Adopted toy poodle depression?

Question
Hi Kim,

My husband and i just adopted a one and a half year old toy poodle about a week ago. On the day we brought her home, she was spayed. She seemed to be ok, a little out of it, but I figured that was because of the surgery and meds she was on. Now a week later, she still will not eat regularly, does not come when you call her, and just seems to be depressed. She has no interest in toys. No interest in treats. She just wants to be pet. If you are not petting her, she just lays around looking really pitiful. She almost seems to not care if you pet her. The most emotion we get from her is if we go out for a minute and come back. After that, she could care less.
I try to stimulate her and play with her but she is uninterested in everything. Is this normal?

Answer
Hello Tracey,
Well, this isn't normal in most situations but since you have only had her for a week, she needs time to adjust to her new surroundings and to your schedule.  We just adopted a dog from a friend of mine and the same thing is happening to her.  She still won't eat on a regular basis, but she does play with me if I throw her toy.  She wouldn't play with anyone else for the first 5 days or so though.  It also took her awhile to potty for us.  
She is doing better now though as she learns more about us.  

Try different things with her.  See if she likes squeaky toys, soft toys or balls.  You could even call the people that had her to see what her interests were.  Try walking her outside or seeing if you can teach her some tricks.  The more you interact with her, the better she will come out of her shell.  

Instead of petting her, You may want to try the "Puppy Exam" on her.  This helps build trust, confidence, exerts your dominance in a non-threatening way, and helps build the bond between you and her.  
Start with her in your lap on her back.  Rub his tummy until she will relax.  This may take several days to get her where she will relax, but don't let her up until she will.  Pet her, talk softly to her, yet don't let her struggle or get up.  If she is quiet and submissive, you can pet her for a few minutes, then let her up.  After she will do this several times, you can move to the "exam" part.  
You will want to look in her ears, eyes and mouth.  You are looking for anything that doesn't look right.  Next, go over her chest area and move down the legs.  Get to know the feel of the bones.  Now move to the toes.  You will want to get to where she will let you go between her toes, and even tap on her toenails.  This will get her used to having her nails trimmed and worked on by the Groomer.  
Now move to her belly.  You are looking for any injuries, fleas, or anything else out of the ordanary.  Finally look at her tail, rear, and inside the back legs.  
You can do this while relaxing at home or even while watching tv.  I do this with my Poodles and they love it.  My large Red male will come and sit in my lap anytime I sit on the floor and fall back into my lap.  He loves the Puppy Exam position.  
Another thing you might try is getting her into a Obedience or Puppy class.  This will help her interact with other dogs and also learn something fun.  Once she starts learning some commands, it will give her something fun to do and this will help you and her bond.  
You can find Obedience classes at your local PetSmart or look in the Yellowpages.

Give it a try and if you have other questions about this for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim