Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I adopted my first shelter k9 about a week ago. When I brought him to work with me we found he had an ear infection and he was full of tape worms and coccidia. Now that we most of that resolved he is becoming alot more active. I have been training him and he is doing well with that, but he doesn't seem to be bonding with my family. He is very independent and loves to play by himself. I have taught him to retrieve toys but he is very reluctant to do it. Do you think he needs more time or is he just an independent pup?
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Victoria Harter
Victoria@Cavalierk9.com
http://www.cavalierk9.com

Hi Vicki and congrats on adopting a shelter dog. How old is he and what kind of dog is it? For the sure the dog will need more than a week to get acclimated to his new surroundings. Since he has been treated for his medical problems that too should make him feel a whole lot better. Do you have any prior history on the dog? It may take a month or more before he fully adjusts to the sites and sounds of his new forever home. We would love to see a picture of him if you have one to post.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Sorry that information is probably helpful!!! LOL, He is a 4 month old German Shepherd x Flat Coated Retriever. The whole litter was takin from the breeders property. She just had to many dogs to handle, he is great with all my other dogs, though they can be rather rough with him!!
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Victoria Harter
Victoria@Cavalierk9.com
http://www.cavalierk9.com

A week is no time at all, and he's been sick. It's far too early to expect to see his real temperament, even. And it's too soon for him to feel any security that he is going to stay with you. More time, definitely.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47