So my Mom recently adopted a puppy, Hank, her first pet in twenty years. It's a loooong story, but here's the little fella:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2gyap6o.jpg

He's four and a half months old now and I keep him at my pet store during the day. Except for ignorant people's occasional actions, this works out really well. But that's a story for another thread. Here's what is confusing me: The dog never distress barks. Never jumps at the counter when people are cooing at him from the other side. Never tries to make a run for it when I open the counter gate. In other words, he doesn't act like a puppy! He sleeps over 50% of the time, and just sits and watches the rest of the time.

Don't get me wrong, he's chewed up belongings and had some accidents. And he's jumped on the counter, tugged on lead, tried to make a "jail-break" and whimpered when left alone before, but corrections didn't have to be repeated much. He just doesn't get excited like every other puppy I've ever seen. He wags his tail constantly and is very affectionate, it's not that he has a cold disposition. But he seldom breaks eye contact, and either just stares at everyone or chews on his toy. Even other dogs that come in don't usually get him to move! He's learning commands quickly, he's a total chow hound (eats disturbingly fast), and seems to be in good health. It's just not a temperament I've seen before, at least not at this age. Anyone had a puppy like this? What should I expect? It seems too good to be true sometimes, and I wonder if a "serious" puppy might make a different kind of dog.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (04/13/2009 08:18 PM)
Edit reason: change large pic to URL

I have a dog who is a real Mr. Calming Signal, who is my right-hand man when I work with an anxious, fearful, or otherwise psychologically distressed dog. Although I did not know him as a puppy, I imagine that he was much as you describe. He is healthy, right?

I do have a question: By "stare" you mean just gaze, right, as opposed to challenge?

P.S. I am sure that the puppy experts will have much better answers.

Has she had him checked by the Vet?

How long has he been 'found'?


Randy

What's the problem?

LOL. He sounds great. But I must warn you, I had one of these. Too good to be true as a tot...then he matured into a 'serious' dog, who I adore, but could be a trial. I honestly don't think this description is of anything but a very good, intelligent puppy. He is not showing any signs (or at least you didn't mention any) of any kind of problem w/temperament; he's just friendly but calm. Not a bad combo! Mine was not so friendly. He wouldn't care if people cooed at him from the counter; they'd be lucky if he looked at them. Hank sounds a bit sweeter in his disposition.

Other than that, he sounds sooooo much like Caleb as a pup. Today, he's one of the smartest dogs I've ever known, I can communicate with him on a level some people have a problem understanding, he is not easily distracted at all, can behave in just about any situation I've put him in, but he is territorial and protective, and can border on unfriendly. He's usually neutral, but if someone forces the issue, he can turn unfriendly pretty fast.

However, he didn't wag his tail as a puppy constantly like you are describing at all. He was very sweet w/me, but aloof w/strangers. So, I think while many elements are the same, your Mom's dog will most likely grow into a very calm, well-mannered, intelligent dog. Simon was also similar as a pup, and he is super smart as well. I think Hank sounds highly intelligent, and thus is reacting in a more desireable way than many puppies would; some dogs have a better ability to read situations and behave accordingly than others.

Sounds to me like your mom got very lucky. Plus, he's SUPER cute!

Edited to add...I'd be curious as to your answer to Connie's question, too. There are different stares. Caleb used to stare/challenge. Simon used to stare/fascinated. Two very different stares w/very different motives!

Edited by Jenni Williams (04/14/2009 12:08 PM)
Edit reason: afterthought

He sounds a lot like Nico as a pup, she was always very calm and well behaved but happy and affectionate as well.

One correction is all it ever took with her and she has always just seemed to be able to intuitively know what it is she is supposed to do.

As long as he is healthy and there isn't any fear going on I think he sounds like a wonderful little pup!

 Quote: randy allen

How long has he been 'found'?


Randy

"We" took him in a little over a month ago. All I know about his background is that his former owner was keeping him in her car because her apartment complex wouldn't allow dogs. The idea was to foster him until a permanent home was found. Of course, my mother fell in love with him. I really couldn't object, because he was the easiest puppy I had ever tried to train. Ridiculously high food drive (still eats like he'll never get another meal), strong prey drive, and fairly "soft" as Ed puts it. I don't think he's been abused, he's not hand shy or anything. In fact, he's not shy at all. He just doesn't care one bit about people. And he's not even five months old!

Sorry if I posted too large a pic, Connie.

 Quote: connie sutherland

He is healthy, right?

He's had vet checkups with his regular vaccinations. Seems to be healthy, by all accounts.

 Quote: connie sutherland

I do have a question: By "stare" you mean just gaze, right, as opposed to challenge?

I've never picked up on any dominant indicators. He just looks everyone right in the eye. I suppose his wagging tail is more pronounced around "family" than strangers, but he greets everyone in a friendly enough manner when I allow. He's just (for lack of a better word) "weird" around people and other dogs. Often I'll open the gate to let him meet someone and he won't even get off his bed. He's submissive and happy enough when they approach, but he doesn't have that puppy exuberance. In fact, quite the opposite. He'll hold his ears back and lick his nose and wag the tail tip submissively, but more often than not won't even go to them when they are calling and clapping. Sometimes little kids come in squealing and running or even squeaking every dog toy on the shelves and he just wrinkles his forehead and watches. I've been around a lot of puppies, and have never seen one act like this. I'd love to get him on video with stimuli going on around him, people constantly comment that he acts like a senior dog.

I babysit him at least a night or two a week, and he plays like you would expect a puppy to with my adult dogs. I have taken tons of pics of that -him getting riled, getting "corrected" by the older dogs, him submitting, etc. But take him on a walk and he could give a can of beans if someone is walking by with a dog just dying to meet him. He'll sniff, but honestly seems more interested in the smells the nearby grass has to offer.

I'm glad to hear that these puppy traits seem to be those of dogs some of you folks adore! I expect that behavior from my dogs... after burning lots of calories training and a year and change of age behind them. Honestly, this puppy is more aloof around new dogs and "happy" people than my four year old. I was honestly afraid that this might be an animal that would likely grow intolerant of anyone outside of his pack. My thought was that my dog-friendly pet shop would be a great place to get him socialized, but he is remarkably indifferent to all who come in -on two legs or four.

This dog will be a total joy to marker train. Food drive is something I am grateful for every time I train, and a dog who isn't easily distracted -- well, this guy is going to be "sky is the limit" as far as training goes.

Oh, I am SO relieved! I truly was near certain that his behavior was abnormal and indicative of less than desirable adult issues. Thanks, everyone!