Behavior in just spayed female dog

Question
We adopted a terrier mix female from the shelter about 6 wks. ago that was pg unbeknownest to us. We had her spayed less than a week ago. Now she has taken to a toy, stuffed dog that squeeks, trying to go under the bed with it and appears to be mothering it. Peeing on the carpet 2 times. Is this normal behavior? She is a 2 yr old terrier mix, 23 pounds. Has never been playful, but perhaps that was because she was pg since we had her??? She was taken to the shelter with a male companion dog after her owners went into a nursing home. He is the suspected male that impregnated her...a 95 pound rottweiler/german sheperd cross. What are your thoughts on this??

Answer
Hello,  Since your terrier was spayed while she was pregnant, all the blood vessels that lead to her ovaries and uterus were likely swollen with the pregnancy and her hormonal levels high, all of which can contribute to a dog behaving as if she's pregnant (mothering a toy, e.g.) and causing the dog to urinate indoors.  This would be a likely explanation for the behaviours you describe, but not the only explanation.  Taking a toy under a bed might be a resource guarding behaviour, e.g. - hard to say, since I can't see what she's doing and how she's behaving.

If the pregnancy is the reason for your dog's behaviours, it might take several weeks for your dog's hormonal levels and the internal swelling to come down enough for her to start behaving more normally again if the reason for her behaviours is the former pregnancy and the high hormonal levels.  As to why the dog is not playful, I can't say.  The dog's normal activity level and temperament may be one of not being naturally playful.  Again, it's hard to say, as there could be many variables.  I would encourage the dog to play as much as possible and show her that it's rewarding to play, giving her many opportunities to play.  Some dogs do need to be taught how to play if they haven't had a lot of opportunities to play in the past; and, some dogs will never be all that playful, depending on what your idea of playful is - but will still make lovely companions.  

I would suggest giving the vet who did the spay a call and ask your questions of the vet.  Although I do have some thoughts and ideas on what may be going on, I think calling your vet would be best.  

Best of luck,
Madeline, NY-NJ Dog Trainer