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Is it that they don't want to play, don't know how or that I'm doing it wrong?

9 replies

r2d2ismyidealman · 23/10/2014 18:36

I've had two adult dogs for 2 weeks now. Their personalities are slowly coming out and everyone (vet, groomer, people who know dogs) comments on how happy and settled they seem. But I'm worried that they don't seem to play. They are active when I take them out, and show real spirit at those times, but I can't be out with them all the time and when we are in I'm concerned that they sleep too much.

I've tried hide and seek games indoors with treats and this is the most successful but they are not at all food oriented so holds only mild intrigue (interestingly though they seem to play this between themselves). One of them is completely disinterested in balls rolling past her at speed, the other gets a little interested but is happy to just observe the ball at its resting place and leave it untouched.

I don't know anything really about their histories except that they have always been together with one previous owner and then got handed about a bit for 6 months, which I know caused some distress, before coming to me for good.

They do not seem abused, they don't have startle responses (in fact are remarkably "unstartleable"), they don't cower and they come to me when they are upset and want to be comforted or protected. Is it possible that the previous owner trained them not to play? Or could they have been poorly crated? I don't know anything about crating but one theory I wonder about it that they were crated indoors and therefore don't know what else to do when indoors. They have been trained in lots of ways, they don't beg for food, etc.

Does anyone have any ideas?

OP posts:
SpicyBear · 24/10/2014 11:12

They've been with you a very very short amount of time. I wouldn't assume to have seen anything like all of their personalities for another few months, rather than weeks, after such an unsettling period.

Even after that, some dogs are more playful than others naturally. Some also aren't playful because they didn't learn to play when they were small.

If they are relaxed enough to be sleeping at home, that's great, let them sleep! Don't put pressure on yourself or them to play if they are not interested. Try every now and again as time progresses by all means but don't push it.

TheCunnyFunt · 24/10/2014 13:23

Also it depends on their breed, my greyhound is, quite frankly, crap at playing. He'll 'kill' soft toys by himself and he'll chase a rabbit fur ball if you throw it but he'll try and kill that too when he's got it, that's as far as playing goes for him.

CMOTDibbler · 24/10/2014 13:29

I like that you are concerned they sleep too much! Mine spend 90% of their time indoors upside down snoring. The other 10%, only about 3% is playing indoors.
They like to run and run outdoors, and play lots there, but are devoted sleepers Smile

r2d2ismyidealman · 25/10/2014 17:54

Thanks for your responses. I'm surprised it's normal and ok for dogs to sleep the majority of the day. It makes sense that they are still settling in but I did imagine they would be a bit more active! I was worried that I wouldn't have enough energy for them, how funny!

OP posts:
DressingGownFrown · 25/10/2014 18:00

Yep, definitely need way longer, my rescue took over a year to settle, though she had lots of "issues".
Also, some dogs do or don't like to play, others aren't played with so 'forget' if it isn't seen as a rewarding thing for them; age and breed will play a large part.
For now, just focus on things you have seen them enjoy doing. Ie walks.

r2d2ismyidealman · 25/10/2014 18:02

Thanks DGF, they adore being fussed over and cuddled, and walks, so that's two good things. I've also discovered they like to be groomed so a nightly brushing can be incorporated. I'll give it time.

OP posts:
chocaholic73 · 25/10/2014 20:36

As they have come to you as adults, you don't know what happened when they were younger. If the playing was discouraged when they were pups, it may not have developed. Neither of my 2 dogs, both adopted as young adults, has ever had any interest in playing but both liked lots of fuss and walks.

stupidlittlegirl · 25/10/2014 20:44

I got my boy at a year old. He is now 8. He has never played in his life. He will come and do tricks for treats. Sometimes i play with the other dog by throwing a handful of treats and he gobbles them up as fast as he can- but my none playful dog just sits there looking at me, he wont run or try and catch the treats.
He has always been like this and seems very happy just the way he is.
However he will play with egg cartons, packaging- he loves to run off and rip them up. Maybe yours would like that too

r2d2ismyidealman · 27/10/2014 10:14

The egg carton thing made me laugh. One of them likes to sneak... very... slowly...off with a pair of socks or a shoe or the other dog's dentastix chew.

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