My first Sheltie is this normal?

C

cmarsh4

Forums Regular
My husband found this sweet, shy sheltie girl living in one of our barns. She was flea and tick covered and very matted. We cleaned her all up, took her to the vet to be spay and shots and have had her about 3 months. She almost instantly bonded with me. I am the one who feeds, execise and plays with the dogs. She also loved my Lab/Shepherd(Buddy) from the start. The issue is the more she bonds with me the more she is shy/scared of everyone else including hubby. She is getting slightly better with hubby, she sneaks behind him and watches him but if he dares look at her or tries to pet her she will run behind the chair and bark at him. We kid around that she is bi-polar though because when we take her and Buddy for rides in the truck she sits right next to hubby and paws him for attention but in the house she runs away. It is funny though because if it is just me, her and Buddy she is so fun, so playful and loves to cuddle(after she gets tired out from playing). The vet approximated her age at 4 or 5 but her energy is more of a puppy. The other thing that I have noticed is that I have a Mock Orange bush and the birds are always in it and she will go around this bush for almost an hour, round and round but she seems so happy doing it that I just let her.

I have a doggie play date scheduled tonight. My freind is coming over and bringing her puppy. Since I know that Siera loves other dogs I thought this would be a good way to introduce her to other people too.

Please let me know if this is normal for a Sheltie and any advice you can give me.

Picture116.jpg


Thanks

Chris
 
Last edited:
Not to usual for a sheltie to bond closer to one person than another. My friend and her husband have 5 shelties. 1 female is very much hers, 1 male is very much her husbands, 2 love them both and 1 tends to drift towards her. Given that your is older, shy and a rescue who you don't know her background, it is not surprised she acts like she does.

She may have had bad experiences with men or just not socialized properly to them or that's just how she is, who knows. I would have your husband start feeding her and walking her to increase their bonding. Maybe even taking a positive based obedience class would help them learn about each other.
 
Siera is a beautiful girl, and lucky that you found her.

I agree that it's not unusual for her to bond with one person over another. Also, you don't know her history, so she may be slightly fearful of men in general.

I agree with Justicemom...have you husband be the bearer of all things good. Food, treats, walks, etc...
 
She is beautiful and so lucky to have adopted you! What a great picture too.

It's likely that she will come around with your husband with time and patience. As Dr. Shelli said, there could be many reasons for her behavior, and it's tough since you don't know her history. She certainly looks happy, healthy and well adjusted though! Just give it time. And treats. Lots of treats! :smile2:
 
She's simply lovely! Time will unfold her Sheltie Spirit -- our Annie Laurie took a couple of weeks to warm to DH, and now she's all his. Also, Shelties love to obsess over things -- we have ne who ives for her ball. SOunds like your little one found her special Zen place!

What's her name???
 
Chris said:
She's simply lovely! Time will unfold her Sheltie Spirit -- our Annie Laurie took a couple of weeks to warm to DH, and now she's all his. Also, Shelties love to obsess over things -- we have ne who ives for her ball. SOunds like your little one found her special Zen place!

What's her name???
Click to expand...

it's Siera- in the post in puppy playdate part :yes:
 
Siera is beautiful and Buddy is handsome (he looks like a fun-dog) I'm glad they are friends. Siera will come around. I agree what was said about keeping your husband involved with her. Sounds like he cares about her as well. Thanks for taking her into your home and into your hearts.
PS Loved the picture!
 
Our second sheltie, Maxey was definitely my dog. She was raised no differently than the first one and both came into the house at 8 weeks. The first one loved everyone and was everybody's friend.

My son wanted to pick the next puppy. I was concerned because of the temperament of the mom. She grew up just like her mom. So I guess I'm saying she may always be kind of skiddish around your hubby. And it may not have anything to do with her previous experiences. I will say Maxey was a very smart dog who did have a ball playing fetish. When it came to ball playing, if anyone would throw the ball, she would play with them.

Siera is a very pretty girl. It's so nice to see a pup find a good home. With the condition you found her, it might just take time for her to be comfortable around your hubby.
 
I think everyone has given you great advice so there is not much more I can add. I do think she's a very smart little girl though to have found her way into your barn for sheltie and a lucky girl too. Wishing you all the best with this adorable little girl.
 
Oh, she's a cutie!

My Meggie doesn't particularly like men and she's never had a bad experience with one. She just prefers females. She did love my dad though, he made her eggs for breakfast! When all else fails, let hubby make eggs!

Oh, one other quick thought. Does hubby wear a cap? Meggie does not like people in hats or sunglasses. It's hilarious how she acts when someone has those big sunglasses on that are popular now. Her theory, never trust a person whose eyes you cannot see!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top