Hi guys! We have a 4 and a half month yellow lab puppy and he just seems very lazy to me. He never really chewed up the furniture, but did "read" a letter to shreds once and used to pull the dirty laundry out of the laundry basket when left home alone (for a few hours). He also used to run around with his squeaky frog and football, and try to get up on the couch to us. Nowadays he just seems lazier at home. He still follows us from room to room, but sortof just plops down when he's in the door. He just sleeps or lies around chewing on his stick or chewie, not really interested in running after any toys, and less enthusiastic about playing tug. There used to be more puppy biting, and he still likes to nibble on our hands, but it's also getting less and less. He doesn't seem lethargic or depressed, and does perk up when there are treats around or when we are going outside. Outside he happily sniffs around, tries to greet every human, chases the pigeons, and wants to run up to all the other dogs. We take him to this giant park every morning and afternoon where he can run around and play with other dogs and try to eat everything in the park. We are also trying to housetrain him, and we are taking him downstairs every 3-4 hours, even at night, which he hates and protests when we take him after 9 pm. My boyfriend works from home most days, and obviously he has to work, can't just play with him all day. Is he just getting used to the fact that there are just quiet and boring times in the apartment? Is he tired from all the walks and pee trips? (we live in a 2-story walkup, but we carry him up and down the stairs). Is he just growing? Any experience like this? Sorry for the wall of text, he is our first pup, and I am watching him very closely and worrying about everything.
Well, providing there is nothing wrong, which, even though I’m very new myself and don’t know very much, it doesn’t sound like there is, I’m sure you’re going to get lots of jealous puppy owners at having such a chilled dog ha ha! Seriously though maybe he’s just settling down and knows your routine etc....
Thanks for the replies! I am taking him to the vet tomorrow. This morning he wasn't crazy, jumping-around happy when I woke up and gave him his food, but he was very happy on our morning walk, and decidedly did not want to go home, and then he played with me a little bit once we got home. So now I am even more confused...
He sounds perfectly fine to me. Some puppies are easier-going than others and lower-energy. If he has energy on walks, it doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with his health or that he has any undiagnosed pain. He is probably just settling into life with you now and it has all become 'routine' and normal, rather than excitingly different - as it was at first
You basically just described my pup! He generally shows very little enthusiasm for anything really except food. He will play with his toys from time to time but it usually only lasts a few minutes and the same goes for retrieving and I can count on one hand the amount of times hes had the 'zoomies'. Overall he just seems to be a very laid back, chilled dog.
Thanks for the reassuring replies, guys! Unfortunately the vet wasn't quite that optimistic. He has a mild fever and his hips seem a little bit sensitive, so he got an injection and some pills for fever and inflammation. We are going to monitor him closely and try to keep him even thinner than he is now, and we'll see.
Awww no I hope he’s ok, god they’re a worry aren’t they.... fingers crossed it passes.... then you’ll be wishing he was chilled out again! Ha!
Yeah, it seems like there is always something ever since we were able to take him outside after he had his shots! Cough, vomit, diarrhea, and now this. He is keeping us on our toes!
Hopefully it’s just a bit like when kids go to nursery and build their immune system. Fingers crossed he’s ok and you get a better run....
