[MSUSpartan]

Hey everyone! After having a hard time last week about giving up on adopting a puppy (New Boston Terrier puppy this weekend!), I'm happy to say that I found a 15 week pup from a VERY reputable breeder. I flew to another state to pick him up and now he's home in the middle of Manhattan!

He's having a little hard time adjusting right now, I have a couple issues so if you guys have any advice it would be greatly appreciated!

- He's not eating ... he did eat about 1/4 cup last night but nothing this morning.
- He is nervous whenever he is outside, expected since he is not a city pup, but he would just stand still and shake a lot, refusing to walk.
- Since he is nervous outside, he wouldn't do his business. I do take him out a lot and he was managed to go No.1 a couple of times, but no No.2.
- He's not used to sleeping alone yet, I had to stay last night on the couch with lights on so he can see me while he sleeps. We tried leaving him alone but he cried a lot and ended up pooping in his crate...
- He's not responding to treats or toys even at home, so it's a little hard to train...
- Breeder said that I should feed twice a day (1/2 cup each), but everywhere I read online people suggest 3 or 4 times a day. What should I do?

Thanks!

Here's a shot of the little guy Woody:

 

[Gally]

-It's not uncommon for a pup in a new home to not want to eat. Are you feeding him the same thing the breeder did? You can add a little water or wet food to try to entice him to eat.
-Don't worry about walks yet, just get him used to being outside and all the city noises. Sit somewhere quieter with him outdoors, maybe hold him in your lap and feed him treats if he'll take them while you listen to the noises.
-Make sure you throw a puppy party everytime he does his business outside. Lots of praise and treats so he thinks going outside is the best thing ever.
-Can you let him sleep in your room? Move his crate in your bedroom if you can, dogs prefer to be with their family and he'll sleep better if you're near and you'll sleep better in your bed.
-What treats are you offering? It might just take him a while to adjust before he starts accepting treats or wanting to play.
-I like to feed pups 3 times a day personally.

He's adorable.

 

[luv2byte]

Stop stressing & pushing. He is confused & scared. Give him at least a week to relax a bit.

Yes, breeder was right on food. We feed a little less tan that to compensate for the (healthy) treats they get.

He is a doll.

 

[Rescued]

He is adorable! I just wanted to add (which I'm sure you're aware of since it looks like you've done plenty of research) to be careful about parvo. I don't worry about it as much when we have young foster puppies since we have a backyard that no other dogs in, but my image of Manhattan is a small area of grass that a number of different dogs frequent. Just be extra careful taking him outside (if that potty grass situation is one that unknown dogs visit) and also just on places like sidewalks, parking lots, stairs, ect.

Congrats on the new baby!

Edit- Just wanted to add (I dont know if it matters to you) that although both puppies looked healthy, this puppy looks MUCH more like a boston terrier. Even if it doesn't matter, thank you for being part of the all-too tiny number of puppy buyers that actually research their decision and resist impulse purchases. It'll definitely pay off in the long run.

 

[Luna'sOwner]

it's natural that he eats less right now.
Try not to pay too much attention to his nerves, and stay calm yourself. You are his example, so you need to be his example that there is nothing to fear and that these things are normal - he is simply adjusting and needs to see from you that it is fine and that you are trustworthy - just do not baby him when he is afraid, but rather praise and give attention (which is also a form of praise) every time he is not afraid.
Get him used to the house first, and perhaps carry him in the city in the beginning. Take it one step at a time.

I used to feed the rotties 3x a day but our provider advised that 2x a day is good. Just check with your food producer and what they advise.

Good luck, and don't worry too much - it won't take very long, but will also not go overnight, so it may take a week or even a month. Just give him the right guidance and praise at the right times to encourage his confidence and fearlessness

 

[Luna'sOwner]

p.s he is freaking cute!

 

[Cailin]

I don't have any advice, since I haven't been there yet. Just wanted to say congratulations on your new puppy! It is a really cute dog, and you are a great photographer.

 

[Amaryllis]

So cute!

He just doesn't know you yet. If I kidnapped you and dropped you off in the middle of China, wouldn't you be scared, even if your host family was super nice? Give him time, be gentle and quiet, he'll come along.

 

[InkedMarie]

Give him time. Be patient! He's adorable, by the way.