energy going on. He comes inside and just walks around a bit and lays down. The Humane Society thinks that he's only 5, so I hope he comes around. Just in this past week he's been to pet stores, the vet, the groomer, and has had plenty of visitors, so I'm sure this is new. I'm just wanting some reassurance that this could be normal for a rescue dog, and am wondering if anyone else has had any kind of experience like this or advice? It's just sad to see, so any advice helps! Thank you so much!

What happens when you try and play with him?

At 5, it is slightly possible he would be slowing down a bit.

More to the point though - if he was an outside dog - did he get much exercise or stimulation? How long was in rescue/humane society? He may not be accustomed to much activity and the newness of it all/increased activity and so is pooped. And maybe does not even know how to be social/active.

We got my boy at 1 yr of age from the local animal shelter - he was very bouncy and really loved walks. BUt really did not know how to play. His personality really did not begin to appear for 3-6 months and now, 2 years later, he has really become an individual.

So, I would suggest, give it time, give him lots of social interactions and see how it goes.

amymeme wrote:

At 5

More to the point though - if he was an outside dog - did he get much exercise or stimulation?  How long was in rescue/humane society?  He may not be accustomed to much activity and the newness of it all/increased activity and so is pooped.  And maybe does not even know how to be social/active.



So, I would suggest, give it time, give him lots of social interactions and see how it goes.

This was my exact thoughts on this!

Every dog acts differently to change. Some seem to know that things are changing for the better and just "go for the new" things in life. Others aren't so sure about "this change" and seem to lay back and wait to see what's going to happen. No one, human or animal likes a total life change and rehoming with new people, new house, new food, new vet, etc ...

It will take time for him to adjust, as since he's an older dog it will take longer than if he were a puppy - don't go overboard in trying to get him to adapt, just care for him and let him come to you when he's ready.