Can I teach my dog to be more active?

Question

I rescued a two year old Shar-pei lab mix. She is adorable and the sweetest thing. However, she doesn't want to do anything. I have to drag her out for walks and she won't play ball or play tug - o-war or anything. I've taken her to the vet and had all the necessary tests done to make sure there was nothing physically wrong with her. She turns out to be a very healthy dog, but she shows no interest in playing or being active. Is there anything I can do to coax her out of her sendentary way of life? I love her just the way she is, but I think it's kind of strange for a dog as young as her to be so lazy. Any suggestions?

Okay, I've only had her for two months. She has displayed this inactivity since the day I rescued her. The people at the shelter said she was shy, but it's obviously more to it than that. I took her to the vet three times in the past two months for a check up, shots, and blood work to find out if everything is okay. the vet gave her a clean bill of health and wrote it off as a typical character of a dog from a shelter being we don't know the type of treatment\abuse she went through before I got her. I feed her a very high premium dog food which is high in protein and doesn't have the wheat or corn which is known for allergies. I took her in to have her teeth cleaned and she is fine there as well. I'm wondering if this litttle girl is just waiting for me to fine her "niche."

Answer 1

How long ago did you have her thoroughly checked out with the vet? Also, you might want to look at her food, what are you feeding her, is it high in grains (corn, wheat, etc) She may need more protein. She may just not feel good. Has she had her teeth checked. If she has a cavity or infection it could cause her to be lethargic. I had a dog that just didn't want to play anymore. It turned out that she had a dental infection that neither the vet nor I had earlier seen. After having to remove the tooth and a bout of antibiotics, she is playing like a pup again. Health issues can be hidden. I agree with most everyone else but about companions but if she doesn't feel well it won't make her better with a feisty friend.

Answer 2

She may have issues with new surroundings. If you 'rescued' her, you have to think of the environment that she came from before. It could also be the fact that she may just be a low drive dog, although it does seem weird that a young dog exhibits no drive to play. With a new dog, it's more important to show her that you love her rather than getting her out and keeping her active. Once you've established a good bond with her, I would guess that she'll come out of that. If she doesnt want to go out, when you take her out, make sure that it is an enjoyable experience, be sure to give plenty of physical praise. She could possibly be the product of someone who made outside or playing a bad thing, and if that is the case then its just going to take time and love.

Answer 3

Be really enthusiastic and use a high pitch in your voice. Also get some toys that you can put the food into, get her to smell it so she knows it is worth chasing. Try different kinds of toys - frisbee, balls, bones etc. I understand your frustration - my dogs are a bit challenged in this way too - fetch just doesn't happen at our place.

Answer 4

She might just be a laid-back dog. I have an Austrailian Shephard Basset Hound mix that ever since he was just a tiny pooch, he's been kinda lazy, I mean, he does play but he's lazy. Try to find something she likes, she might like to chew, or jump. Take her to a dog park. SHe might need company of other dogs.

Hope it helps!

Answer 5

We just got a new Apple Head Chi that is standard, and not
a teacup size. We brought her in to be a playmate to our
"Deer Chihuahua" who is twice her size. We also saved the
little one from a life of breeding litters continually. We have
found she didn't know how to play, until she began to watch
our Deer Chi, retrieve things for us that we'd toss from her
toy basket.
Together they now play 'tug of war' with old socks tied with
a knot in the center. We taught our Deer Chi to do that. She
knew how to retrieve all by herself tho when we bought her. She is teaching the little one, how to play with soft cloth balls
we toss in the house too. I think sometimes you have to teach
dogs to play with toys or other things. Our Deer Chi also knows how to open water bottles with her teeth, and untie
string from knotted ones. She just knew how to do this somehow.
The little Chi, has learned what a bone is now, and the
'greenies' that have cholorphil in them that help their gums
and teeth, and are edible.
Our Deer had forgotten how to play with another dog, until
we got the Applehead two weeks ago. Now they each enter-
tain the other, and exhaust themselves LOL.
The answer to the question, is all dogs can be taught to play with you. They will be happier, and so will you by inter-
acting with them more. Strange tho that your dog isn't interested in 'walkies'. Ours are ready to go, as soon as they
see their halters and leads. Maybe your lead should attach to
a less stressful harness instead of a collar that might be too
tight? My husband made them for our two dogs. It's as simple
as 'super glue'.

Answer 6

Some puppies -- chiefly wearing breeds, operating breeds, and terriers -- are top-power, want tons of pastime, and many others. Sounds like your lazy puppy will not be the variety who demands or needs plenty of endeavor and pastime. Although an intensive wellbeing-investigate could also be so as.

Answer 7

Maybe you just haven't yet found her niche! Maybe she would like agility, or rollerblading, SWIMMING, or some other activity.

Answer 8

well maybe you should start running around the yard and leave the door open and see if she comes out? hopefully it will work???

Answer 9

Get her a small friend. Cat, dog, whatever.

Answer 10

interact with her.
make her happy.