Is this normal.

[claire666666]

hi i have just brought a six year old staffordshire bull terrier bitch home from the rspca.She is absolutely beautiful but I am a little worried about her as so far all she has done is curl up on the settee with us and she follows us around everywhere. I just thought that as she was settling in she would be really scared but she just seems to calm.I also have never heard her bark yet and I am wondering if she is ok. She is eating well and she has been out for a nice walk. We have never owned a dog before so don,t really know if this is normal.We would be grateful for any comments. Thankyou.

[garner]

Hi claire ..In all probability she is so glad to have a home and at six years old you dont know what the little lady has had to put up with in her past so she is your shadow if kindness is shown.Its so nice to hear of a rescue dog finding a good home.Bless you and your little lady,mind you not so little I bet with being a staffie. g

[lankeela]

Make the most of it - most of the posts on here are about Staffies that are over excited and boisterous! She is probably feeling a little insecure and following you round in case you leave her or take her back to the kennels.

[Kleiber]

I echo what the others have said - she's just glad she's got a home and kind people to care for her and she's worried it won't last. Once she realises that she's home for keeps, she'll liven up. Good on you for taking her in and may you have many happy years together. K xx

[eyeshade]

She needs time to settle in, she will soon catch on. Being moved around is quite an experience for them. Once she realises you are there long term she will perk up.

Our first rescue dog did the same, then one day he suddenly realised he had a bark and barked at the postman, he changed from then on for the better and he was wonderful!

[annavc]

I'd echo what the others have said. Regarding the not barking thing, that will probably change too although we had a rescue dog (a belgium shepherd cross) who never barked. We'd had him nearly three years when someone came up the drive - he ran to the window as usual and suddenly let out this really croaky, hoarse bark - he scared himself! He was turning round in circles trying to figure out where the noise had come from. Never did it again!

[ruby27]

First of all - so glad to hear of another dog being rescued. I am a bit of a born again when it comes to rescue dogs.

I can not add anything new really only to agree with other posters that rescue dogs generally are anxious and nervous so are more likely to stick to you like a shadow. Even those who have not been mistreated still often show separation anxiety.

As a new owner I think you may find it very reassuring to get a book to read on behaviour management, can not remember the title but its something called 'its me or the dog', it was tv programme - it had tips about dealing with this issue and loads of other info. I enjoyed this book and I have had dogs for 25 years. Other people here will provide you with internet links. But keep poster here for advice and keeping us updated.

[puzzlepal3]

She is bonding with you. It is good that she is calm - means she isn't worried until you are out of sight, then she will follow as she is devoted to you. If you don't want her on the settee, you must stop her NOW as it isn't fair to allow it now then stop her later. SBT's aren't "barky" dogs in my experience. They have a little squeek when they want attention, unless they need to warn you of something, then they bark. She is eating well and walking well, if her poo is ok too then all is well. Congrats on getting a rescue dog and extra brownie points for getting an older SBT by the way!

[dmbhunt]

She sounds fine to me. She is probably scared and she may well have been very attached to her previous owner and simply be repeating behaviour ie calm quiet. If she is eating and happy to go for a walk she is just finding her feet. Slightly different I know but we adopted a cat three years old who had been abused, he trusts me and will ignore his food to come for cuddles and petting first even when I know he must be hungry, I feel sad knowing at least half his life he had no cuddles at all, but he has so grown in confidence. Hopefully your Staffie will too, animals respond to kindness and routine most don't like being in a pen so she is probably relishing being free and close to a kindly human. Goodluck.