Quote Originally Posted by Giselle
... So, no, some dogs just don't play and it's just another aspect of what makes our dogs such unique individuals. However, BCs are, on the whole, very intelligent and active creatures. To be honest, it concerns me to hear a 2-year-old BC sleeping 14 hours a day. Is she totally healthy (how's her weight)? Also, how are you getting her to play? Since watching first-time dog owners trying to elicit play with their dogs, I've come to realize what a language barrier there is between us and the canines
>However, BCs are, on the whole, very intelligent and active creatures.
She does seem bright, although I can't think of an example at the moment.

>To be honest, it concerns me to hear a 2-year-old BC sleeping 14 hours a day. Is she totally healthy (how's her weight)?
We were worried at first, but her vet says she's fine. When WE are healthy and take her walking daily (1 - 3 miles/day) her body shape is svelte. When we get sick and don't walk as much she tubs up a bit and gets tired when we first start up walking again. (Usually we restart our walking program at ~ 1/4 to 1/2 a mile and build up day by day.)

Right now I'm still recuperating from bronchitis and she's at the tubby end of her range. Healthy, she's about 45 pounds. I'm guessing she's 48 pounds or so now?


>Also, how are you getting her to play? Since watching first-time dog owners trying to elicit play with their dogs, I've come to realize what a language barrier there is between us and the canines.

We've bought her some toys and balls. We usually display them for her/waggle them to get her attention. Place them in procemity to her. Sometimes toss them for her (and eventually got to retrieving them when she ignored them). Recently my mother (the person who seems to be the axis on whom Mickie's world revolves), my niece (her favorite teenager in the world) and I (she's very fond of me) have tried tossing or rolling a ball from one to another and encouraging her to join us. She seems fascinated, but baffled. Can you suggest more effective ways of introducing play to her? I'm fairly new to dogs. Typically the family dogs doted on our dad, and he rather monopolized their time. Uh, not in a mean way, it just worked out that way.

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We've found squeaking squeeky toys for her just scares her.