Is my doodle depressed?

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

I have a doodle who is about 1 year and 5 months old... Was always extremely hyper and playful.. We were away with him 2 weekends in a row, with my sister and her 3 dogs.. 2 of which are little and old and want nothing to do with Midas, but even as they raise their lip and charge him Midas doesn't get the hint and still tries to play. My sister also has a standard poodle who is older but will sometimes play. Now we came home from vacation and Midas seems not so playful. I mean I have been busy coming home and walking him then starting to get dinner ready and he just lays down, where as he used to look for items to steal around the house so I would chase him. Maybe he is just getting older as calming down.. Maybe he is just content? But how do u know if they are context or depressed? Can they be depressed? Does he want a brother? I can't have another dog right now, but I don't want him to be upset. He is jealous tho, if my husband and I hug he has to get in the middle of it.. I can't see him really wanting another dog living in the house and having to share snacks and mommy and daddy's attention. What do you all think? Thanks in advance xoxo

[GBK]

I'd say he is probably calming down as he is maturing.   I prayed for that to happen with my Buddy :)  Sounds like he is content watching you do your stuff and playing when he feels like it.

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

Thank u! I prayed for it to to be honest he was crazy as a puppy! Lol and SO SO mouthy! But now I just got worried that he is sad and isn't happy with us. We take him EVERYWHERE he can go, turfed a dog run for him, walk him, he goes on hikes, trips, every weekend is dedicated to making him have fun, so I was worried that maybe when he is just at home he is bored and depressed. Thanks for the help!

[Ginny Nightingale]

He might be tired out too! Going back and forth for two weekends may have him a bit exhausted and he might just be glad to come home and relax! They do calm down too and it is surprising just how much some do calm down.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I doubt very much he's wanting a brother, although he certainly might benefit from one. We specifically got Oscar so Lucy would have a doodle to play with (she was 3 at the time). Unfortunately, she couldn't verbalize if she wanted one or not :) She does so adore having him around though. She never seems bored or 'depressed', and I do remember times when she did seem to be before the arrival of Oscar. Lucy isn't a jealous type dog and is happy to share toys and attention.

Sounds like Midas may be many things... bored, tired, content, mellowing with maturity. I wouldn't worry too much about it. If in the future you decide on adding another dog, I think you'll find it will help to keep the older one young.

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

Maybe once I get a house I would get another. But now I'm in an apartment and Midas being 90lbs he's about all I can fit/ handle lol. I do know that my sister had a toy poodle first and he was her shadow followed her everywhere, now my sister has a Lhasa apso and a standard poodle as well and since she got 2 other dogs things changed between her and diesel (the toy poodle) he is always on guard now because he is so small and the standard was so big even as a puppy and so it changed things for them a little, I don't want Midas and I's bond to change. Even tho now another dog is out of the question, but later on I worry about that. Also I feel like if I got another dog it would be hard to bring them both around being so big, so Midas would miss out on coming alot of places with us. Well that's what I tell myself to make myself feel better when I feel bad that Midas doesn't have a brother lol

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think you are very smart to know your limits in having two dogs - especially big ones.  Midas isn't a kid and would not have any idea of wanting a brother so don't worry about that.  He is probably tired from the weekends as well as the fact that he is maturing.

[Heather]

When we were getting a second Doodle, my concern was Ellie, since she also came everywhere with us. Well we now have Oliver and they both go ALL OVER with us. We haven't skipped a beat. You will be surprised with how things just fall into place if you get another one. I understand the apartment thing. We just sold our house and are building another house. In temporary housing with the "2" of them and they are both Big. It can be a challenge at times, but Always Amazed at how well DOODLES adjust!! :)

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Well...I think he may be a little depressed only it is temporary.  My Gracie Doodle loves it when our grandchildren come visit.  They were here three weeks ago for 10 days...2 Moms, 2 Dads, a total of 5 grandkids and our daughter's Rhodesian Ridgeback.  These are all Gracie's family.  She loves having them here but my son and his 4 kids only come once a year.  When they all left she moped around the house for days and would hang out in the rooms they stayed in.  She always does this but she springs back after about a week when she figures out they are not coming back.  She loves them all and remembers each one when she sees them again.  Same thing when my DH doesn't come home on time at night.  Should he stay out a few hours later she becomes very concerned and watches out the window for him.  These Doodles wear their hearts on their paws!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

I wouldn't be concerned about him being depressed.  Dogs just act a little differently at times and particularly in times of change.  And he is maturing a little.  Be thankful for that.  About another dog - that would be great if you and your home were ready for another dog.  In the meantime, enjoy Midas.

[Adina P]

I don't think he's depressed.  And I don't think he wants a 'brother' as dogs don't think in terms of 'siblings' or longing for something they have never had.  Probably just tired out after a long weekend away and relaxing now that there's not so much going on.