Why is my Sheltie so Hyper/Skittish?

Question

We have had her since she was a baby. She Barks at every lil sound. If someone puts a dish down in the kitchen etc... She also is afraid of EVERYTHING Balloons scare her to death. She will not walk on a leash she asks scared of that too. She is also very jealous when we give attention to the other pets. Of course we pamper her as well she is never left out- Help she makes us nuts! But we love her.

She is about a year and ahalf old, Never been abused...

Answer 1

i have a shelty to, but first dont press down on its lower back it not good for its hips any way it skittish because you probably keep it close 2 u and safe it needs 2 learn not to depend on you so much so you need to take a leash and tie it to a tree make sure its collar is not to lose so it cant slip off but het not to tight so its choking it leave out side in good weather w/ food water and 1 treat for around3 hours gradually check on it to make sure its ok do that 3 times a week if in a month it doesnt get better e-mail me
later,
J.Love

Answer 2

Build her confidence. Training helps a lot with that. Also do not allow her to act out in any way. When she gets jealous put her in down and keep her there, till you give the command for her to get back up.

Disciplining your pets doesn't mean to punish. Dogs thrive in a structured, balanced atmosphere where they know thier bounderies and those bounderies are maintained.

She needs to be well socialized and continuously trained. Don't let her get away with getting on the furniture, getting up or barking at everything w/o a command. When she barks don't yell at her, don't do anything except tell her to down and don't let her get back up till you say so.

Keep her in down while she's in the house. When she gets anxious put her down, upset - down, stressed - down.

My English Setter is the same as your Sheltie.

Now if something bothers her and she wants to bark she just lies down instead.

You need to be a solid and strong Alpha. When a dog feels secure and safe that will help to curb the shy behavior. She also needs a lot of exercise. Shelties are herding dogs and built to run (though short distances LOL). Get her out of the house for 30min - 1 hour a day and let her RUN! A tired dog is a good dog - you'll be AMAZED at her behavior change w/ consistant exercise.

Good Luck

Answer 3

My initial reaction is to say that certain dog breeds are more naturally docile and good around kids while others are just innately more hyper. Exercise helps to relieve some of that energy, but you also mention "other pets." Are these other pets dogs? Cats? The term "alpha dog" refers to the more natural leader that emerges in a group. Could be the other pet is the "alpha dog" in your home. My chihuahua hears every little sound from someone putting down a dish to the garbagemen picking up the trash and he can be a little hyper, but a walk in the park helps and so does play time at home.

Answer 4

My mother has 2 shelties and they do bark at almost anything. Especially when someone opens the door. As for the hyper thing, you might want to check with your vet. One of my moms dogs was acting really hyper (way more so than normal), so she took the dog to the vet, they ran some test and she had a hyper thyroid gland. Now she is on a daily pill and is fine.

Answer 5

i don't own yet my chum breeds shelties. sure, they choose lots of workout and a few thing psychological to do, like herding or obedience or agility. They make very solid working canines. All canines chew to a pair quantity. in case you have become a domestic dog then sure, it is going to chew issues up. It takes time to coach a domestic dog (think of little infant) how issues artwork and what to not chew on. sure, their coats are long and finished and that they require an outstanding sort of grooming. think of daily, not weekly or month-to-month. If the domestic dog has been raised with different canines, human beings and many socialization AND all those issues are saved up then the canines might desire to be superb. you need to envision for sound sensitivity, does loud clapping startle the domestic dog? a whistle? Shy canines could have problems with childrens so which you will choose a domestic dog that marches suited as much as you and says "hi":) you will might desire to coach the infants too:) The AKC has lots of suggestions approximately infants and canines, i could advise the risk-free practices around canines e-e book, that's quite helful. See the completed checklist on the hyperlink under

Answer 6

When she barks and gets afraid of things (like balloons) DO NOT come to her, rub her and tell her it's okay, don't worry. By doing that you're giving positive attention for bad behavior which makes her think that it's good to act like that. First, you're going to have to desensitize her from the lead/leash. Put the leash on her (not a chain, cloth) and leave it on. She'll get very upset in the beginning, but she will get used to it. Take her out in the backyard (or where she's used to going outside) and walk with her on the lead. Do not pull or yank her around. If she just wants to sit there, then just wait. Don't pull or put pressure on the lead when she's walking---let her lead you around. This is going to take quite a few times of going out with her and leaving the lead on for her to get used to it. Praise her when she not being afraid and walking around with the lead. After she's used to the lead, start taking her on walks in your neighborhood. Walks are very important for dogs. Try to walk your dog every day. If she starts to bark, snap the lead and say "No" firmly but not yelling. You may need to keep the lead on in the house to stop her from barking. She will get the message that barking all the time will not be allowed. You don't have to hit or yell, just correct with the lead. Don't let her fears control her and you. Make her go out with a leash. Good Luck!

Answer 7

While most Shelties I've met are high-energy/highly alert types, not many of them are skittish. Shyness can be the result of poor socialization, or poor breeding. It is often the result of both.

Perhaps this is a question you should be asking her breeder?

You may consider group obedience classes. A good instructor can help you counter her more "neurotic" issues, and the group setting might help with socialization. Plus, she really should learn how to walk on a leash! :)

Answer 8

I believe it is in the breed of the dog. Mine used to turn clockwise really fast when excited. Run really fast and bite sprinklers or at the hose when it was on. She was a riot. She's in heaven probably doing the same thing! I have never heard of them being scared maybe with some time that will pass.

Answer 9

Shelties are bred for herding. Most herding dogs have got a 'hyper' personality and are excitable. She needs a job to do - obedience, agility, rally, or something similar that will occupy her mind.
If she's afraid of balloons, it is YOUR job to learn how to introduce her to things in a sane manner. It is possible to do this without overwhelming her and ruining your relationship. Please talk to a trainer
http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/default.aspx
Crate training would really help this dog, as would the NILIF program - (Nothing In Life Is Free) - again, a positive, non-punishing program that will help dogs such as yours to have a better relationship with her family.

Answer 10

Most shelties I've met were naturally high strung. How old is she? Most dogs go through a second fear stage around one year to two years of age.