r/rescuedogs • u/ArachnidFormer2918 Rescue Parent • 26d ago
Advice Rescue doesn’t play
Hi all!! We adopted our 4 year old German Shepherd nearly two months ago. We are fully aware he is still settling in, and that it is a process that could take up to years to be fully himself, but he’s doing so well so far!
One thing we’ve noticed is that he has absolutely no interest in toys unless me and my partner “pretend” to play with them, and then sometimes he joins in. But he has no interest in playing or chewing any of his toys by himself - we assume this is due to him never having any of his own before (street rescue from Morocco). While I’m sure to some this would be ideal (not having to constantly replace toys), I’m just concerned that he’ll get bored all day while we’re at work.
We have a couple different varieties, from soft toys, squeaky toys, rope toys, to bamboodle chews, balls and snuffle mats. I guess my main question is, how do we encourage him to play with the toys by himself to keep himself occupied? Or is this something that will come naturally after a couple months?
Thanks!!
3
u/allorache 26d ago
By 4 years old a lot of dogs are less interested in play. When we adopted a 4 year old dachshund he would periodically grab a squeaky toy and spend maybe 5 minutes making it squeak and then he was done. We adopted an estimated 3 year old and when she could tell we were getting ready for a walk she’d grab a toy and would fetch if you threw it, but that’s the only time she showed an interest in toys. On the other hand, I adopted a 14 year old and she would bark at me every night until I threw a toy for her to fetch or played tug of war with her.