minature poodle (boy)

Question
I have purchased a miniature poodle/Maltese mix just two days ago.  He is 14 weeks old. I am concerned with its lack of emotion.  Since the dog has been at my home, it just lies down, and mopes.  Also, it seems that the puppy is extremely scared of us.  It doesn't respond to any name, and will not go to anyone.  So I was wondering if theres something wrong with him, or does he need time to adjust?

Answer
I would return it if you can.  Its behavior is just what the noted behaviorists Fuller and Scott predict for a poorly socialized puppy.  I have not actually read them or Pfaffenburger, but have read quotes from their work in many books including the Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of new Skete. ''...pups raised without human contact would show fearful reactions to humans at five weeks of age but could readjust over 2 weeks time if handled often, Puppies first exposed to human contact at twelve weeks of age, however immediately reacted very fearfully and fled from the experimenters. They acted essentially like wild animals and were socially irretrievable. They had missed the vital contact during the critical period.'' p 43, First Edition.

I see many questions here from people struggling with problems due to poor care by the breeder.  You can work with it and may or may not be able to salvage it.  Give it time.  Don't force your attention on it.  Give it all the affection it will allow, but rubs, belly rubs, chin scratches, but keep your hand away from it head.  don't let your teeth show or make eye contact, that threatens it.