My shy rescue dog ignores toys. What games can we play together?

Some dogs don't enjoy playing with toys, or may not have learned to play at all. You mentioned he was a rescue, which if he was kept in a shelter too long or didn't have much interaction with toys previously may have stopped him from learning. If he enjoys treats and chew bones, you can try hiding those inside toys to get him to start interacting. If he likes other objects such as sticks or a bone to play fetch, then using that is just fine. As long as he is happy, you are happy and he's getting plenty of exercise and play time, then it's not really a requirement to play with a toy.

tSome dogs just naturally don't care to play, just as some people would prefer reading or knitting to being physically active. It is also possible that Jacki has not been with you long enough to feel comfortable "letting go." If this is a temporary adjustment to a new home (I'm not sure how long you've had her), you may find that she starts to initiate play at some point. Or you may discover that you have a cuddler rather than a player. Maybe she is an earnest chewer--preferably of safe dog bones rather than drywall! As you get to know each other, you will discover new ways to interact together.

Every dog is different, and some dogs simply don't like to play with toys, bark, or sniff things when walking. David is also not a puppy, so he won't be as interested in playing as a puppy would be interested. You don't know his background either as a shelter animal, so it's possible that he came from a home where he was ignored and neglected, and that has caused him to be more withdrawn. It's a good idea that you keep the bedroom door closed to keep him from hiding under the bed. I would brush him daily, as that gives him positive interaction between you both. You can train him to sit, lay down, and stay, again forcing positive interaction. Give him treats and praise him when he comes to you for love and attention. Positively reinforce behaviors you want to him to have, which will make him want to do them more.

Thank you for adopting Archie! I'm sure he is very grateful to have a loving home, but sometimes it can take a while for dogs to adjust. I've included some links below on how to introduce Archie to other dogs, as well as on how to help him adjust to his new life and family. Keep in mind that some dogs (particularly street dogs, who may not have had traditional dog toys to play with when they were younger) may not show interest in toys, but you can use walks/ runs/ time at a dog park or daycare and training to do tricks as other ways to interact with Archie. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8677941 https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/ http://www.bcspca.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DOG_Ado_Packet_updated_1_30_13.pdf

It could be either situation - some dogs are simply not that interested in toys or in playing, similar to how some dogs are not big chewers or don't particularly love to go on walks. It's also possible that she wasn't exposed to toys and never 'learned' how to play. You could focus on other ways to interact with her - perhaps she would excel at simple obedience training, or she may like snuggling under a blanket with you.

Congratulations on adding Scooby to your family! Training should help Scooby, so I am glad you are pursuing that. One thing that will help a lot is to actually take Scooby out for HARD exercise before you allow her to play with other dogs. People often go to dog parks to allow dogs to burn off their energy but some dogs just have too much energy. These dogs then go straight into the park, play too rough and then a fight ensues. For these dogs, burning off that energy beforehand helps them to have better manors. When she does get too rough, remove her from the situation until she calms down. Then you can reintroduce her. Also, keep her ply groups small (1 -2 other dogs) and watch for signs that she is pestering the other dog too much. Continue using your can to distract her if needed. I would also advise to look for a trainer with a background in behavior. There is a difference between training and behavior modification. I hope this helps!

This is going to take time and a lot of TLC and some one on one time. Give her lots of treat and get her to play more. Unfortunately, it just may not be in her personality to be as playful and free as the other dog. Every dog differs and some need different type of attention than others. It is just important to pay attention to these cues and treat each dog as such. Just give her more times and she will likely continue to come out of her shell but just know it may not be to the same degree as your other dog. I hope this helps!