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Subject: My 5 year old doesn't know how to play.

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usangel

06/29/2007 10:07 PM
I adopted Buster 3 years ago. I don't think he had a very happy life. He has had many fear issues that he is slowly overcoming. Like fear of strangers, and anyone with a stick, and fear of the Nextel radio bleep (I haven't figured this one out yet). I can deal with all that and he is learning to trust more and more. But I can't seem to teach him how to play. When I throw a ball he runs after it sniffs it an looks at me like what now. After a few tosses, he completly looses interest. Sometimes I chase him around the house, but after a few minutes he sits down with his ears flat as if to say "What did I do wrong?". Playing take away or rough house, earns me a look of absolute betrayal. Toys are of no interest unless he can destroy it in 10 seconds or it's eatible. Does anyone have any ideas? i just want him to be happy.

Brandy

Firehouse Big Dog

06/29/2007 10:20 PM
I wish I had an answer to your question, but I don't. Max seems to LOVE rough housing and such. Maybe your baby was abused before you got him! Poor baby, maybe he will open up one day and let loose with you!

PROUD Home Visit Coordinator for Ratbone's Rescue!! This is Pirate Country, we bleed Purple and Gold!!!!! GO ECU!!!

ladyfern

Bratty Ratty

06/29/2007 10:58 PM
I have Shiloh, she's almost 2 years now. She was abandoned in a walmart parking lot... she's scared to death of the hose and wont drink out of a regular water dish but over time I've gotten her where she will get in the bathtub and stand nearby looking nervous when i water outside... it takes a serious amount of time and they can't tell you what it is that triggers those fears. Poor baby. What I did with Shiloh was to buy toys specifically for her to tear up. It's what she seems happy to do. Whats a few bucks in stuffed animals if she's joyfully throwing stuffing all over the yard....

ladyfern & shiloh If you want the best seat in the house ... move the dog!

Jeff

Bratty Ratty

06/29/2007 11:29 PM
How does Buster act when he's outside?i ask this because Cassie is the exact same way as Buster.she has no interest in toys and playing chase only lasts a few minutes and then she's done but if i let her outside,she finds squirrels and stuff to chase and she loves car rides.just keep trying different activities with him and i'm sure you'll find something you'll both love doing

Being a smarta is better than being a dumba http://www.bonusbuy.biz myspace.com/Jeffery26 http://www.flickr.com/photos/10043207@N02/ http://www.perfspot.com/Jeffery7505

BonitaKaz

Bratty Ratty

06/30/2007 1:16 AM
Perhaps if you got him something like a kong that's round shape? If he likes edible, let him work at that for a while, then start throwing it for him with the treat in there, then throw it without the treat. Maybe he'll get the point? Slowly though! Thats my best advise.

Bonita Mom to Nibbler & Laika!

kaet

Newbie

06/30/2007 1:31 AM
Bonita's suggestion sounds like a great one. Maybe Nibbler just doesn't like to play. My Weimaraner (sp?) Emily used to love to run after Mack when he chased the ball. She'd bark and be his one-dog cheering team, but never, ever played like a normal dog. Despite her no-play attitude, she was a sweet, happy, well-adjusted dog and a great companion. Instead of chasing Nibbler, see if you can get him to chase you. Maybe for a treat?? Just a suggestion.

BonitaKaz

Bratty Ratty

06/30/2007 1:53 AM
Posted By kaet on 06/30/2007 1:31 AM Bonita's suggestion sounds like a great one. Maybe Nibbler just doesn't like to play. My Weimaraner (sp?) Emily used to love to run after Mack when he chased the ball. She'd bark and be his one-dog cheering team, but never, ever played like a normal dog. Despite her no-play attitude, she was a sweet, happy, well-adjusted dog and a great companion. Instead of chasing Nibbler, see if you can get him to chase you. Maybe for a treat?? Just a suggestion. I think you ment Buster heehee... I wish Nibbler didn't play so much!

Bonita Mom to Nibbler & Laika!

BonitaKaz

Bratty Ratty

06/30/2007 1:55 AM
By the way I think that it would be a good idea to let him chase you. Then it'll associate it with a good thing and want to run around more often.

Bonita Mom to Nibbler & Laika!

KristenP

Ratastic

06/30/2007 7:54 AM
do you have any other dogs? A lot of learning comes from watching others. Maybe bring him to the dog park??

usangel

07/04/2007 4:50 PM
Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'll try them. I tried the Kong thing, but he can get treats when ever he wants. So why work for it. Maybe I should make him work for it??? I think you're right, Brandy. I think he was abused, or maybe neglected is a better word. I don't think they took the time to understand his needs. I think they just tried to make him conform to what ever suited their life. Like you can force a Rat to do anything he doesn't what to do would ever work. They are intelligent and loving, but they have to want to do it or you end up with an empty harness dangling from the leash. Do you think I spoil him too much?

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