4 Month Golden Retriever

Question
Yesterday, I got a 4 month old GR puppy.  This puppy lived on this farm with his mother, father, grandmother, grandfather and cousin.  They just decided not to keep this puppy because it was too many dogs.  So, we bought him.  We got the dog home and all he does is sleep - he won't get up, play, nothing.  He won't come when you call him (they hadn't named him so he doesn't know a name), and when we put a leach on him, he just planted his front paws and wouldn't budge.  I'm afraid he's depressed and misses his family.  Any suggestions on how to get him to get up and play?  And, we've already tried treats.

Answer
Past 12 weeks, dogs are slow to adapt to a new home.  Give him plenty of TLC.  Try this:

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.

If getting out in front and coaxing doesn't get a puppy moving on leash, try dropping behind it and running by in baby steps calling ''Go, go, go!'' In a happy, excited voice.