5-Month Old Energy Level

[lbraxton]

Good morning,
My 5mo old, soon to be 6 months next week, rottie energy is really low. At first I didn't mind because I was really happy that she was laid back, now, it's a concern. We have her in training and the trainer said that she tires too easy and she doesn't have a lot of energy. Can anyone tell me how much energy a puppy should have at her age? The weird thing w/her is that she'll chase her shadow around all day, she'll run w/the children, she'll run around the yard w/her toys but when it's time to take walks or train, she tires easily. Her tongue will hang out her mouth and she'll just lie down. For the most part, she's not bouncing off the walls, never had and now I'm starting to get a little worried. Any suggestions?

[Dugganmom]

I personally think she needs to go to the vet. If you know you dog and she is not acting normal, she should probaly be seen. Keep us posted!

[tyson01]

I agree with Dugganmom take her to the vet and let them see whats the problem is

[rottcrazed]

I too would have her heart checked out to make sure things are good, but otherwise, you may simply have a lazy dog. Lazy dogs do have energy for things they WANT to do as you have mentioned above, but when it comes to things they are asked to do, they 'tire' easily.

May be medical but I have seen MANY rottweilers who are plain and simple lazy. If she is a family pet, then who cares? If you bought her as a working prospect, well, you didn't get that dog.

Kristi

[RottsNScotts]

If her health checks out with the vet, you can try crating her for a couple of hours before her training session so she isn't chasing her shadow or playing with the kids and is rested. When it is time for training, take her out on a leash to potty then go play!

[JuneyB]

Defintely a vet check is in order. Did your dog get less active when the weather warmed up? Some dogs tire out much easier in the heat.

My male is much less energetic than the female. And he is is good shape. Based on this and his temperment, he is a therapy dog. Now the female...I a thinking marathon steeplechase may suit her.....lol. Probably agiltiy once some more obedience is in place....or flying squirrel tryouts!!!!

[dmoniz]

Originally Posted by rottcrazed

I too would have her heart checked out to make sure things are good, but otherwise, you may simply have a lazy dog. Lazy dogs do have energy for things they WANT to do as you have mentioned above, but when it comes to things they are asked to do, they 'tire' easily.

May be medical but I have seen MANY rottweilers who are plain and simple lazy. If she is a family pet, then who cares? If you bought her as a working prospect, well, you didn't get that dog.

Kristi

I agree, first make sure she is healthy. I just wanted to add that even a lazy dog can be a good worker. Obedience is BOOOORRRRRINGGGGG, compared to other work. Logan lags like crazy on heel, on long walks he strolls calmly by my side. He has always been what I would call a lazy dog, which makes him great around the house. That being said, look at his titles. I have to make obedience fun for him. Find what motivates. For Logan it is food, but it can also be a favorite toy that only comes out at training time. Logan loves to work sheep, loves to do protection work, and loves to track. He can be hard to slow down, until I make him heel I also notice that he has more endurance at 2 years old than he did as a puppy.

[gnwhite]

maybe he just does not like to do what you are asking him to do. its not abnormal for a dog to just get like a mule and lay down when they are not interested in the task at hand. find a way to motivate the dog that seems to work for both of you.

I have a very hard headed rottie. he can go from doing nothing to being like a jack russel terrier in seconds with the right motivation. maybe watch what gets him going and try to incorperate that into your training . and yes get him checked by the vet. it just seems to me like he has energy, chasing tail and all it may just be the motivation factor.

good luck

[slinger]

Another thing to consider is his diet.

Are you feeding a super premium dog food? I know that some of the cheaper ones can decrease their energy levels.

[SonnyRott]

And while you are at the vet, I would get x-rays of his hips. Not just have the vet "feel" them, but x-ray them.

A dog doesn't have to be limping to have early signs of hip problems.

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by slinger

Another thing to consider is his diet.

Are you feeding a super premium dog food? I know that some of the cheaper ones can decrease their energy levels.

I was feeding Zoety Nutro Natural Choice for awhile and recently, within the last month, switched her to Canidae.

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by rottcrazed

I too would have her heart checked out to make sure things are good, but otherwise, you may simply have a lazy dog. Lazy dogs do have energy for things they WANT to do as you have mentioned above, but when it comes to things they are asked to do, they 'tire' easily.

May be medical but I have seen MANY rottweilers who are plain and simple lazy. If she is a family pet, then who cares? If you bought her as a working prospect, well, you didn't get that dog.

Kristi

She's definitely a family pet. I will have her checked out and keep you all posted. I want them to do bloodwork on her because the trainer mentioned thyroids so I'm really concerned. Right now, she's outside playing w/the children. I'm calling the vet first thing in the am and I will keep you all posted. If I had to bet on it, I'd say she's not interested in doing what we want to do but I'd also have to say that there may be sometime type of medical problem also because a short walk, perhaps 1/4 mile will drain her. Her tongue will hang from her mouth but boy does she get energy while she's running around on the field and playing w/the children or her all time favorite - chasing the flashlight light.

Thanks for all your help and I'll keep you posted.

[lbraxton]

Okay good people, I just got off the phone w/the vet and I'm dropping Zoey off @ 7am Wednesday, that's the 14th (she'll be 6 mos). I told them I wanted her heart checked and bloodwork taken for thyroid problems and/or anything else that could be the cause of her not having a lot of energy.

I will keep you posted but I have to be totally honest, I'm started to get a little freaked out because she appears to be sick. She's not doing as much moving around as she was earlier yesterday. My husband said it's just me but it's sort of like your child, I know my Zoey and something is going on w/her. I hope I'm wrong. I'll keep you posted.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by lbraxton

Okay good people, I just got off the phone w/the vet and I'm dropping Zoey off @ 7am Wednesday, that's the 14th (she'll be 6 mos). I told them I wanted her heart checked and bloodwork taken for thyroid problems and/or anything else that could be the cause of her not having a lot of energy.

I will keep you posted but I have to be totally honest, I'm started to get a little freaked out because she appears to be sick. She's not doing as much moving around as she was earlier yesterday. My husband said it's just me but it's sort of like your child, I know my Zoey and something is going on w/her. I hope I'm wrong. I'll keep you posted.

Good wishes coming your way! I know EXACTLY how you feel!

Don't forget to have them snap a pic of her hips.

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by SonnyRott

Good wishes coming your way! I know EXACTLY how you feel!

Don't forget to have them snap a pic of her hips.

The vet is supposed to call me this morning to discuss what they will be doing on Wednesday. Because I will be dropping her off in the am, I want to be clear as to what they'll be doing to her while I'm at work. I don't want drop her off and they say, she appears to be fine and they do not take any bloodwork. I'll make sure to have them take a look at her hip also.

Thanks for your help. I will keep you posted.