Border terrier pup

[Liz bix]

hi I m new here and want to intriduce myself and new pup Frankie to the group. I have some concerns of his lack of interest in food and activity if anyone can help . We ve had him 4 weeks he was 12 weeks then. He is very good with peeing and pooing outside, loves his crate and bed. However between times he is very quiet, eats very little and sleeps most of the time. He does walk out ok and occasionally becomes animated but generally not outgoing. He s fully vex and vet checked no health isssues, is this normal?any advice appreciated

 

[Caro Perry]

Is he growing and putting on weight? What are you feeding him - is he interested in your food?

Lethargy and lack of appetite can also be a side effect of some of the new oral flea treatments. Google the brand you are using and look up whether they are listed.

I got Harri off the kibble at 3 months as it looked so boring to me! I'd top it with cheese sometimes and occasionally marmite gravy. Anything to ring the changes. Even now putting some of "our" food on top of his tea makes a real difference to his enthusiasm for meals. He likes to think he's having the same as us.

 

[JudyN]

Do you get the impression he's shy and fearful? What is he like when he sees or meets other people and dogs on walks? Are there games or toys he likes, such as a squeaky ball?

Also, if you got him from a breeder it will be worth having a chat with them - they will be able to advise you if the parents and the rest of the litter are particularly laid back and quiet.

 

[Liz bix]

Is he growing and putting on weight? What are you feeding him - is he interested in your food?

Lethargy and lack of appetite can also be a side effect of some of the new oral flea treatments. Google the brand you are using and look up whether they are listed.

I got Harri off the kibble at 3 months as it looked so boring to me! I'd top it with cheese sometimes and occasionally marmite gravy. Anything to ring the changes. Even now putting some of "our" food on top of his tea makes a real difference to his enthusiasm for meals. He likes to think he's having the same as us.

Thanks, yes he adores cheese so that helps if I sprinkle a bit on top, suppose I expected a pup to enjoy food. I ll definitely check out his flea tax that sounds good. I thought the kibble looked boring which is why I added Caesar. Hopefully he ll be a bit brighter as he gets older. The breeder introduced us to mum who was bright and chirpy

 

[Liz bix]

Do you get the impression he's shy and fearful? What is he like when he sees or meets other people and dogs on walks? Are there games or toys he likes, such as a squeaky ball?

Also, if you got him from a breeder it will be worth having a chat with them - they will be able to advise you if the parents and the rest of the litter are particularly laid back and quiet.

Hi thanks for that, initially he was very shy and fearful, but now he runs to people and is very saggy and more outgoing. He does have a squeaky fox which he likes, but doesn’t t play for more than five minutes and gets bored. He has periods like an overtired child when I have to settle him then he ll sleep for England. Maybe I m I’ve anxious about this x

 

[Liz bix]

Thanks, yes he adores cheese so that helps if I sprinkle a bit on top, suppose I expected a pup to enjoy food. I ll definitely check out his flea tax that sounds good. I thought the kibble looked boring which is why I added Caesar. Hopefully he ll be a bit brighter as he gets older. The breeder introduced us to mum who was bright and chirpy

Yes he is growing and putting on weight, he s been fleas and wormed via the vet and health checked etc. X

 

[JudyN]

Puppies do sleep a lot - according to one website I've just found, 16-week-old puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours a day Though I'm pretty sure mine never did, he spent at least 12 hours a day causing general destruction!

 

[Liz bix]

Puppies do sleep a lot - according to one website I've just found, 16-week-old puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours a day Though I'm pretty sure mine never did, he spent at least 12 hours a day causing general destruction!

Ha ha that’s what I expected but he s very chilled. If he goes in his cage he ll sleep through anything! I e never had a puppy like him x

 

[Caro Perry]

Harri was also the chilled sort - still is really ( he's a Welsh terrier - not a breed known for being chilled). We had short periods of high activity and then find him asleep on the floor. The breeder also gave us the amount of kibble to feed which was a lot less than the amount suggested by the manufacturer!

Provided he's growing and gaining weight I'd just relax. Harri has days where he hardly eats anything and then a few days later he'll eat for Wales. His weight is constant and absolutely spot on breed standard so he's clearly getting enough calories and self regulating his intake.

 

[Liz bix]

Harri was also the chilled sort - still is really ( he's a Welsh terrier - not a breed known for being chilled). We had short periods of high activity and then find him asleep on the floor. The breeder also gave us the amount of kibble to feed which was a lot less than the amount suggested by the manufacturer!

Provided he's growing and gaining weight I'd just relax. Harri has days where he hardly eats anything and then a few days later he'll eat for Wales. His weight is constant and absolutely spot on breed standard so he's clearly getting enough calories and self regulating his intake.

Oh that’s good to hear, I thought borders would be hyper, but he isn’t t which is good really. He is adorable so I don t care as long as he s happy and healthy x

 

[Rhythmpig]

What a beautiful looking little big man he is. I wouldn't worry,the border I've got now was always laid back compared to the others. But be warned...they don't get the nickname of Border Terrorist for nothing. They are great with people,but if it's got four legs or wings,its fair game. They can have a real high prey drive even at a young age. All the ones I've had have been very good to train,they generally pick things up quickly.

Enjoy the little fella,they are great dogs to have around,I love em.

 

[Liz bix]

What a beautiful looking little big man he is. I wouldn't worry,the border I've got now was always laid back compared to the others. But be warned...they don't get the nickname of Border Terrorist for nothing. They are great with people,but if it's got four legs or wings,its fair game. They can have a real high prey drive even at a young age. All the ones I've had have been very good to train,they generally pick things up quickly.

Enjoy the little fella,they are great dogs to have around,I love em.

Thank you, yes he has already tried chasing birds although can’t get anywhere near, he s good with other dogs so far and a real character, I like him laid back just want to know he s healthy and happy x