Lazy or What?!?

[Bayler]

I can't get my Rotti to run with me, he is only good for about 1 lap around the neighborhood then he wants to go home. He used to do really good before my other dog went missing, but now he's not motivated even though we got a new dog. I don't know what to do. I really enjoy running or even walking for that matter, but he won't budge on the 2nd lap, he just lays down in the middle of the sidewalk. Any suggestions?

[moondog]

No, he's not lazy. He's showing you his limit, is all. Not sure what that would have to do with other dog(s). He may not be in good enough condition to do more, he may have some structural problem that is causing him pain, it could be any number of things. Has he been seen by a vet?

My suggestion is to take him for the one lap, drop him off at home, and continue your run.

[JoJo]

How old is your dog? How much does he weigh? When was his last vet check?

Moondog is correct. Think about it. If you were out of shape or not feeling well, do you think you would continue to run? I think not. Then why would you even think your dog would? Common sense needs to kick in, please.

[DROOPY]

Yes dont push him... Probably not feeling like he use too. Get him checked out ..

Hey If you love your rott. and want the best "Get educated" on the breed .

Just being real here!!!! I my self have my boy doing this and i am looking out for him...... Take it easy man PEACE

[Bayler]

Originally Posted by JoJo

How old is your dog? How much does he weigh? When was his last vet check?

Moondog is correct. Think about it. If you were out of shape or not feeling well, do you think you would continue to run? I think not. Then why would you even think your dog would? Common sense needs to kick in, please.

First there is no need to be so rude, I was just trying to get some opinions. My dog is 6, avearage weight of 105, and is seen by the vet regularly. I just didn't know if perhaps it maybe because our other dog was gone or he is just not motivated anymore. Sorry for asking a simple question!

[Bayler]

I don't push him, I do love him and I am educated on the breed. I do whatever it takes to give him the best life. I do take him in after the 1st lap, because I don't want to harm him. He is in good health. I was just wanting some input on what other people might think....I'm not stupid. Wow, people on here are pretty harsh.....act like I'm stupid. I am a member of other forums and people are generaly pretty helpful not ugly.

[harleychik66]

How long has the dog been missing? Were the two dogs close?

It could be depression.

When we lost Niko our GSD, Dude our rottie mix was incredibly depressed. At first he didn't want to walk as long either. Our walks were usually 1-2 hours. After Niko died sometimes around the block was enough for Dude. After a vet check to make sure nothing was physically wrong, I researched depression in animals. It seems that depression can last up to 3-4 months. After several months Dude did snap back to his usual self. Even though we did adopt another dog, I can tell that Dude has not bonded near as much with her.

If this is the case remember to stay upbeat. Dogs read off of the owners emotions. If you are showing sadness whether in actions or the sound of you voice your dog will sense this, and this could be part of the problem.

Good luck

[JoJo]

First there is no need to be so rude,

I wasn't rude, I said please. I just asked a few simple questions without beating around the bush.

[jlaack]

Has he always been your running companion or is this a new thing for him? If he has always been your jogging partner and suddenly will do stop after a block, I'd be very concerned about there being a health concern causing him to be unwilling to run further. If running for him is new thing perhaps it isn't enjoyable to him. So dogs love jogging others don't. Just like swimming, playing with balls, etc., etc. If it simply isn't his thing I wouldn't push it.

[TrinaJ]

Firstly, I dont think any of the posts here were rude, if you read them correctly they make sense. If i am not feeling 100% the last think I want to do is run, may the dog is feeling the same way.

I would mention to your vet what has happened, mention all things that may have changed in his life.

There are many reasons that a dog will not run, you dont want to find out why before its too late. Dogs are very strong and wont show they are in pain unless its MAJOR pain. In most cases of osteosarcoma you dont even know your dog has it UNTIL he/she starts to favour their leg and then mostly its too late. I am not saying your dog has osteosarcoma but I wouldn't rule anything out UNTIL you've taken your dog to the vet. Just because you cant see something isn't right doesn't mean that everything is okay. My dog was find, he was 8, i took him to the vet because he started to limp, he limped for 1 day. He was dx with osteosarcoma on 13/09/2002 (hubby's b'day) and was pts after a legbreak 4 months later 17/10/2002.

Please take the advice here that is given, its all given with good intentions and not to hurt you or make judgements on you.

Hope your dog is okay!

Trina