My Pet World: Newly adopted dog may need time to settle in before she becomes playful
Q: We just adopted what the shelter referred to as a "shepherd-mix," but Gracie is only about 30 pounds. We don't really know if there's any shepherd in her. Gracie is about a year old, though we're not sure about that, either. Our veterinarian says she's healthy. Gracie is very patient with our kids, ages 8 and 14, but she refuses to play with them or with us. She's just really serious. Do some dogs never play? -- K.J., Portland, ME
A: Give Gracie time to settle in. Some newly adopted or rescued dogs will immediately integrate themselves into a family as if they've been there forever. However, most newly adopted pets -- be they dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets or parrots -- take anywhere from a week to a month to truly feel comfortable.
Some newly adopted animals are slow to trust people based on their past experiences. I'm referring primarily to animal abuse, but being given up to a shelter is traumatic enough. And some pets have been given up more than once.
Also, some dogs are more serious. Others simply might not think your idea of a game is especially entertaining. Some dogs don't enjoy fetch, but get really excited about running around the house with a squeaky toy.
If Gracie enjoys treats, you could start with a game of "chase the cookie." Simply toss a morsel along the floor and encourage her to chase it. Hide-and-seek can be fun because this game allows a dog to be a dog. First, offer a treat about six feet in front of Gracie. Once she scarfs it, begin to extend the distance, eventually hiding treats in unexpected places throughout the house.
To help dogs open up and bond better, I'm a fan of organized dog sports, when taught with positive reinforcement. Examples include agility (an obstacle course for dogs) and flyball (a relay race for dogs). Like anything else, of course, some dogs enjoy these activities, some don't.
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Q: If our cat had been the goalie in the Minnesota Wild net, we could have made it to the Stanley Cup. I throw pretty hard and I can't get a squishy cat toy past Oliver. Is this cat seriously special? -- S.H., Saint Paul, MN
A: I can believe your cat is speedy, indeed, but so are all felines. Their reflexes are quicker than ours. Also, even with a feline in the net, the Wild was bound to lose its playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks. But then, you're writing to a Chicago-based columnist!
Q: Could our dog truly be afraid of his own shadow? -- F.J., Hartford, CT
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