Is this normal?

[pinkbraces]

Ive never owned a dog before so am not sure if this is normal behaviour. We have a 2.5 year old Doodle, since the moment we got her at 12 weeks she has been looney very bouncy, loads of energy always playing and behaving like a pup.

For the last few weeks she seems to have really quietened down, at home she sleeps more and doesnt play as much as she used to.

She still bounces all over people when they come round and she is a bundle of energy on her walks but so different at home.

I did mention it to my vet when I took her for a booster jab a couple of weeks ago and he said she is just "growing up" Im sure he is right but Im still a bit concerned (neurotic dog owner icon)

what do you think?

I would say that if she is still energetic on walks, and is still lively and happy then she is probably calming down.

Is she still playful when you instigate play?

Is she still wanting the same amount of fussing? One of mine is quite self contained, she will demand a cuddle, but it has to be on her terms. If she is ill, the first sign is usually wanting lots of cuddles, lying on my knee, snuggled in to me sort of thing. Another one is the complete opposite, she goes from demanding cuddles all the time, to just wanting to lie in her bed.

Is she still eating the same?

It could be that she's just settled in? And now feels secure and more...chilled, I guess. Doodles can be a bit 'Raaaaaaaaah!' mental initially I think

Honestly?

I'd be keeping a close eye on her. Not because I think there's definitely something wrong, but because any sudden and significant change of behaviour should be monitored, just in case.

Dogs are very contrary. They will belt around on a walk like loons even if they're on their last legs, so I tend to discount walk behaviour.

Watch what she's eating, drinking, pooing and weeing. Has anything changed at home/out in terms of how often people are with her? Or how much attention she's getting? Is she bored? Has where she sleeps in the day changed? Has she got more smelly than normal?

It is possible she's just growing up, but it's worth paying attention to yourself and keeping an eye on her.

she is still eating, weeing and pooing the same. She is a very cuddly dog, will sit almost on top of you and stretch out, none of that has changed.

If we insitgate play she does but she used to go and and get her toys and demand we play with her, that doesnt seem to happen so much now.

Daisy - I think she is more smelly than normal, even after her bath, she still gets lots of attention, she doesnt seem bored, more sleepy, even a bit sad -

Im driving myself mad here. I think I will book an appt at the vets, he already thinks Im a neurotic owner, one more visit wont make any difference.

thanks everyone.

Aw :( Perhaps it's wise to get her checked out. My pup stank like Tilbury docks. Turned out he had an anal gland infection. And a skin infection. And an ear infection :( As soon as it was all treated he was like a different dog :)

The vet is there to make sure your dog is well and you'll be paying handsomely for the privilege. Don't let them make you feel stupid or awkward. If it'll just make you feel better to take her, then don't hesitate.

Vets have laughed at me - but I can tell if one of mine is poorly because they start to smell and I've not yet been wrong.

Has she been spayed? If she hasn't, when was her last season?

I would take mine in for a check over if I was worried about a consistent, sudden change of behaviour if that helps