Worried about 5 month old puppy

Ralphiedoodle · 07-03-2011, 03:06 PM

My family (Five of us, Me, my wife, three kids 12/10/7) adopted an adorable guy this weekend, he's an Australian Labradoodle, five months old and very sweet. He is also, however, terrified of everything. Wanted to know if anyone has any advice for us in helping him to get over his skittishness.

He came in yesterday by plane, and we recognize that he's in the initial, nervous stages of adjusting to his new home, but his behavior still seems odd, even under those circumstances, and we're very concerned about the guy.

He basically refuses to move or do just about anything. He lies down wherever he is and doesn't move. Usually with his back against something like a wall or a fence. He will stay in one spot for hours on end, despite efforts to engage him and repeated encouragement. We've had to carry him whenever we want him to move (he's not a little guy, either)...from our living room to the outside, back inside, upstairs to his crate, etc. He would not move an inch if we did not pick him up and move him. He has eaten a couple of bites of food over the past 24 hours and will drink water if we put it near him. He's peed once, but it took a long time to get him there.

When outside, he will walk on leash with us, but clings right to the leg of whoever's walking him. He doesn't sniff, doesn't explore, just leans up against the walker's leg and clings right to him/her. It makes it very hard to get him to do his business as he's too busy looking for reassurance that he doesn't seem to even think about peeing or pooping.

Once back inside, he'll find a spot and hunker down again, sometimes not moving for upwards of two hours. We constantly sit with him, give him reassurances, and try to engage him in play as we understand he's very scared...but he hasn't really moved of his own volition outside of a single time where he was alone in a room and came into another one to find us.

Because his behavior is so atypical for Labradoodles, we're a little concerned. He's not responding to toys, food, treats, anything. He's very somber, and tends to cower from people. We see little glimmers of recognition in certain situations where he'll get slightly happy that one or the other of us enters a situation, but largely, he's just lying down and not reacting to anything.

To answer some triage type of questions: We got him from a reputable breeder, he didn't seem to exhibit these behaviors before the trip, he went to the vet right before his trip here, is fully vaccinated and already on heartworm and tick medication. He will get a follow up visit to the vet when the holiday weekend is over.

As of yet, he's not a fun loving doodle pup, he behaves a bit like an old dog...doesn't seem to want to be bothered with making much of an effort with anything. We've tried to get him running around the yard when he's outside to get him some exercise, but at some point he just sits down and refuses to move. We want to see him happy and want to do whatever we can to get him moving again...any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Jasper'sMomma · 07-03-2011, 04:42 PM

Poor thing! What is his name?

Did he fly in the cabin or underneath in cargo? Maybe the travel experience was just overwhelming for him and he needs a few days to get over it.
Since it sounds like you weren't traveling with him. They are so smart that maybe he didn't understand he wasn't going to be alone for long?

They do go through a 'fear period' where they are afraid of everything-even things they didn't used to be afraid of...my trainer said not to over baby them but reassure them that you are there. It can happen any time between 4 and 8 months...

The laying down and leaning against a wall, my Jasper (4 1/2 month Australian multi-gen) does that all the time!! He will nap there under the bar in the kitchen for hours! The only difference is when he wakes up he is ready to play...but puppies sleep A LOT! He won't always get up or follow me if I leave the room. He is content to just lay there.

Is your pup used to being around that many children/people? Maybe he is still taking in the new noises and smells and surroundings? Does he have a crate- a space that is his own? Does he have his own area? Have you let him just be to take it all in? Have you and the kids tried to be in his space the whole time?

Jasper is very independent...he usually comes to us to play, but I promise they sleep soo much!

How big is he? how much does he weigh? I'm sure that we will adjust...

This is a great avenue to get some great advice! I read through a bunch old posts and learned a lot!

Keep us posted!

Ralphiedoodle · 07-03-2011, 07:40 PM

His name is Ralphie, he is also an Australian Multi-gen.

He did fly cargo, he was being shipped to us from the Breeder. I will give the cargo company (Continental) credit for being very caring and really treating him well, at least on the receiving end. Realize that doesn't mitigate the scary experience of flying cargo, but they were very helpful and sensitive.

Ralphie does have an open crate for him to use, but he chooses not to. He sleeps in there fine if I place him inside, but once he finds a spot to lie in, nothing gets him up until I take him somewhere else. He's a standard mix around 45 pounds right now and growing, so moving him around isn't the most viable option. I'm the only one in the family who can pick him up easily, so if I'm not around...he'll just lie there.

He is used to being around kids/people, and although a bit nervous, is very sweet with the kids. He's also had ample time to himself, they haven't been with him all the time, in fact, they're not with him now.

I hope that this is all very temporary and a residual effect to a stressful trip and a scary relocation...but my worry is that it's more permanent, or that it's indicative of some other medical issue. I'm looking at him right now (7:35 PM) and he's in the same spot he parked himself in after his last walk (5:30 PM), if his time here is any indication, he won't move from that spot until he is moved...I just feel so bad for the poor guy.

I've been reading through old responses, too. Thanks to all who are able to offer a little advice.

Ralphiedoodle · 07-04-2011, 09:53 AM

Update: Ralphie has made great strides overnight. He's walking all over the house, his head is up, his tail is wagging, and he's become a constant companion for the kids. This morning he finally 'did his business' outside, and he's regularly drinking water.

He still hasn't eaten much yet, but that will come. He's showing more interest in food and treats, so I suspect his bowl will come next. Still a ways to go, but it's apparent he's feeling better and the fright of the change and the airplane trip is fading into his memory.

We're relieved...this is the beginnings of seeing the fun guy we heard about.

**lindamarie** · 07-04-2011, 10:38 AM

WHEW! I like your 3rd comment!............all made the same day! So, he's made some stride July 3rd........just the one day you spoke if it!

Not only was the cargo trip for long hours traumatic.......but he's in entirely new surroundings!
If he actually came from the land down under, (did he ....or was is a USA Australian doodle?).....but he may also be use to the Australian dialect.
If not, it still doesn't matter because he still is in different surroundings with
5 totally NEW PEOPLE.......new smells........new surroundings etc. At 5 months, he was use to different things.

I truly get the feeling that, after your last post, things will turn around......although maybe more slowly than you'd like.

Please keep us posted on Ralphie and when ya get a chance......PICTURES please!

OOPS! Editing to add that your posts were made July 2nd and 3rd.......so he's STILL getting use to things. Overnight made a big difference.
I'm hoping that today, July 4th, will be even better!

Jasper'sMomma · 07-04-2011, 05:01 PM

Yay!!!!

Brenna's Mom · 07-04-2011, 07:08 PM

So glad to read Ralphie is coming around. In a few days he will be back to normal, hopefully. Good luck.

Riverkatie · 07-06-2011, 09:12 PM

Just seeing this! Poor Ralphie, it sounds like he had a bad time in that plane. Fingers crossed things get better now.

xexei3 · 07-11-2011, 11:29 PM

Our labradoodle was actually very similiar to this when we first got him. I thought what the heck have we done, this lil guy is like an old man-it actually took about 2 weeks to see his true personality. We have now had him a little over a month and all of us adore him! He is plenty of rowdy and crazy enough to keep up with 3 children! Hope you have a blast with ur newest addition!

07-03-2011, 03:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ralphiedoodle Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 3	Worried about 5 month old puppy My family (Five of us, Me, my wife, three kids 12/10/7) adopted an adorable guy this weekend, he's an Australian Labradoodle, five months old and very sweet. He is also, however, terrified of everything. Wanted to know if anyone has any advice for us in helping him to get over his skittishness. He came in yesterday by plane, and we recognize that he's in the initial, nervous stages of adjusting to his new home, but his behavior still seems odd, even under those circumstances, and we're very concerned about the guy. He basically refuses to move or do just about anything. He lies down wherever he is and doesn't move. Usually with his back against something like a wall or a fence. He will stay in one spot for hours on end, despite efforts to engage him and repeated encouragement. We've had to carry him whenever we want him to move (he's not a little guy, either)...from our living room to the outside, back inside, upstairs to his crate, etc. He would not move an inch if we did not pick him up and move him. He has eaten a couple of bites of food over the past 24 hours and will drink water if we put it near him. He's peed once, but it took a long time to get him there. When outside, he will walk on leash with us, but clings right to the leg of whoever's walking him. He doesn't sniff, doesn't explore, just leans up against the walker's leg and clings right to him/her. It makes it very hard to get him to do his business as he's too busy looking for reassurance that he doesn't seem to even think about peeing or pooping. Once back inside, he'll find a spot and hunker down again, sometimes not moving for upwards of two hours. We constantly sit with him, give him reassurances, and try to engage him in play as we understand he's very scared...but he hasn't really moved of his own volition outside of a single time where he was alone in a room and came into another one to find us. Because his behavior is so atypical for Labradoodles, we're a little concerned. He's not responding to toys, food, treats, anything. He's very somber, and tends to cower from people. We see little glimmers of recognition in certain situations where he'll get slightly happy that one or the other of us enters a situation, but largely, he's just lying down and not reacting to anything. To answer some triage type of questions: We got him from a reputable breeder, he didn't seem to exhibit these behaviors before the trip, he went to the vet right before his trip here, is fully vaccinated and already on heartworm and tick medication. He will get a follow up visit to the vet when the holiday weekend is over. As of yet, he's not a fun loving doodle pup, he behaves a bit like an old dog...doesn't seem to want to be bothered with making much of an effort with anything. We've tried to get him running around the yard when he's outside to get him some exercise, but at some point he just sits down and refuses to move. We want to see him happy and want to do whatever we can to get him moving again...any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

07-04-2011, 10:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	WHEW! I like your 3rd comment!............all made the same day! So, he's made some stride July 3rd........just the one day you spoke if it! Not only was the cargo trip for long hours traumatic.......but he's in entirely new surroundings! If he actually came from the land down under, (did he ....or was is a USA Australian doodle?).....but he may also be use to the Australian dialect. If not, it still doesn't matter because he still is in different surroundings with 5 totally NEW PEOPLE.......new smells........new surroundings etc. At 5 months, he was use to different things. I truly get the feeling that, after your last post, things will turn around......although maybe more slowly than you'd like. Please keep us posted on Ralphie and when ya get a chance......PICTURES please! OOPS! Editing to add that your posts were made July 2nd and 3rd.......so he's STILL getting use to things. Overnight made a big difference. I'm hoping that today, July 4th, will be even better! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!" Last edited by lindamarie; 07-04-2011 at 10:41 AM.

07-03-2011, 04:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jasper'sMomma Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Frisco, TX (in the DFW metroplex) Posts: 138	Poor thing! What is his name? Did he fly in the cabin or underneath in cargo? Maybe the travel experience was just overwhelming for him and he needs a few days to get over it. Since it sounds like you weren't traveling with him. They are so smart that maybe he didn't understand he wasn't going to be alone for long? They do go through a 'fear period' where they are afraid of everything-even things they didn't used to be afraid of...my trainer said not to over baby them but reassure them that you are there. It can happen any time between 4 and 8 months... The laying down and leaning against a wall, my Jasper (4 1/2 month Australian multi-gen) does that all the time!! He will nap there under the bar in the kitchen for hours! The only difference is when he wakes up he is ready to play...but puppies sleep A LOT! He won't always get up or follow me if I leave the room. He is content to just lay there. Is your pup used to being around that many children/people? Maybe he is still taking in the new noises and smells and surroundings? Does he have a crate- a space that is his own? Does he have his own area? Have you let him just be to take it all in? Have you and the kids tried to be in his space the whole time? Jasper is very independent...he usually comes to us to play, but I promise they sleep soo much! How big is he? how much does he weigh? I'm sure that we will adjust... This is a great avenue to get some great advice! I read through a bunch old posts and learned a lot! Keep us posted!

07-03-2011, 07:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ralphiedoodle Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 3	His name is Ralphie, he is also an Australian Multi-gen. He did fly cargo, he was being shipped to us from the Breeder. I will give the cargo company (Continental) credit for being very caring and really treating him well, at least on the receiving end. Realize that doesn't mitigate the scary experience of flying cargo, but they were very helpful and sensitive. Ralphie does have an open crate for him to use, but he chooses not to. He sleeps in there fine if I place him inside, but once he finds a spot to lie in, nothing gets him up until I take him somewhere else. He's a standard mix around 45 pounds right now and growing, so moving him around isn't the most viable option. I'm the only one in the family who can pick him up easily, so if I'm not around...he'll just lie there. He is used to being around kids/people, and although a bit nervous, is very sweet with the kids. He's also had ample time to himself, they haven't been with him all the time, in fact, they're not with him now. I hope that this is all very temporary and a residual effect to a stressful trip and a scary relocation...but my worry is that it's more permanent, or that it's indicative of some other medical issue. I'm looking at him right now (7:35 PM) and he's in the same spot he parked himself in after his last walk (5:30 PM), if his time here is any indication, he won't move from that spot until he is moved...I just feel so bad for the poor guy. I've been reading through old responses, too. Thanks to all who are able to offer a little advice.

07-04-2011, 09:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ralphiedoodle Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 3	Update: Ralphie has made great strides overnight. He's walking all over the house, his head is up, his tail is wagging, and he's become a constant companion for the kids. This morning he finally 'did his business' outside, and he's regularly drinking water. He still hasn't eaten much yet, but that will come. He's showing more interest in food and treats, so I suspect his bowl will come next. Still a ways to go, but it's apparent he's feeling better and the fright of the change and the airplane trip is fading into his memory. We're relieved...this is the beginnings of seeing the fun guy we heard about.

07-04-2011, 05:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jasper'sMomma Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Frisco, TX (in the DFW metroplex) Posts: 138	Yay!!!!

07-04-2011, 07:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
Brenna's Mom Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 34	So glad to read Ralphie is coming around. In a few days he will be back to normal, hopefully. Good luck.

07-06-2011, 09:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
Riverkatie Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 110	Just seeing this! Poor Ralphie, it sounds like he had a bad time in that plane. Fingers crossed things get better now.

07-11-2011, 11:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
xexei3 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1	Our labradoodle was actually very similiar to this when we first got him. I thought what the heck have we done, this lil guy is like an old man-it actually took about 2 weeks to see his true personality. We have now had him a little over a month and all of us adore him! He is plenty of rowdy and crazy enough to keep up with 3 children! Hope you have a blast with ur newest addition!

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Labradoodle Forums Advertisement