New Behavior is Troublsome

[Noneeds4me]

I had considered that too, but he just went to the vet on Monday for a checkup and to get his rabies shot and came out with a clean bill of health. I feel terrible for him. It just seems by his behavior that he does not have any interest in trying to adapt. I have done a lot of fostering and such over the years and I have just never seen it this severe, even in major abuse situations. Ya'll think that with such a recent vet visit we should take him again?

Could it have something to do with some kind of a reaction to the Rabies vacc? Peeing while lying down ... that is very unusual for a "healthy" puppy. If he got a good bill of health, I'd wonder about the vaccinations..if not the rabies..maybe one of the others? I must have missed it, but how old is Hollywood?

Oops..just read the other posts.. My thoughts might not apply, but I'll leave them here for "food for thought" anyway ;-)..

 

[BarbV]

Thanks guys! My hubby got him to eat and drink by putting his food dish outside of his kennel and then setting him on the floor. Safe to say he was probably fed in his kennel before and might have been part of the problem. He has been watching us move around the house a bit this evening and when he is outside he is like a different dog! A little unsure about loud and sudden noises but actually interested. Maybe some improvement? Lol

Indy still likes to be fed in his crate. It is what he was used to and I never phased it out. He also was a dog "bred for show" for the 1st 10 months of his life. So he is very used to being crate fed.

I'm starting to think about working him away from that because it just increases the competition for food in my house. He's a chow hound.

 

[take4roll10]

I'm glad he finally ate. I hope he continues to improve. Did the vet take a urine test?

 

[Fergusmom]

If you are a fan of rescuing, then perhaps this is a pup that needs it. I'd not give up yet. I'm no expert, but older pups will always carry baggage. (I'm also no role model, as I gave back Ginnie and exchanged her for Indy after only 1 week, but it was the breeder who encouraged me to bring her back).

Since it seems like you've ruled out most health issues, then it looks like he just needs to acclimatize. Perhaps PM Granite (Janet). Newton seems to fall into a similar category, but is gradually coming out of his shell. And other rescuerer's on the forum - Elaine, I think and SheltieMom??

I agree with Barb. This guy sounds like he really needs you. Also talking with Janet is a great idea as she had some similar issues when she rescued little Newton a few months ago. She and her husband Alan have done a great job with Newton.

 

[Megansmom]

See Pipersmommy why this website is so awesome?! You have received a ton of excellent, fact based, loving advice and possible answers. I am so glad you're here and so thankful myself to belong to an incredible community

 

[Caro]

It sounds like Hollywood is suffering from acute depression (reaction based depression) brought on by grief. The lack of appetite, staying still, unusual urination patterrns, are all signs of depression

On top of changing homes he has also lost his close friends - to him its just the same as if they were dead. I know it will seem easier to just give him time to adjust, but actually the best thing would be to keep him busy. Even if he is not interested in interacting, keep trying, dont give him time to fret. He seems better outside because he is getting time to think about what he has lost.

Take him for lots of walks (even if its a quick dash in the snow and back again), try and teach him commands (or practice the ones he knows) and try to include him in all family activities. I would even take him for the drive when you go to the shop - just to change his scenery.

Interacting with other dogs would be fabulous (altho I wouldnt take him to see his old playmates). Do you have doggy daycare nearby? Ask you vet if s/he knows a good place for your dog to interact with other dogs (or where people usually take dogs in the area, like a park or oval). You vet might also be able to put you in touch with a playmate for him. You could also put up a notice at your local obedience club for playmates. I think you should enrol him in obedience classes as a way to introduce new dogs and bond.

There are antidepressents for dogs if this goes on too long, but it really does sound like an adjustment disorder, which is temporary

Keep up the good work.

 

[SheltieChe]

ok, I am new to this forum and I am happy to hear that your pup is perking up... few things do not make sense to me...
dogs are dogs and not humans, no healthy dog will make himself sick because of depression....healthy dog will eventually eat, even if you have to wait a day... especially if you were offering different varieties of food and I am assuming you offered food that he received at his breeder's...
it is true that show dogs are looked differently and have different requirements, many of them are not housetrained for years and spend their time in crates/ kennels .... I have heard of a stud dog /Ch of course/ that was bred 300 times during one year...
some dogs do participate in confirmation/ obedience/ agility but many are just that, show quality and they do not make good pets any better than pets do not make good show dogs...
still providing that pup did not have good socializing his reactions seems way out of proportion for healthy dog even neurotic Sheltie breed...
my vote goes for health issues, possibly poor tolerance for that rabies shot? even that pup was cleared by vet... when you have a gut feeling that 2 plus 2 does not equal 4... you are probably right...
good news that pup seems to overcome whatever issues he had and turned the corner- good luck to you and your pup!
My pup likes to see himself in the mirror and goes into barking matches trying to invite "the other" pup to play...maybe you could get few doggie tapes to cheer him up?

 

[danisgoat]

I hate to say this, but does anyone think we should try to get our money back and give him back to her? I don't want to take that route, but I don't want him to be unhappy with us and she said he enjoyed being with all of the other dogs there, maybe he should stay with them? Just want whats best for Hollywood When I emailed earlier I explained everything and she said give it some time and then we can talk??

I am a huge fan of rescuing and I plan to get one through rescue in the near future anyway.

I really feel strongly that this dog is SICK. This is not normal behaviour at all.

Have you taken the dogs temperature? Did you vet take the dogs temperature? What was the dogs temperature?

If the vet didn't take the temperature, didn't test the dogs urine....and you brought it in questioning the dogs health you need to go somewhere else. Please.

Again...how does Hollywood's urine smell when he urinates?

I cannot stress how worried I am about this guy.

 

[Smudge]

I really feel strongly that this dog is SICK. This is not normal behaviour at all.

I'm sorry, but I have to agree with danisgoat. I would take him to a different vet. Not the one you've already been to. Even a shy dog can't hold out on food and drink for more than a day or so. Out of the three shelties I've owned in my life (Gizmo, Smudge, and Fluffy) by the end of the second day all three were eating and drinking with no problems. Two of the three were very shy/cautious. Fluffy is the only "saucy" dog I've ever owned. Even the most shy of the three, Gizmo, was chomping down by the end of day two. Gizmo was scared to death of EVERYTHING. He was scared of toys, slippery floors, people, other dogs, eating from your hand, loud noises, ect.

Something medical is wrong with this poor dog. Is it possible this person was running a show mill? Please don't return him to that woman. Hollywood isn't getting enough nutrients and water. I too am worried about him.

 

[Caro]

Canine depression does show very similar symptoms to a number of other illnesses. Obviously it is important to rule out medical issues first. But given the current situation - a major upheaval in his life - together with him being an active healthy adult dog from a reputable breeder, it really sounds more like he is grieving than sick.

Urinating can actually be a marking behaviour to attempt to leave a strong scent so the other pack members can find him.

Its something you can talk about with the vet and the breeder. I would find out from the breeder what his routine was and try to stick fairly closely so that he has some normality. And definately try to exercise him as much as possible (it helps lift seratonin levels and therefore mood)

You can also try natural therapies designed for anxious dogs (something like rescue remedy or DAP infuser).

If it is depression - please give him some time to heal. If he goes back to the breeder now it will be even harder on him next time he rehomes. Perhaps give it a month and if there has been no improvement talk to the breeder again about taking him back?