We got our puppy yesterday. The lady kept telling us we picked the most spirited one. When we picked her up she was dancing like crazy. She is a Boston Terrier/Beagle, but more terrier in appearance. I got her a lot of toys since she is so high energy, a kennel since she has been crate trained, the same food, a pet bed. She jumped around a little and played a little, maybe 15 minutes in 5 minute increments yesterday. She seemed very happy, wagging tail and all. Today she is just laying around. She hasn't eaten much and seems completely uninterested in toys. She seems to be very sad and I don't really know why, other than the new environment. We've all been lavishing attention on her and I've kept the kids from being too rough. Is it possible she misses her brothers and sisters? How long does it usually take for an animal to acclimate? She is making me sad too.

By Cat on Friday, April 6, 2007 - 05:59 pm:

She probably does miss her siblings a little. She'll get over that quickly. But she is just a puppy. Think about how much babies sleep. She's a baby. Most puppies sleep a lot the first few months. She'll adjust. Hugs

By Mom2three1968 on Friday, April 6, 2007 - 06:55 pm:

I don't know if you have her sleeping in her kennel at night time or not but I've heard putting in a ticking alarm clock is soothing to immitate the heart beat. And also maybe putting an old tee shirt with your smell might be comforting too. I'm sure that she misses her pup siblings but she will get used to it in time. Probably a few weeks to a month for her to get used to things, before now she was part of a pack but pretty soon she'll think of you and your family as her new pack. Good Luck with your new furry baby!

By Latonya on Friday, April 6, 2007 - 06:59 pm:

She is probably adjusting to a new home and environment. I just got a new puppy about 2 weeks ago and he sleeps alot. He never acted sad but I think that is because he was mistreated at his other home and now he gets plenty of love. Also you say you guys are lavishing her with attention, it may be a bit overwhelming for her right now. Try giving her a little time to herself. She will adjust. Just give her a little time to get used to her new home.

By Reds9298 on Friday, April 6, 2007 - 07:51 pm:

Probably adjusting, as long as she's eating, drinking, peeing, and pooping just fine. Sometimes puppies I've had will just cry those first few days. Keep in mind they've been sleeping and playing with other puppies up until now. We always put a clock in bed with Shelby especially as a puppy, and a warm water bottle. She snuggled up to that water bottle like crazy that first week or so. I remember her sleeping so much, too, just like a new human baby!

How old is the puppy? It wasn't an issue with our oldest, but he was 12 weeks when we got him also. Our second one was 6 weeks and she cried more for sure in the beginning.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, April 6, 2007 - 08:22 pm:

Rayelle, I shared your post with Scott, who says "Probably acclimating, missing his mom & littermates. That happens sometimes, particularly with pups < 8 weeks old. Warm blankets (like 102 deg Fahrenheit) and a ticking clock have been recommended for this, mixed results. Try to spend some time with the pup while he's eating - don't just drop down a dish and walk away. Increase 1:1 interaction and the pup will more rapidly accept the new owner as family."

I have also read of putting a teddy bear or other stuffed animal in the crate with the pup (being careful to remove any eyes or other things the pup might work loose and swallow) or a sweatshirt or t-shirt that you have worn, so that it has your smell. I would second what Scott says about 1 on 1 interaction - just one child with the pup, gently stroking and petting with the pup on the child's lap.

By Rayelle on Saturday, April 7, 2007 - 01:11 pm:

Thanks everyone. Dh called the lady who has been giving the puppies a foster home last night. She very politley was like "duh, she is a baby,lol!" She said they love to play but get worn out quickly. She also said there was one puppy in particular our puppy was budies with and she had been yelping around all day, but was doing better. Right now, the pup cries for attention if I'm trying to take care of stuff around the house, but she just wants to curl up on my lap. She is 10 weeks old. I put the doggie sweater and teddy bear the lady gave us in her crate. I still am a little worried she hates me for taking her away.