Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi -

Today, we purchased a Cavalier King Charles that is five months old. We brought her home and she visited with some of our friends. We have had her for about six hours and she has been in the house for about three.

All she has done is sleep and lay on us. She hasn't eaten since we brought her home nor hasn't had anything to drink.

How long does this type of breed take to "break out it's shell?" Is this a normal type of activity for these types of dogs?

Please let me know.

Thanks!

I think your new pup would be okay... remember she is in new surroundings and has been through a lot. Coming into a new situation is second nature to us but it can be scary for a dog. I would give her another day... at least over the weekend to see if she starts to come around. She should drink though, even if you have to use a squirt bottle to get some fluids in her. If by Monday the behavior hasn't changed a trip to your vet should be considered. Also these dogs are companion dogs. While they like a good romp they also like laps too!
-----

Bob

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

You are asking a lot of this dog. A few hours and even a few weeks is not enough for any dog to be fully comfortable in a new home of any breed.

Your very new dog is stressed. It will take some time- hard to exactly predict how long, but as I said above, weeks are not unlikely- for a dog to really feel comfortable in a new home.

Take things a bit slower please. Yes, the breed is known to be very forgiving and extroverted. In general they are, but minimally physiologically speaking it takes a new dog a week to have the adrenalin leave their system after a home change. Once the adrenalin is gone, then they can start to feel a bit more comfortable.

Take this pup out on some nice long walks. Walking a dog clears their brain and helps them relieve stress. Then put this pup in a quite room alone for about 30 minutes with some food. That may help the eating thing.

Your new pup will be fine, but slow things down. Take a dee breath and understand all of this is very overwhelming.
-----
Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles