Is my dog depressed?

Gina · 02-07-2005, 02:00 PM

Hello..my husband thinks I'm crazy. Let's see if you agree. I have a 2 year lab mix, male, neutered, and he never seems as happy as my other dogs..I also have a German Shepherd mix and a two terrier mixes. Drake, the lab, seems to be in great health..he has regular vet checks, is up to date on all his shots, eats well and is not over weight or under weight. But when I'm with him, he tends to just to hang close by, doesn't want to romp with the other dogs..and I truly believe he looks sad!!! He does seem to enjoy one on one time with me more than he enjoys being with the other dogs (the shepherd does tend to pick on him..actually tries to herd him around the yard). At times, Drake will just wander away and sit by himself. I've mentioned the 'depression' to my vet (but of course Drake was wagging his tail and 'smiling' at the vet when I said it, so I'm sure the vet thinks I'm crazy also). Most likely it's just Drakes personality..but it's so different from the other dogs, I am concerned....and I'm spending way too much time trying to 'cheer up' this dog!! What do you think? Just a drastically different personality than what I'm used to with my other dogs???

oc_spirit · 02-07-2005, 02:22 PM

Maybe he's bored. Have you considered getting him involved in any activities like agility or even hunting? Maybe a little more mental challenges in his life will keep his tail going. Or perhaps he's just a very passive dog...

Cheers!

Gina · 02-07-2005, 02:30 PM

We do train a lot..basic obedience..but he responds well to commands, learns quickly and enjoys being rewarded. I'm thinking he is just very,very passive..a wonderful guy, I love him dearly. And I think you're right..maybe something to challenge him a little more, like agility or even beginning tracking might be fun for him. Or maybe he could care less and just enjoys seeing mommy jump through hoops to entertain him!!!!

oc_spirit · 02-07-2005, 02:41 PM

HAHAHA We always think it's the dogs that are trained but it's amazing what they can get us to do eh? Good luck with your boy!

Cheers!

IceyBlueSibes · 02-07-2005, 03:07 PM

My oldest female siberian has bouts of depression. She actually goes days with out eating (which I've heard with Sibes, isn't all to uncommon, but I could be wrong), and just mopes around, doesn't do anything, or cuddle with anyone. She's currently in that stage right now... Sometimes coddling the dog while it's in this mood can make the dog think it's okay to be this way. We would always pet Sheiba and talk to her in a low and calming voice, but stopped after we found out we may be teaching her that it's okay to be this way. So we try to "lift her spirits" by talking in a really happy voice, enticing her to play, etc.
But we've just recently had a new addition to our 4 legged family and I believe is a reason for her depression.

Just thought I would throw in the tip of trying not to "coddle" him too much. Try fun things and talking happily to him... get him excited

Izzy · 02-07-2005, 03:37 PM

My parent's cavalier king charles spaniel often does this, she can be happy at times and the she has a sad look a few days later, i mean sometimes you can look at her and she looks so depressed. She's not a sporty sorta dog, she doesn't do fetch the ball even thought we have tried. She enjoy's her walks and she loves meeting people and other dogs she also loves sleeping

. It's just every so often she can be depressed, the vets couldn't really recomend anything other than maybe doing an activty together or a little more soicalizing.

ChiChi · 02-07-2005, 03:41 PM

do you have a Kong?? i think that mite help if you get a kong and kong filling, dogs rele like that, i have to go buy i one tonight! but that mite help!

poodlesmom · 02-07-2005, 04:03 PM

I have always felt dogs are similar to humans in that they have their own individual personalities. I have 2 standard poodles who have alot of similarities but they are definitely different. Littermates can even have a wide range of personalities.

Just out of curiousity, was Duke the first furpal? I have found with Farley, who was first, that he is much more bonded to me. Chloe, who came along 1 1/2 yrs later, is more bonded to Farley - I place second in her book unless it's to go in the car somewhere!

I would say Duke is just a mellower furguy & more happy to spend time with you the majority of the time than with the other dogs.

***Carrie*** · 02-07-2005, 05:58 PM

Your dog may just have a very mellow, laid back disposition. Has he always seemed like this or is this a change from the norm? Many Labs do have a super calm personality where they let things go by and are relaxed. Mine does...always has. I think, unless your dog has a lousy life with no attention or fun, or that some dramatic change has taken place, that it is unlikely that he's depressed. I think we humans sometimes misread a dog's emotions because we're comparing them to us too much. I believe they do have some of these emotions but perhaps the look he has is nothing more than a quiet mood. But I guess only you know your dog the best and if you are quite sure that he's depressed, maybe talk with a behaviorist and see if the two of you can figure something out. And make sure there's nothing physically wrong.

Gina · 02-08-2005, 07:32 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions..and support. Sometimes I sit down with Drake and tell him what a lucky,lucky dog he is and he has no reason to be depressed! (My husband suggested we take him on a visit to the local animal shelter so he could see how good he has it). Drake has always been a laid back guy and I think part of it is he does adore me...and when he doesn't have my total attention he does tend to mope. However, with three other dogs I can't always give him 100% of my time. I'm so sorry I don't have a recent picture of him to send all of you. He was a little black ball of fur we adopted from our local shelter ..and he's grown up to be a gorgeous guy and he looks like he could even be a full blooded labrador retreiver.
One other thing..I mentioned that my German Shepherd..also from the local animal shelter..loves to herd Drake around the yard..almost seems to bully him at times. The two of them have been raised together their whole life and never fight...but Mia, the German Shepherd, has the keenest herding instinct I've ever seen. I hate to discourage her..she has a blast keeping all us in place..but I think that's part of Drake's problem also. Maybe separate the two a bit more????

oc_spirit · 02-08-2005, 07:44 AM

It does sound like Drake kinda prefers to be in a one-dog house hold. Although I wouldn't worry about it too much. If Mia's herding instinct is so strong why not get her into sheep dog trials? It would provide an outlet for that herding and might make her less intense on herding the dogs.

Cheers!

***Carrie*** · 02-08-2005, 07:56 AM

I have four dogs and what I try to do is give them each a little one on one time with me. It isn't always much, but I think they like that. For the most part, being pack animals, they do great in a multiple dog situation, but when I think one is not getting enough, I'll hold that one on my lap a little more or take just that one outside for some play by itself.

02-07-2005, 02:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gina Pound Pup Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19 Rep Power: 81	Is my dog depressed? Hello..my husband thinks I'm crazy. Let's see if you agree. I have a 2 year lab mix, male, neutered, and he never seems as happy as my other dogs..I also have a German Shepherd mix and a two terrier mixes. Drake, the lab, seems to be in great health..he has regular vet checks, is up to date on all his shots, eats well and is not over weight or under weight. But when I'm with him, he tends to just to hang close by, doesn't want to romp with the other dogs..and I truly believe he looks sad!!! He does seem to enjoy one on one time with me more than he enjoys being with the other dogs (the shepherd does tend to pick on him..actually tries to herd him around the yard). At times, Drake will just wander away and sit by himself. I've mentioned the 'depression' to my vet (but of course Drake was wagging his tail and 'smiling' at the vet when I said it, so I'm sure the vet thinks I'm crazy also). Most likely it's just Drakes personality..but it's so different from the other dogs, I am concerned....and I'm spending way too much time trying to 'cheer up' this dog!! What do you think? Just a drastically different personality than what I'm used to with my other dogs???

02-07-2005, 02:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,621 Rep Power: 146	Maybe he's bored. Have you considered getting him involved in any activities like agility or even hunting? Maybe a little more mental challenges in his life will keep his tail going. Or perhaps he's just a very passive dog... Cheers!
	__________________ NORTHERN BLACKOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES AND CUSTOM LEATHER LEASHES Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

02-07-2005, 02:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,621 Rep Power: 146	HAHAHA We always think it's the dogs that are trained but it's amazing what they can get us to do eh? Good luck with your boy! Cheers!
	__________________ NORTHERN BLACKOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES AND CUSTOM LEATHER LEASHES Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

02-07-2005, 03:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,831 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	My oldest female siberian has bouts of depression. She actually goes days with out eating (which I've heard with Sibes, isn't all to uncommon, but I could be wrong), and just mopes around, doesn't do anything, or cuddle with anyone. She's currently in that stage right now... Sometimes coddling the dog while it's in this mood can make the dog think it's okay to be this way. We would always pet Sheiba and talk to her in a low and calming voice, but stopped after we found out we may be teaching her that it's okay to be this way. So we try to "lift her spirits" by talking in a really happy voice, enticing her to play, etc. But we've just recently had a new addition to our 4 legged family and I believe is a reason for her depression. Just thought I would throw in the tip of trying not to "coddle" him too much. Try fun things and talking happily to him... get him excited
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

02-07-2005, 03:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Izzy Animal Management Student Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wales, United Kingdom Posts: 162 Rep Power: 81	My parent's cavalier king charles spaniel often does this, she can be happy at times and the she has a sad look a few days later, i mean sometimes you can look at her and she looks so depressed. She's not a sporty sorta dog, she doesn't do fetch the ball even thought we have tried. She enjoy's her walks and she loves meeting people and other dogs she also loves sleeping . It's just every so often she can be depressed, the vets couldn't really recomend anything other than maybe doing an activty together or a little more soicalizing.
	__________________ dogbydog.com - a home for all your dogs: http://www.dogbydog.com/

02-07-2005, 02:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gina Pound Pup Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19 Rep Power: 81	We do train a lot..basic obedience..but he responds well to commands, learns quickly and enjoys being rewarded. I'm thinking he is just very,very passive..a wonderful guy, I love him dearly. And I think you're right..maybe something to challenge him a little more, like agility or even beginning tracking might be fun for him. Or maybe he could care less and just enjoys seeing mommy jump through hoops to entertain him!!!!

02-07-2005, 03:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
ChiChi Sheltie Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: North Carolina YEEHAW! Posts: 1,439 Rep Power: 109	do you have a Kong?? i think that mite help if you get a kong and kong filling, dogs rele like that, i have to go buy i one tonight! but that mite help!
	__________________ Owned by Brody the sheltie "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." --Ben Williams

02-07-2005, 04:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
poodlesmom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: upstate NY Posts: 1,389 Rep Power: 114	I have always felt dogs are similar to humans in that they have their own individual personalities. I have 2 standard poodles who have alot of similarities but they are definitely different. Littermates can even have a wide range of personalities. Just out of curiousity, was Duke the first furpal? I have found with Farley, who was first, that he is much more bonded to me. Chloe, who came along 1 1/2 yrs later, is more bonded to Farley - I place second in her book unless it's to go in the car somewhere! I would say Duke is just a mellower furguy & more happy to spend time with you the majority of the time than with the other dogs.

02-07-2005, 05:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	Your dog may just have a very mellow, laid back disposition. Has he always seemed like this or is this a change from the norm? Many Labs do have a super calm personality where they let things go by and are relaxed. Mine does...always has. I think, unless your dog has a lousy life with no attention or fun, or that some dramatic change has taken place, that it is unlikely that he's depressed. I think we humans sometimes misread a dog's emotions because we're comparing them to us too much. I believe they do have some of these emotions but perhaps the look he has is nothing more than a quiet mood. But I guess only you know your dog the best and if you are quite sure that he's depressed, maybe talk with a behaviorist and see if the two of you can figure something out. And make sure there's nothing physically wrong.

02-08-2005, 07:32 AM	#10 (permalink)
Gina Pound Pup Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19 Rep Power: 81	Thanks for all the suggestions..and support. Sometimes I sit down with Drake and tell him what a lucky,lucky dog he is and he has no reason to be depressed! (My husband suggested we take him on a visit to the local animal shelter so he could see how good he has it). Drake has always been a laid back guy and I think part of it is he does adore me...and when he doesn't have my total attention he does tend to mope. However, with three other dogs I can't always give him 100% of my time. I'm so sorry I don't have a recent picture of him to send all of you. He was a little black ball of fur we adopted from our local shelter ..and he's grown up to be a gorgeous guy and he looks like he could even be a full blooded labrador retreiver. One other thing..I mentioned that my German Shepherd..also from the local animal shelter..loves to herd Drake around the yard..almost seems to bully him at times. The two of them have been raised together their whole life and never fight...but Mia, the German Shepherd, has the keenest herding instinct I've ever seen. I hate to discourage her..she has a blast keeping all us in place..but I think that's part of Drake's problem also. Maybe separate the two a bit more????

02-08-2005, 07:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,621 Rep Power: 146	It does sound like Drake kinda prefers to be in a one-dog house hold. Although I wouldn't worry about it too much. If Mia's herding instinct is so strong why not get her into sheep dog trials? It would provide an outlet for that herding and might make her less intense on herding the dogs. Cheers!
	__________________ NORTHERN BLACKOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES AND CUSTOM LEATHER LEASHES Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

02-08-2005, 07:56 AM	#12 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	I have four dogs and what I try to do is give them each a little one on one time with me. It isn't always much, but I think they like that. For the most part, being pack animals, they do great in a multiple dog situation, but when I think one is not getting enough, I'll hold that one on my lap a little more or take just that one outside for some play by itself.

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