I bought a 1 1/2 year old dog(sheltie) that was going to be a show dog and he is afraid of everything- help?

Question

The breeder said he couldnt continue to show because his height didnt reach his breed standard. He was obviously in a kennel his whole life because he loves the crate i bought him. i feel bad but i love him and i dont want to return him. i want him to see what its like to be a " pet". He just likes to be left alone and to run around the house. he doesnt like attention and he is really timid. he comes when called but not to you, just past you. he wont eat from your hand just alone and i havent heard him bark yet. HELP...

I had him for three months now

Answer 1

Did the breeder have lots and lots of dogs? Happens with competitive show breeders, not ALL show people are real great with there dogs, and some are just as bad as any backyard breeders. People with many dogs, overy 20 I would say, can not possibly give each dog enough personal time and energy to make the dog socialable. Sound like the breeder was waiting to see if the dog meet standards before working with it, when he realized it was failing standard, he got rid of it fast. I had this problem when i got my first Cardigan Welsh Corgi. He was from a litter that had little or no conact with anyone other than the breeder. He was so socially inept we had to take him to trainers, and parks, and diffrent situations to try to rid him of his fear. He eventually did lose it but the first couple puppy shows we took him too he did flying leaps off the judging tables when he was aproached, Thankfully we had some really understanding judges and a great supportive club behind us and we broke him of that. He is still somewhat shy and fearful of new situations if we fail to introduce him properly. He never shows aggression but he just kind of sidles off and hides a little. We just coax him out and give him love and praise and confidence in the situation and he overcomes it.
Suggestion is getting him into a training class for specfically anit-social dogs, not that your dog is bad tempered but these fearful dogs can turn to snapping and neurotic behavoirs if left un-addressed. You do need to give him a little space for some time but they get him into a training program, get him used to new surroundings, but dont overwhelm him. Its a big step but i am sure he will get better with the proper care!!! Good Luck

Answer 2

As others have said, Shelties can be a suspicious breed and this dog is in a totally alien environment. I'm not sure how long you've had him, but it will take a little time for him to come around.

"He was obviously in a kennel his whole life because he loves the crate i bought him."

Loving to be in a crate doesn't necessarily signify that he was locked up his whole life. The reason crates work is because they appeal to the denning instinct in dogs -- many dogs see them as a place of security and refuge regardless of where they've been raised. In a totally unfamiliar situation, it is natural for a dog to take to his crate. Mine do it every time small children come to my house because they don't enjoy being harassed.

My suggestion: Call his breeder and explain your concerns. Knowing the dog's personality, they should be able to give you some ideas about how to work with him. Getting him to obedience classes will also help -- good socialization, and it will help the two of you learn to communicate. A good bonding exercise!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I would think that he's simply not used to you yet. Show breeders usually do a very good job of socializing their dogs because we want them to be happy in the ring. Shelties are a timid breed as it is so you may consider doing some obedience or agility with him to boost his confidence.

Answer 4

If the dog has been neglected, not trianed to be around people, or it had bad experiences it will take you quite awhile to train your pet to be friendly to you, but when you do it will more than likely be an exceptionaly loyal friend and family member. Be sure to use lots of positive reinforcement(doggy treats) and hang out with him and talk to him where he feels comfortable(apparently his crate) after awhile he should start to realise that your friendly and be less timid at least toward you after he will come up to you on his own you should start to gently socialize him with other people and animals, just take it slow and hell love you forever!

Answer 5

How long have you had it?
Give him time, he'll come around. My dog was abused when I adopted her from a shelter. It took a few months, but she became the best pet i've ever had.
And its very nice of you to continue working with the dog and giving it love, even though right now it doesnt have good social skills. im sure it'll all be worth it!

Answer 6

One of my rescue canine eats feces, nonetheless, best the droppings of my housedog. Go figure! She has yard companions and he or she is not the slightest bit interested in their excrement. I've researched generally and determined this is not extraordinary. By the way, my dogs devour an awfully high fine pet food and suppose and seem incredible. This makes me consider, there is not anything lacking in the eating regimen. I consider she simply likes a little bit snack. I completely agree that preserving the yard policed will aid tremendously. I also watch after my little canine pottys and if the "snacker" heads for the pile, I sternly reprimand her and he or she leaves it and trots back to me. Just right success, meanwhile, i'd prevent kisses from the culprit.

Answer 7

I have dealt with a lot of dogs like this before. The way I did it was just spend time with them. Take them everywhere you can and show them that you love them. lots of treats and praise work well. It can take a very long time but keep at it. You will be rewarded in the end with a dog that will love you dearly.

Answer 8

The poor thing, you will have to be very patient with him, Some show ppl are pretty hard on their dogs, I show dogs and I know!.You could perhaps take him to school for retraining.Try to keep him and give him a good loving home, he will come round to you Good Luck

Answer 9

one among my rescue dogs eats feces, whether, in trouble-free terms the droppings of my housedog. flow parent! She has backyard companions and he or she is not the slightest bit attracted to their excrement. i've got researched critically and located it incredibly is not uncommon. via the way, my canines consume an extremely severe high quality dogs meals and sense and look superb. This makes me think of, there is not any longer something lacking interior the meals plan. i think of she basically likes a sprint snack. I thoroughly agree that retaining the backyard policed will help fantastically. I additionally watch after my little dogs pottys and if the "snacker" heads for the pile, I sternly reprimand her and he or she leaves it and trots back to me. sturdy success, interior the period in-between, i'd steer away from kisses from the criminal.

Answer 10

It may take months, but he will warm up to you and bond very strongly with you. I got a rescued Belgian Malniois last March, and he is just getting where he is okay not being in his crate. He was badly abused and he felt safe in his crate, so he just stayed in it. You just have to be patient.