Help with soft dog

[luvmylabs]

We recently bought a, "started dog." She is 1 yr old. We were very specific that we wanted a female with an awesome pedigree to get a master hunter on before breeding. We have now had her 2 weeks. At first we thought her personality was due to the shipping, new environment, etc. Her ears are pinned back to the side of her head, tail wound up UNDERNEATH her body. The person said she would fetch bumpers all day,and was started on birds. Fetch bumpers? Not for us!! She will fetch a few, then NOT bring them back. We are very disappointed as we have spent a great deal of money on this girl. We have and have had other labradors, and have never seen a personality like this in one. We are hoping against hope something clicks with her. She acts like she has been beaten (I honestly do not think she was,) or Not socalized at all!! Has anyone else had this problem, or have any thoughts at all on how to get this girl out of her funk?

Thanks for the replies!

[Casper]

mabey she is a little scared give her some time make her comfortable when she starts to relax and perk up then start with fun things

[snips]

Have you asked the breeder about this? I would let them know right away about the timidness.

[Dave Gowdey]

two weeks are a very short time for a dog to get used to new surroundings and a new "pack." She's scared!! Remember, at a year of age, a dog has socialized into a pack and territory - and being removed from that setting is far more traumatic than it would be for a little pup. This would especially be true if you have other dogs that are a bit suspicious of the newcomer and making her feel a bit less than welcome. The short answer is to relax and have more realistic expectations.

Basically - you need to have patience!! If the dog is still behaving oddly after six months of being loved and socialized - then you might have a problem. In the meantime, let her get to know and love you. Good luck.

[Greg Jennings]

Seconding Brenda.

Additionally, what you're describing is not a soft dog. It's a scared dog.

Best,

[luvmylabs]

I asked about the retrieving and was told, "what are you talking about, she will retrieve them all day long." Then was asked if I was using white bumpers. We did not just buy her we bought another dog from them as well. The only other dog she has had to get used to is my yellow female I already had. Thank you for the help. I have 5 children so I have "neverending" patience. LOL!!!!

[Dave Gowdey]

Can you describe the family dynamics a bit. Is the other dog you bought from this breeder behaving the same way? Is this female dog you posted about in contact with her "littermate" so that she can get used to her surroundings with a "bit of help."? Is the new dog living inside the house where she can socialize with the family? How does she behave? What about feeding time? what is the relationship between her and your other female? Is the other female spayed? Are they playing together? Any friction?

[TAK]

Snips has a good idea!
In the 2 weeks have you seen an improvement? I would hope in the two weeks there has been an improvement! I can understand the stress of a new home. I also believe that with the issues allready, are you going to want to work your guts out to make a MH or can she?
What ever you do is your business, but do you think you got what you asked for?????

[luvmylabs]

Family dynamics? I picked this dog up on a Thursday. My 2.5 yr old female had a litter of puppies on that Sunday. So the two dogs I just got are in the house at night and for the majority of the day outside. They are worked with every night. We will bring them in the house for an hour or so here and there. She and the other dog I bought are in each others company 95% of the time. The other dog was a little skitsy the first few days now she is full of it!:)

No, we do not feel as if we got what we paid for. I was very specific about what we wanted to do with this dog. On top of her personality being what it is, she is very stubborn, I do not know what to make of her. If you want her to get in her crate and she does not want to go. She will not go!! We are just very disappointed. If we wanted to spend an extra 6 months training, we would have bought a puppy. I have never seen this in a labrador, it makes you sick to see. My son has been working and playing with her, she is very easy to lead. Last night he played with her and threw the bumper and it was the first time she looked like a dog. Her ears were flapping, tail was up, it was BEUTIFUL!! If we wanted a pet she would be perfect, but we did not pay, "pet Prices." We paid for a, "started dog, started on birds."

Hope I answered all your questions, I appreciate all of the help.

[Casper]

if you dont feel you got what you paid for then see if you can return the dog before you get to atached.
Did you spend some time w/ the trainer with you working the dog before you took her home? She could be confused as well as scared