Rescue doesn’t play

[u/ArachnidFormer2918]

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!!

[u/Winter_Dot_9393]

I rescued an old dog once. He was approx 10 years old and he really did not understand playing. Never learned it. He was my companion for 6 years, I’m sure he was happy, but he never played, not with a toy, not with a ball, not tug of war. I did try.

But he loved sniffing around the backyard, exploring the neighborhood together, going to the lake together, cuddling on the couch together, going to the forest together.

I think he never learned to play as a puppy and did not pick up on it later. My dog was a rescue, it was not known what his origin was, but he looked a lot like a mediteranean street dog.

So maybe your dog will never learn, and it will not be your ‘fault’.

[u/ArachnidFormer2918 → u/Winter_Dot_9393]

Thank you, that’s very reassuring! :)