New to Forum and New Pup

[Georgiana]

:confused:
I've adopted a beautiful little 4 year old, male, unneutered from a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel rescue. He's been with me 4 days now and is delightful but I think depressed for his old home. He was raised and trained by a dog show professional and because he developed a cataract in one eye can no longer be shown. The owner was going to put him down.

What can I do to make him happier? He is lethargic, sleeps all the time; prefers his crate at all times when he's not on my lap, shows no sign of any pep or energy. He's eating well and likes to quietly go outdoors on a leash. He sticks to me like glue when he's not in his crate.

Any ideas to make him happier. (I haven't heard his voice yet ... no cries, whimpers, whines or barking whatsoever)

[tavollbracht]

Hi,
I have 4 cavaliers, and have recently adopted a two year old recently as well. I have other dogs though and it made the transition much easier.

I would first just give it time. He may feel unsure for some time, but once the memories start to fade and he gets use to his new environment he should settle no problem. The fact that he sticks to you is a sign of his weariness. Can you take the crate away? Do you need it for some reason? Make him a bed somewhere in the house, your room is where he would want to be, but somewhere out of the way if not.

If he still has not settled in a week from now then maybe a trip to a see some other dogs would perk him up. Was he with other dogs before? I presume he was as he came from a dog shower and he is probaly missing the other dogs.
I am sure that in no time at all he will settle in. He sounds like he is timid by nature anyway.

Hope all goes well.
Amy

[Carol]

If a Cavalier is anything like my Cocker Spaniel Casey, I agree that the poor dog is missing the other dogs. Casey was owned by a breeder. She was voted off the island at age 5 so I am lucky to have her. But, she was missing them at first. I took her for many,many walks every day the first few weeks. She loved it when we met up with other small dogs. It perked her right up. Of course this was after I took her to the vet and got her shots up to date.
Also, Cocker Spaniels have to be able to see you at all times. They are either right beside you or nearby so they can see you. Casey is crate trained but at night she sleeps either in her own bed on the floor of my room or on my bed. I made such a fuss of her those first weeks that we bonded and the vet was amazed at how she settled in. Having a Spaniel really is like having a toddler.