Is my dog depressed?

[daisymama12]

We adopted a lab-mix from the SPCA 2 weeks ago, and I'm wondering if this is his "real" personality, or if he's a little depressed due to the transition?
I know only time will tell, but I wonder if anyone's btdt with a rescue dog.

His behaviour during the day is very low key. He sleeps all day, sometimes close to me (I work at home), sometimes in his dog bed. I get him up once in a while for cuddles, or for a little training. He moves pretty slowly.

The SPCA said he was 9 months, the vet said maybe a year, or year and a half.
He is eating well, and drinking well.
He responds to affection, and occasionally seeks it out.
He looks the happiest when my sons & husband come home - waggy tail, interested, etc.
He goes out for 3 or 4 walks a day, of varying lengths. He will go off leash & chase a ball at least once/day.
He is a little anxious passing people and dogs on our walks, but it's improving.
He is finishing off antibiotics for kennel cough.


Do you think I've got a mellow dog or a depressed dog?

Also, does anyone know of any good dog-related boards (I have a million questions!), the MDC of the dog world?

[SophieAnn]

I don't have rescue experience but that sounds like perfectly normal behavior to me.

Seriously my dog sleeps all day. So did my previous dog. It's what dogs do. My dog is 16 months old, and he's been like this for a very long time, so they do it as puppies too.

When we're away at work, I'm sure he sleeps most of the day, then he's a bit more active in the evening. On weekends when we're home all day, he probably sleeps at least half the time, and then is pretty sleepy in the evening too since he's been more active than on weekdays. He's one of those breeds that stays a puppy for a long time (like a lab does). Dogs just sleep a lot.

Sounds like a mellow, normal dog.

[daisymama12]

I guess I forgot how much dogs sleep.

I kind of remember my previous dog as being more active, but I am not complaining! A mellow dog is exactly what I want

[Katie T]

Yeah, We had a German shorthair and man that dog had energy, I swear eh never slept. We also have a teadybear (Bishon/Shitzu) and he is the laziest dog ever. (Which I love) Sounds like you just got a mellow one.

He may liven up after a week or so, I find animals go threw a stage where they are well behaved till they get to know and trust you.

Enjoy your new family member, they are so much fun!