Hi Chris from Iowa

C

cmarsh4

Forums Regular
We found an abandoned Sheltie in July. She was full of fleas, ticks and matts. She is very shy/scared around everyone but me. She loves my Lab/Shepherd mix though. She is fun, adorable, playful but unfortunately she has big trust issues. She is not at all agressive but just the opposite and scared of everything except other dogs. The vet estimated her at 4 or 5 YO. She only weights 12 lbs so she is on the small side for a Sheltie. Her name is Siera.

Since most of my dogs have been Lab's or Lab mixes I have never dealt with this shyness or fearfullness and would appreciate any advice I can get.

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Thank you
 
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Hello and Welcome.

I am still awaiting a sheltie so I can't really give advice other than to say take your time and gradually socialise her. She may always have some issues, but its good she gets on with your lab x. You may find having another confident dog around will help her heaps as she will learn from him.

I currently have a lab and I am anticipating that my puppy will learn a lot from him when it comes.
 
Welcome and don't forget the pictures.

I would suggest you work on gradually winning her over - if it is a family member, let them help feed (by hand if possible), walk, engage in playing. Sometimes just sitting by the dog will help so that they learn there is nothing to fear.

Others who had rescued Shelties will have other great ideas for you.
 
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She's beautiful, and so is he.
 
Welcome to the Forums Chris! Your sheltie is a cutie, I can't imagine how someone could abandon her.

You'll find lots of advice in the behaviors section about shyness. One thread in particular that's good is the following one. Sheltin is a pup but you should be able to apply all the same principles. They've had great success with Sheltin.

http://sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=5508
 
Welcome to the Forums!!
Definitely go slow with her and I think hand feeding is a great idea to come from your hubby.. also have him sit down by to be less scary for the beginning and just ignoring her, not looking at her and holding out the food kibble by kibble...
Food should only come from him for now

Hope you find many more good tips and bless you for taking her in and caring for her!
 
What an adorable girl and so lucky for you to of found her. She is so cute and looks sad, but that will change as she becomes more comfortable. Like the others suggested socializing her is a good one and to have your husband do what ever he can for her. Feeding, taking her out. Amazing to think someone lost her, she looks so sweet.
 
Welcome to the forum. She is a cutie pie. Time and patience will pay off. Our little Angel was very afraid of us when we adopted her. We've had her for 3 years now and she went from not coming near us to she plops right down on your chest and falls asleep.
 
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