New Member

Posts: 6
From:Tallahassee Florida
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-24-2004 08:03 AM         

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I have a one year old rat terrier who is very sweet. However, lately he is acting strange. Before he used to sleep in my bed although he had a crate available. Now he spends a lot of time in it. Sometimes when I try to get him out to pet him or comfort him he doesn't want to come out. This part will sound strange but here it goes. I am getting a new puppy in two months and I have been talking to him about her. I am saying her name a lot so he can get used to it. Is it possible he fully understands or he depressed for some other reason or he acting like a normal dog?

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Member

Posts: 160
From:Columbia, SC, USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-24-2004 09:49 AM         

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I doubt that he is upset about the new puppy.

First, I would have him checked out by a vet to make sure it is nothing physical. It could also be he needs a food change.

Also, is the dog neutered? I was just asking this b/c I had a male dog that we didn't get neutered right away and he became really moody as he got older. By moody I mean somedays he didn't want to talk (you know what I mean) to anyone. Just wanted to sleep, etc. Getting him neutered fixed the problem.

That is all I could think of.

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New Member

Posts: 6
From:Tallahassee Florida
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-24-2004 10:11 AM         

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Thanks for responding. He is not neutured b/c he is going to be bred when he gets a little older. He is healthy otherthan occaisional ear ache. The vet says he's fine. About changing his food, I tried that. He took a couple of bites and walked away. I am worried b/c he does not want to eat his food, but has no problem getting some of mine. He only gets one or two bites of human food, so he can't be full. Right now, though, he is playing with his toys. I don't know what to do with him, I hate to think he is upset about something. Any suggestions?

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Member

Posts: 77
From:
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-24-2004 10:40 AM         

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Hi,

I'm also a rattie owner I'm wondering how long yours has seemed depressed. Mine is, for the most part, happy and prone to regular eating and exercise habits, but every once in a while he's off his food, or he gets a little moody, or quiet and distant, is how I would describe it. Usually lasts a few days, then he's back to his old self... I doubt he understands what you're saying, but is it possible he's picking up on anxiety on your part when you talk to him about the new puppy? Anyway, if it lasts more than a few days I'd go see a vet... you may see him just snap out of it, though.

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New Member

Posts: 6
From:Tallahassee Florida
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-24-2004 02:30 PM         

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He has been like this since yesterday. However, now he is acting fine again. My roommate gave him a treat, so he's excited. To the person who said you have a rattie -Aren't they great!!! This is my first little dog and I have never cared this much for a dog before.

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