Normal Puppy Behavior?

[lieud]

Hi! We have a 3month old male rottie pup named Mellow. Everyone always laughs at us for naming him that because they think that he must be opposite of that trait. Anyways whenever we take him anywhere, like the vet's office, the pet store, and puppy classes, he is completely complacent. Everytime we go to Petsmart and we're looking at something in an aisle, he stretches out on his side and goes to sleep! lol same for in the vet's office, same for puppy class. He just lies down and chills out. is this normal? At home he likes to run around but once we go somewhere he thinks its nap time. I expected a little more exuberance.. is this normal behavior for such a young pup?


Thanks!

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

It wasn't for my pup...but I sure wish it was!

[hokisteph5]

Samson was very complacent at his very first vet visit after I got him at four months. He laid on the floor and just looked around as I talked with some other dog owners about a trainer I had found (they were sharing how great she was). Samson didn't stay as calm, though, and I wished sometimes he had.

It sounds to me like your dog is being very good and I would encourage the behavior. A calm, confident Rottweiler is something we all strive to have. They make the best ambassadors for our breed.

ETA: I would be more concerned if you said all the puppy did was sleep, at home and when he's out. That might signal a medical issue. As long as he's active at home, but calm when he's out, I think it's okay.

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by lieud

Hi! We have a 3month old male rottie pup named Mellow. Everyone always laughs at us for naming him that because they think that he must be opposite of that trait. Anyways whenever we take him anywhere, like the vet's office, the pet store, and puppy classes, he is completely complacent. Everytime we go to Petsmart and we're looking at something in an aisle, he stretches out on his side and goes to sleep! lol same for in the vet's office, same for puppy class. He just lies down and chills out. is this normal? At home he likes to run around but once we go somewhere he thinks its nap time. I expected a little more exuberance.. is this normal behavior for such a young pup?


Thanks!

Dear Lieud

Zoey was the same way and I thought she was just laid back. I honestly experienced the same thing. She would play in the house (not a lot, not like my new puppy) but would be just as content w/taking a nap. We would go to the store, puppy training and vet and she would find a spot to crash. After she graduated from puppy training, I started personal training. Zoey's trainer kept telling me that something was wrong w/her and to have her thyroids checked out. Long story short, she had HD and a number of other medical problems. I'm not saying that this is the case w/Mellow but better safe than sorry. Now that I have a new puppy, I can truly see the difference and I now know what it feels like to have a puppy and sleepless nights and not a moments rest. When I had Zoey, I could fall asleep on her @ 3 mos and wake up and she'd be in the same spot. My girl had medical problems that prevented her from being a puppy.

Talk to your vet about it. He may be okay but now that I have another pup, I now know that her behavior was not normal puppy behavior.

Good luck and I hope that I haven't scared you.

Send some pics.

[catrine01]

Gabi will be 4 months this Saturday. At home she is a little devil, but outside; the vet's, puppy training, Land of Paws, Pet-smart & Pet-co, she is very, very calm. So we call her a house-devil/street-angel girl!!! She got very tired at puppy kindergarten last Saturday as if she was bored with the whole thing. It was orientation so I can understand. She tends to observe before she jumps in. I really think she is analyzing the situation. These dogs do have a calm and quiet confidence about them. I don't think you have anything to worry about!

[lieud]

Hey thanks for all the advice. i do feel way better knowing that he isn't abnormal or anything. haha the puppy trainers were baffled by his snoozing..i guess it is kind of funny when all of the other puppies are freaking out.

Thanks again!

[KatarinasMom]

Our last girl, Baby, was very laid back and behaved much like your Mellow right up until the day she passed. Our new girl, Rina, was very laid back when we first got her at 4 mo. old. She did the same things that your describing when we took her to the vet, PetSmart, etc. She is now 10 mo. old and very much keeps us on our toes every second she is awake! Maybe your pup will stay laid back like our Baby did, but if not than I strongly suggest enjoying it while it lasts.

[Oskar's Mummy]

sounds like oskar. even at puppy class sometimes, he'd flop down and decide to take a nap. our instructor made a joke saying we shouldnt stress the "stay" command with him too much....sometimes its hard for him to move after he gets comfortable!