Adopted Boston Terrier Won't Eat or Drink

by Betsy
(Pea Ridge, AR)

We just adopted a two year old Boston from a breeder. She lived in a kennel her whole life. She is having a hard time adjusting, I think. She is very shy and doesn't want us to touch her very much. Our main concern is that she won't eat or drink anything. What should we do to help her?

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Adopted Boston Terrier Won't Eat or Drink

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Nov 16, 2010

Stressed Pooch
by: Mary

+
First, thank you for rescuing this pup! Each puppy is different and therefore you may try some things that work and some things may not work. At any rate be sure to "read" your new dogs behavior. It is pretty obvious what they like and what they don't like by their body language. Let her "come out of her shell" at her own pace.

We adopted a 4 month old and it took about 6 weeks for her to get over her shyness. We didn't let her run the show, but we approached her in a very gentle and non aggressive manner. Honestly, it took about a year for her to become the loving and sweet dog she really is. She had a lot of stress and it showed by her appetite (low) and even diarrhea. We just kept coming over to her slowly and usually with food or a kind voice and called her to us. We gave her a crate which she loved because it gave her some security but we kept the door open so she could go in and out (except when we were gone from the house). It did help that we already had another Boston who was about 2 years old. After she learned to trust us she didn't mind being approached and now we just call her to us and she comes running.

She still doesn't like a rough-house greeting, but gentle, easy petting is a must with her.

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