kenbissam Posted August 21, 2020 Report Share Posted August 21, 2020 My girlfriend and I adopted a 7mo male husky last fall, he's now approximately 16 months (they estimated an April birthday). 60lbs, big boy with an amazingly sweet temperament. We've been noticing him getting moody lately and are wondering if that's normal or if anyone has suggestions. The majority of the day he's fine, but there are times where he looks pouty and even moments where his face reminds me of the actors from anti-depressant commercials. He's always been a little anxious but never really looked "sad" before unless he got in trouble (only ever raised my voice to him once and felt so bad based on his reaction I didn't do it again, lol). When he's sad he usually curls up in a ball on the floor or gets really need for attention, lays between the two of us on the couch, etc. Couple things: He gets a ton of exercise. GF runs marathons, he runs about 12 miles a week with her along with at least 60 to 90 minutes of walks per day and a few trips to the dog park per week. We've moved twice in the last 3 months. Due to COVID we stayed with her parents while moving apartments for a few weeks. It wasn't ideal but he had a yard and another dog to play with (sometimes good, sometimes bad for him -- occasionally he'd hide out with me in the basement just to be alone) His eating patterns have been weird. He wouldn't eat more than half a meal per day the entire first week in our new apartment (25% of his normal food). He was getting Blue Buffalo at my GF's parent's house for a few days because we ran out of food. Refused to eat his old food after that. Made the full switch to BB from Science Diet and that seems to have fixed it, he's eating full meals again. I'm home all day for work. GF starts work again next week but has also been working remotely since March, so he's not being left alone for more than 90-120 minutes per day when we exercise/go to the gym. When I'm on my computer he usually sleeps near my desk or on the couch across the room, sometimes plays with his toys. Really appreciate anyone's help! He seems healthy and overall okay but his moody teen behavior is something I've never seen before. Will take him to the vet if (god forbid) it seems he's not doing okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted August 22, 2020 Report Share Posted August 22, 2020 The only thing that stands out clearly there is when you say you have moved twice in the last 3 months. That may well be what is doing it. If thats the case, it will just take time for him to settle down. Look at it this way, you adopted last fall, so thats one move, then you moved 3 times, so thats actually 4 for him. The reason I think it might be that is because of what you mention with the food. I know ours when we go to husky camp for example, will not eat as well for the first few days. They are just unsettled. Another thing it may be is the exercise. If he is running 12 miles a week with the GF and then also doing dog parks, plus the normal walks, he may well simply be tired. Dont get me wrong, its likely not this, but it's a very very easy thing to test. Just ease off a little. Maybe ease on the runs and dog park, and just go for the walks, just for 1 week. See how he is. If he picks up then it may well be that. Then you can decide how much to add back in. Maybe go on only 1 of your GFs runs instead of all of them for example Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenbissam Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 On 8/22/2020 at 9:52 AM, Marc said: The only thing that stands out clearly there is when you say you have moved twice in the last 3 months. That may well be what is doing it. If thats the case, it will just take time for him to settle down. Look at it this way, you adopted last fall, so thats one move, then you moved 3 times, so thats actually 4 for him. The reason I think it might be that is because of what you mention with the food. I know ours when we go to husky camp for example, will not eat as well for the first few days. They are just unsettled. Another thing it may be is the exercise. If he is running 12 miles a week with the GF and then also doing dog parks, plus the normal walks, he may well simply be tired. Dont get me wrong, its likely not this, but it's a very very easy thing to test. Just ease off a little. Maybe ease on the runs and dog park, and just go for the walks, just for 1 week. See how he is. If he picks up then it may well be that. Then you can decide how much to add back in. Maybe go on only 1 of your GFs runs instead of all of them for example All the moving was definitely my #1 suspicion. Hopefully with some long-term stability like we have now he'll be okay. We also gave him a few "down" days this weekend (other than a 5 mi walk, lol). Reloaded his tennis ball collection and his 'tude seems to be a lot more chipper. Thanks for your reply! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted August 31, 2020 Report Share Posted August 31, 2020 I agree that the moving around has unsettled him, they don't like change , they thrive on routine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenbissam Posted September 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2020 On 8/31/2020 at 2:03 AM, BingBlaze n Skyla said: I agree that the moving around has unsettled him, they don't like change , they thrive on routine This has become more apparent now that I've been observing it through that filter. Thanks for your reply! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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