[Guinness]

...who doesn't play, with other dogs or toys, what gives? Thank you for all the advice!! I will try sneaking treats into some toys for him to play with, he loves food (like most labs) perhaps that will work!Also, he doesn't pay attention to other dogs (he is around them a lot with me) any particular reason you think? He also barks when another dog playsI've had him since December

[gogirl0283]

she's probably feeling a little scared and shy, just give her time and a lot of love

[freegrrl2000]

You may need to teach him. Perhaps he didn't have toys and was never socialized properly. Start slow with meeting other dogs and try a variety of toys, especially one's with a food aspect (labs seem to respond to food well!) Your dog may learn to enjoy being social and playing if he/she learns that it is fun. See what he responds to and go from there. Also how long ago did you get the dog? Maybe he needs a little more time adjusting to his new home. Best of luck and bless you for adopting a rescue!

[megcanis]

Sounds like either abuse or your lab is ill. If your lab isn't feeling good, then this could be a reason. Take your pet to your local vet and find out if it is physical, if not, then it is mental. Someone has probably beat the poor thing into thinking he/she can't play. If this is the case, be gentle, be calm, be reassuring, and work slowly into introducing playtime to her/him.If it's mental, try some exercise. This will stimulate the dog and make him/her feel good. This should help get his/her mind off of the fear of being punished for playing. It will take some time, but it may pay off. Reputable dog psychologists are a good choice. Check with your vet or a statewide listing of certified dog psychologist. Don't go to any psychologists who treat by beatings -- not reputable. For a more do it yourself approach, consult Cesar Milan's books, or watch the Dog Whisperer on Animal Planet. He's dealt with this before, and has some really good methods. However, you may need some actual hands-on professional help.Also, try to find something your lab is interested in. With my beagle, that would be food. Try lacing toys with food and start to play that way. Eventually, you should be able to play without food.Labs are smart dogs. They love to be mentally stimulated, but there may be a physical condition or even a mental block to get over, before playtime can begin.Hope some of this helps. Give us an update when you can.

[David A]

My "boy" was adopted at 18 months. He was in a dog jail. It took him a while to play with other dogs. To play ball etc, 4 years later he is a "normal' Border Collie. Takes time he loves tennis balls. Turns it into slobber ball, fun kid now

[El Cucuy]

Seven years of age to a dog is social security age to a human. The lab is probably miffed at you for not yet filing his pension papers yet. "Play!?! Go fetch yourself."

[pamela s]

its gettting old

[LittleLucy]

Probably earlier in his life he was attacked by another dog, mistreated by a previous owner, or lived on the streets, starving to death. All of these things would make him shy, stay away from other dogs, and not very active. Just give him treats and pet him a lot! Eventually he will be more active. So just show him and remind him often how much you love him!

[askmeaboutdogs]

Poor socialisation when it was younger........could have mental problems....take it to the vet and they will tell u how to socialize it and also give it a check over for any illness, mental or physical.

[fisherwoman]

She likely wasn't socialized well as a pup. She may have some depression going on as well. Definately add dog treats and play with her often, get her around other people and dogs, move her into the area where the other dogs are, she might be saying to them that she is shy, so she hangs back a bit. Do make sure the food you give is dog food, no people food allowed, ever! It's so bad for your dog, their digestive systems are not designed for the human diet, and some foods are toxic, such as chocolate. I suspect depression because you said it was a rescue, it probably had a rough time when she was on her own, probably submissive and depressed. Just play and let her know you wont ditch her, that she can trust you to treat her well. Labs are attentive, quick learners with an appetite to want to please, she will be a very loyal friend.