Author Topic: How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?  (Read 1814 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline bunt

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 32
How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?
« on: August 25, 2020, 06:24:03 PM »
We brought a 1 year old girl home last week. She is from a breeder but never been bred from. She lived indoors with 5 other spaniels, 4 girls and 1 boy, and slept in a crate. She is very timid and wary, but extremley sweet. We can already see that she is growing in confidence. She doesn't know how to play, never had toys and doesn't even know basic commands although she is very biddable. She used a dog flap so has never been formally house trained.
We wanted another dog as a friend for Mazy spaniel who is almost 3. So far they are tolerating each other but no interest in playing, although Mazy will chase around with other dogs. The breeder thought they night sleep together but so far that isn't happening..rather the new dog is attaching herself to my 12 year old daughter.
We have a much older collie cross age alnost 14  and although Honey and Mazy  live in harmony they live seperatly too. Hence why we wanted a friend for Mazy. She has always played with visiting dogs..just not this one. Looking at the 2 spaniels you would think Mazy was the puppy/1 year old and not the other way around.
Can anyone advise on how to teach the new dog to play? I know it is early days but I just assumed a 1 year old would be far more playful. I'm not sure how much of it is her still finding her feet or the fact that she hasn't been properly socialised and she won't ever be playful.   :'(

Offline Ben's mum

  • Donator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2951
  • Gender: Female
Re: How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2020, 08:58:34 PM »
I've not been on for a while, but just seen your post. It took Harry a year before he started to want to play, he hadn't got a clue what toys were for and didn't seem to want to play he was quite withdrawn and anxious. Over the yeaars he got more and more bouncy and playful. That was 10 years ago and he still loves is toys  :luv: i am sure your girl will settle in time xx

Offline PennyB

  • Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13830
Re: How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2020, 08:49:02 AM »
Not all spaniels will play with others anyway especially as adults (more interested in humans and wanting to sniff around).

I would not have any expectations of dogs sleeping together either when dogs either 1st arrive or at all. I will often say to owners of my fosters when they adopt them that its far better they just get on. Plus your own dog may just appreciate the presence of another dog anyway. Often we have this ideal but that our own dogs may not want that but are happy with the status quo anyway.

A week is a very short time - it takes at least 6 months for a dog to settle properly. Take each day as it comes and just appreciate your new dog for what they are and just never force an issue
Friends of Hailey Park
Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales)

Cockers are just hooligans in cute clothing!

Offline ejp

  • Donator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6895
  • Gender: Female
Re: How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2020, 10:01:46 AM »
We had two boys from the same litter, they did not share a bed, each liked their own spot.  They played together as that is what they had come from, if that makes sense.  A number of years later and we adopted an ex-breeder.  No life experience, knew nothing about the outside world.  She learnt from the two boys, without us realising just how much.  Toys were alien and she wanted to play but didn't know how.  I would say it took her a year to figure out what life was about, what she liked and didn't like.  She loved being with them, became her own dog and settled beautifully, but it took time.  That is the biggest thing you can do just now, is give your new addition space and time.  Enjoy, it's a pleasure to watch them flourish.

Offline PennyB

  • Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13830
Re: How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2020, 09:31:05 AM »
Enjoy, it's a pleasure to watch them flourish.

Yes sometimes its the other little things that are important - my last ex breeder was very damaged but the joy of watching her do a funny dance for food or walks, as she had learnt the joy of getting food & walks regularly from watching the excitement of my lot while she was with me. Not playing shouldn't be a problem really as they can enjoy life in many other ways and as I said earlier just the companionship of another dog being around may be enough for your 2
Friends of Hailey Park
Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales)

Cockers are just hooligans in cute clothing!

Offline ejp

  • Donator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6895
  • Gender: Female
Re: How likely is it that an adopted dog will learn to play?
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2020, 01:10:25 PM »
Enjoy, it's a pleasure to watch them flourish.

Yes sometimes its the other little things that are important - my last ex breeder was very damaged but the joy of watching her do a funny dance for food or walks, as she had learnt the joy of getting food & walks regularly from watching the excitement of my lot while she was with me. Not playing shouldn't be a problem really as they can enjoy life in many other ways and as I said earlier just the companionship of another dog being around may be enough for your 2

Lara's favourite thing was a fresh bed.  She used to jump into it, snuggle down and sigh.  It always made me a bit teary.  :luv: