I moved in to a new house that another family lived in. And the family that was in the house before said that they were going to leave their dog(golden retriever) in the house. and now we have the dog. The other family had the dog for 3 years and the dog is 8 years old now. So, he's REAALLY depressed and misses his family. He doesn't want to walk with me and doesn't want to do anything with me and he lays down all day long. So, i really want to get along with him. What should I do??
2007-03-24 06:35:03 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I don’t think there’s a quick fix for this. Dogs can take things very hard. All he really needs is love, patience, understanding, and most importantly, time to adjust to this big, frightening change in his life.
Dogs can get depressed just like anybody. If he wants to just lay, it might be best to let him for a while. He just needs time to get over this. Just give him the support he needs, and he’ll come around when he’s ready.
Try just giving him your company. Don’t force yourself on him, but just go in to the room he likes to lay in and quietly read, or watch TV, at a distance from him. Don’t overload him, just an hour or so at a time. Talk to him from time to time to get him used to the sound of your voice. He will get used to you being around him, and in time, he will come to enjoy it and think of you as a part of his life.
When my dog feels like she wants to be alone, like if she’s not feeling well, she goes and lays under my bed (she’s a dachshund). However, she’s only interested in being “alone” if I’m in the room! If I get up and leave, she darts right out after me. Sometimes dogs just need to feel the presence of someone else in the room to feel comforted. Once your dog learns that he IS safe and that you mean well, he should start acting more and more normal.
Also, keep in mind that he is getting older (their life span is about 10-13 years), and that it is natural for him to want to rest more than a younger dog.
Good luck.
2007-03-24 06:41:13 · answer #1 · answered by Mandy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden's bond very closely to their owners and other pets. What those cruel people did was basically abandon their dog. Shame on them! To leave a beautiful Golden behind as if he was a piece of furniture is inexcusable! I thank you and your family for being so kind as to care for this beautiful dog.
Basically, he's in mourning. He doesn't know why his family left him. He misses them. And if he was with them for only 3 of the 8 years of his life, this suggests that he was abandoned once before (maybe more)! So it's tough for him to adjust.
My advice is to show him that you do care for him and love him. Get a brush and gently brush him. Just be with him. Give him some treats. Let him sleep in your room (or on your bed, if you have the space and he is willing). In other words, be with him as much as possible. He'll form a new bond with you. Just be patient, let him grieve, but keep trying to bond. Don't assume that he'll automatically play - he has to learn to trust and love you. That's tough for a dog who's been abandoned several times by those he thought loved him.
I ask, though, that if you or your family also plan to abandon this dog in a few years, that you don't torture him again by bonding then leaving. Try to make the commitment that you'll be there with him for the rest of his life. Some Goldens only live to 10, others to 14 or so. In other words, you may only have a few years with him. Try to make those last years his best years. You'll not find a more loving friend.
Take care and good luck!
2007-03-24 07:29:04 · answer #2 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
golden retrievers only live to be 10-13 yrs. old. I'm telling you this because this dog is an older dog and should be treated like one. first of all sounds like you may be the third owner. this dog is probably got a routine down from That former owners. he just needs a little time to adjust
i would suggest that you walk "with him" in the morning because that is the time he is most likely to respond to you about walking. if he is used to being let out in the yard then there is your answer about walking
as dogs get older they are less active just lounge with him and pet him and he will surely come around....he has to get to trust you first
2007-03-24 06:48:05 · answer #3 · answered by leroux3s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back when I had two dogs they were much happier. They wanted to always be where the other was. After my older dog passed away, I noticed a sharp decline in the younger dog's mood. He didn't do as well and started self-destructive ways such as pulling out fur. Luckily, we found him a playmate on our street and he got through the grief process easier through that. Other dogs may not be like mine. They may be more independent and not need someone else as a companion. It depends on their personality so you'd have to watch for that. Otherwise, I do believe dogs are happier with a good dog companion.
2016-03-29 02:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe someone would do that! well, sadly, yes I can. If these owners were as uncaring as they sound, they probably didn't pay much attention to the dog when they were there, so he's lacked any stimulation to do anything. You'll have to take things slowly, but show him that life can be fun. Praise him when he comes to you, any small thing he does, praise him. It will take time, but as long as you give him plenty of attention & are patient, he'll turn into a lovely dog. I would take him to the vet for a check over though.
2007-03-24 07:32:02 · answer #5 · answered by anwen55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just try to spend all the time you can with him-give him treats, play ball, pet and love him! It may take a while for him to adjust to a new family, but don't give up! Dog's are man's best friend and he'll come around-right now he's just broken hearted.
2007-03-24 06:39:56 · answer #6 · answered by Racheal B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the dog vet checked to make sure there is no illness causing the dogs lethargy. Then just love the dog give him lots of pets and rubs, talk to him, give him lots of treats. As he begins to warm up to you find games he likes to play. Most retrievers love games of fetch, figure out whether he likes sticks or balls or Frisbees. Give your new dog love and time he will respond
2007-03-24 06:42:24 · answer #7 · answered by jjtrue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be there for him. It has to be hard for this dog, to constantly be left behind. I assume the last family, was at least the 2nd time, since they only had him for 3 yrs, and he's 8 yrs old.
As long as he eats, let him adjust to the changes at his own pace.
2007-03-24 06:38:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awww that's sad.
Well, play with the dog, give lots of attention, and love and praise. Let him know you're family now, eventually he will start to warm up to you. Don't try and rush it.
2007-03-24 06:44:49 · answer #9 · answered by maddie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
pay them attention...love them it does work....actually he is depressed because he thinks that his earlier family betrayed him it hapens and then the dog thinks all humans are like that they love you and finally betray you so its by only showing the dog that you really do care
2007-03-24 06:43:20 · answer #10 · answered by melovedogs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋