[TylerAMcCoy]

Hi all (please excuse my grammar and spelling beforehand lol)
I adopted a border collie/ i think American bulldog puppy from a local shelter about two wees ago and he is the calmest dog i have ever owned. He listens far better than any other puppy i have had at his age and has been extremely easy to teach basic commands so far (im assuming this comes from his border collie blood). I have a large field from behind my house that i take him to so he can play. So far i have noticed he is extremely timid around other animals and even some larger inanimate objects. he is also been a bit difficult to get him to run around. whenever i try to run with him he just sits and looks at me like i am crazy. he was a bit overweight when i first got him but now he is alot healthier yet he still has issues jumping up onto the couch or bed and getting around certain objects. i don't think his size or strength is the issue but from what i can tell it is a lack of motivation. any help trying to get this guy active would be much appreciated!!

 

[spotted nikes]

How old is he?
Usually dogs need time to adjust to a new environment. Their personality doesn't really come out until they have settled in. It may take a month or so.
Has he had a vet check him out? Worms can give a swollen belly appearance, and cause lack of energy. fecal checks are inexpensive.

 

[Amaryllis]

Two weeks is still early in the settling in period. Just give him time. Keep all your interactions positive and approach him with calmness and patience. Start training, and definitely use a clicker. Keep sessions short and begin and end on something he knows, even if it's just responding to his name. Keep him on a schedule, as well, that instills confidence, too. Exercise is important for physical and mental well being in dogs (and humans), so take him for walks, just be careful of the heat, and since he's a puppy, don't make him run or jump as that can damage developing joints. (If he chooses to run and jump, that's fine, he'll stop before he hurts himself.)

As to the not jumping and problems getting around, have you taken him to a vet? It may be nothing, but I'd want to make sure his joints are okay.

 

[vertigo210]

First of all props for adopting, we have 2 rescues ourselves. Is he the only dog you have? Our female dog was very skittish and fearful of other animals when we first got her (7 weeks). As she grew she became a little more cofident but still lacked the confidence and want to go for walks. It was not until we added a second dog, her playmate, to our walks that she gained the confidence to walk and venture. Best of luck with your progress. Oh yeah, would love to see a pic of him.