I need a dog expert! My dog is a 7 yr old rescue lab who doesn't play, with other dogs or toys, what gives?

Question

Thank you for all the advice!! I will try sneaking treats into some toys for him to play with, he loves food (like most labs) perhaps that will work!

Also, he doesn't pay attention to other dogs (he is around them a lot with me) any particular reason you think?

He also barks when another dog plays

I've had him since December

Answer 1

She likely wasn't a dog that was played with or had the chance to play. If no one ever tosses a tennis ball for a dog, when they are 7, they are likely to sit there and the tennis ball will bounce off their nose. Just not used to it and don't know how to play. Likely not around other dogs, or given the chance to play. Probably was raised in a PM and in a cage by herself and got no chance to play and be played with.

Answer 2

She likely wasn't socialized well as a pup. She may have some depression going on as well. Definately add dog treats and play with her often, get her around other people and dogs, move her into the area where the other dogs are, she might be saying to them that she is shy, so she hangs back a bit. Do make sure the food you give is dog food, no people food allowed, ever! It's so bad for your dog, their digestive systems are not designed for the human diet, and some foods are toxic, such as chocolate. I suspect depression because you said it was a rescue, it probably had a rough time when she was on her own, probably submissive and depressed. Just play and let her know you wont ditch her, that she can trust you to treat her well. Labs are attentive, quick learners with an appetite to want to please, she will be a very loyal friend.

Answer 3

Sounds like either abuse or your lab is ill. If your lab isn't feeling good, then this could be a reason. Take your pet to your local vet and find out if it is physical, if not, then it is mental. Someone has probably beat the poor thing into thinking he/she can't play. If this is the case, be gentle, be calm, be reassuring, and work slowly into introducing playtime to her/him.

If it's mental, try some exercise. This will stimulate the dog and make him/her feel good. This should help get his/her mind off of the fear of being punished for playing. It will take some time, but it may pay off.

Reputable dog psychologists are a good choice. Check with your vet or a statewide listing of certified dog psychologist. Don't go to any psychologists who treat by beatings -- not reputable. For a more do it yourself approach, consult Cesar Milan's books, or watch the Dog Whisperer on Animal Planet. He's dealt with this before, and has some really good methods. However, you may need some actual hands-on professional help.

Also, try to find something your lab is interested in. With my beagle, that would be food. Try lacing toys with food and start to play that way. Eventually, you should be able to play without food.

Labs are smart dogs. They love to be mentally stimulated, but there may be a physical condition or even a mental block to get over, before playtime can begin.

Hope some of this helps. Give us an update when you can.

Answer 4

I have 3 dogs. 2 are rescues. The oldest, now 7, was adopted at 3 years old. She did not play with toys or dogs for a long time. I would bring her to the dog park and she would either run the fence or go to a far corner. For her, it was a problem with socialization. She had never had toys or other dogs to play with. She had to learn. It took close to 2 years. Now, at 7, she doesn't play as much. She is older, and though she never fully got interested in toys, she hardly plays with them at all, now. She is a happy, well adjusted dog. She just prefers to sit in the sun and watch the other dogs play --- most of the time. :)

Answer 5

If the dog was neglected it's whole life it's too much to think they will act like a dog with a perfect puppyhood. It may have never been around other dogs and therefore won't know what to do if there are other dogs around. And toys are one of those things that is a treat for dogs. They may not naturally go to the toys. I've had two dogs in the past that i had from puppies and neither one played with toys. With rescues remember that they've had it very rough and their brain may not be as well developed as other dogs. Think of it like putting a young child in a room by themself until they were sixteen or so...they aren't going to act like other kids. Same thing.

Answer 6

She may not have been allowed to play when younger.
If she was a hunting dog, then retired from hunting, for example.

Try getting some of those plush toys with velcro openings so you can put things inside. Put some yummy treats inside, like jerky, something small but really smelly. Every time she shows interest, or puts her mouth on it, open it and give her a treat.

Then try tossing it a little way. See if you can get her to race you to the toy.

It takes awhile for a rescue dog to relax enough to play, also. Give her time and lots of love.

Answer 7

Well my family right now has a cocker spaniel that came out of a puppy mill. He was very skittish and wouldn't go up to anyone at all. It takes a long time for dogs to get used to people even after a year of being out of the mill. Give her more time. One thing that my family did to bring Buddey out of his shell is not just using treats for good behavior, but other things as well. Try being submissive to her, show her that you are safe and you are not going to hurt her by laying on your back on the floor. Coax her up to you with treats and make slow movements around her. If you make fast unexpected movements she will run away and you'll have to start all over again. Also try getting a friend or someone that you know to bring a dog her size into your backyard introduce the two of them before letting them both off leash though! The other dog will show her that it is okay to be around a human and not all of them are horrible bad people. Having another dog around makes a puppy-mill dog come out of their shell a lot quicker than just having the poor dog on it's own all the time. Trust me she'll come around and start loving you the way you'd like soon and she knows very well that you and your family love her dearly. Just don't EVER give up on her. That is the worst thing you could do to her. This would make it even harder for her to want to trust anyone else.

Answer 8

You may need to teach him. Perhaps he didn't have toys and was never socialized properly. Start slow with meeting other dogs and try a variety of toys, especially one's with a food aspect (labs seem to respond to food well!) Your dog may learn to enjoy being social and playing if he/she learns that it is fun. See what he responds to and go from there. Also how long ago did you get the dog? Maybe he needs a little more time adjusting to his new home. Best of luck and bless you for adopting a rescue!

Answer 9

This could be normal.

Other scenario is that he is not feeling well, and has underlying health issues. A 7 year old dog is approaching middle age, and he likely has some osteoarthritis (all dogs get this... like people). I would suggest a wellness exam by a vet just to make sure your lab is healthy. Otherwise, relax. Maybe your dog prefers you to other dogs and toys? Afterall, you are his/her saviors!

How wonderful of you to rescue a dog!!! =0)

Answer 10

Probably earlier in his life he was attacked by another dog, mistreated by a previous owner, or lived on the streets, starving to death. All of these things would make him shy, stay away from other dogs, and not very active. Just give him treats and pet him a lot! Eventually he will be more active. So just show him and remind him often how much you love him!