How to get the doodle to play?

[Deena Womack]

It has been 3 and half weeks since we brought our little girl home. They believe she is about 2 years old and she was so timid at first. I don't know what she has been through but I believe she has been through a lot in a very short time. Ok, I can go on and on here, but she seems to be very afraid to play with any toys. We have tried everything, I bought a chicken scented tennis ball, who knew that was even an option, she sniffs it and doesn't show a lot of interest. We bought a kong ball and put the treats in and one afternoon after rolling it along and showing her how to get the treats, ( I was doing a lot of work here), I finally walked away and she brought it into me finally. That was the one and only time, she never really wanted anything to do with it again. And I got so excited as I thought wow, she found something she really liked. I know it sounds like maybe we are trying too hard, but really we are not and she just seems to have no interest whatsoever. I just can't imagine what a dog would have to go through to not know how to play, but that is the part that tugs at my heart. If she never plays with her toys, I wouldn't love her any less, but I do want her to feel comfortable enough, that she can play with or without her toys if she wants. Any suggestions or ideas that anyone would like to share, I would very much appreciate it. (Anything that sqeaks is not an option as she does not like that at all. Do you know how many dog toys there are out there that does sqeak?).

[Deena Womack]

I appreciate everyones ideas, I like the hunting idea. We may try it in time. We were just very curious and figure in time either she will want to play (whether it is with us, by herself or other dogs) or she may not ever have an interest in playing. That is ok by us, but I at least wanted her to have the opportunity and was looking for ideas that I may not have thought of. This is where this doodle website is very informative and holds so much value to us with the many ideas and thoughts. Thank you everyone and good night!

[Jessica]

If it's any consolation my dog, who came from a reputable breeder, doesn't play with other dogs. We really persevered to engage him in ball-play but other toys he could take or leave. He's happiest knawing a bone - like an old fashioned dog! My sister's lab would run away from anything that squeaked, and never played with toys! I'm sure with the love and sensitivity you clearly have for your pup she will come out of herself - in time. Maybe don't pressurize her - just let her unfold?

[Deena Womack]

Just thought I would give everyone an update. Cali could still care less about her toys but a couple of things I wanted to share. I bought a bully stick and at first she wanted nothing to do with it. Then suddenly, as though a light bulb turned on she figured out what it was and chewed on it until it was gone. The very first thing she has shown any interest in, I didn't make a big deal out it but I was so excited. Who knew that I would be so estatic over a doodle chewing a bully stick, wow!!

Ok so the second thing that happened was just this morning. That is why I wanted to pull this discussion back up and respond to it. She has this long stuffed toy that squeaks. She whines at anything that squeaks. She does not in any way like the squeaky toys. So somehow this one ended up upstairs and in our bedroom. My DH and I are both like hmmm, wonder how this made it upstairs. Anyway just this morning, I am upstairs getting ready for work and I hear this thing squeak and her whining (we are the only ones home). I turned around and she has it in her mouth (this is the first time I have ever seen her with a toy in her mouth). Anyway it is squeaking as she is biting down and she is whining. I was not really sure what to do, so I am just looking at her and she eventually drops it. I praise her for picking up the toy but I think I was mostly dumbfounded at the whole ordeal. I am telling everyone at work and home that Cali picked up a toy today and of course they are looking at me like I have three heads. I don't care, I was proud of my doodle.

[Melissa]

Hi there! My boy Max picks up all his squeaky toys and whines but he does this to tell me he wants to go out and play he does it about 2 times a day. Maybe she wants to play??

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

what a cute story! I really think it just takes them time to get comforatble. We got Kirby over a year ago (he was 12 months old at the time) and I don't think he had much exposure to "fun" before we got him. We are still seeing so many changes in him and everyone makes me smile. Watching him instigate play with Dexter is just wonderful! It sounds like your doodle is starting to feel at home.

[Jenny & Gus]

Gus sometimes whines while squeaking his toys too. He is very vocal though and practically speaks to me with muffled barks, growls and whines all the time. I am so glad Cali is getting more relaxed and is playing! Gus's newest obsession is a soccer ball...and anything Tia expresses interest in!

[Deena Womack]

So Cali and I are pretty wore out and have been pretty lazy today. We have had so much fun PLAYING!! Her "now" favorite toy has become a game. She chases me and wants me to chase her when she has the toy in her mouth. She still whines when it is in her mouth but she is barking and wagging her tail so I know she is having fun. It feels so good to know that she is now relaxed with us and feels comfortable in her home.

[Melissa]

She is so cute!!

[Deena Womack]

Thank you.

[Deena Womack]

That is a great idea. Cause I have certainly bought toys that hold absolutely no appeal to Cali. At least not yet.

[George & MeLinda]

she may have been abused give her time and lots of love and space she will learn you mean her no harm and start to play

[Deena Womack]

Thats what I am afraid of, that she may have been abused. But she seems so much more comfortable with us now then she did in the beginning. I think she trusts us more so she has become more willing to play a little more. It has been little steps and every achievement (as little as chewing on a bully stick) seems big. It has been a bit of a training also for me as I have learned to stop and appreciate the small things in life.