[zuzant]

A week ago I adopted a 3.5 year old shih-tzu/bichon cross. I don't know much about her past, except that she was abandoned 8 weeks ago, matted, filthy and with a badly damaged right eye. Through donations, a vet was able to safely remove the eye, spay her and clean her up. Since she has been with me she has adjusted well to the stairs and seems to see very well, considering her limitation. She is extremely low key and I wonder if this is just her personality or if she is depressed.
She sleeps a great deal and only halfheartedly fetches. She shows minor enthusiasm for her walks and returns to sleep within just a few minutes of returning. I have tried a bit of mild rough and tumble on the bed with her, but she very quickly becomes carried away and vicious, so I don't play that with her anymore. Can any of you suggest some games or activities I can do with her that might bring her out a little bit?? I must also tell you that I have poor lung health and can only handle a couple of half-hour walks each day, with 3 or 4 shorter piddle walks in between. I had hoped to take her to daycare a couple of times a week, but she seems really frightened of other dogs, so that's out. I'd sure like to get your thoughts....thanks in advance....

[lange]

How very awesome of you to take in a special needs dog!! I have no experience with adopted dogs or special needs but I didn't want your post to go unanswered.
From what I do know, a week is still a short time for the dog to become completely adjusted & at ease in a new environment. I think the time varies with individual dogs but I'm sure you will see more of her true personality still down the road. With your dog, on top of all the newness of moving around, she also has her new "view" of the world to also adjust to which I assume is partially causing her to be more cautious/less excited.

I think you're right on the money in not playing with her in a way that causes her to become over stimulated & less controlled. I don't even rough play with my own guys because they start acting obnoxious after awhile.

Some games off the top of my head...scent games like scavenger hunt. Hide treats around the house so that she can go as fast or slow as she feels. I don't know if you throw or roll the ball for fetch but 1 of mine finds it more fun if I roll it instead of throwing. I also give belly rubs for the return which I think is the only reason she comes back to me. lol If you have someone else around you can also try "keep away". I have the dog stay in the middle between us and roll the ball past the dog, to the other person. If she gets it I call her to me and give a treat. If not, we keep rolling past her until she does. What I like about this is her confidence goes sky high when she gets it. I also applaud & tell her she is THE BESTEST girl in the world for getting it. You can also try bubble blowing. My guys could care less for it but maybe you'll have better luck! And last but not least treat/food dispensing toys. I like the kind that have to be moved around in order for the food to come out. My fav is the 'Bob A Lot' of those kind.