New Adopted Sheltie

B

bgalus

Forums Novice
Hello - I just wanted to introduce myself to these forums. My name's Bryan, and I just adopted a Sheltie from an animal shelter last Friday, February 27th.

My wife and I had a great first weekend with our new sable friend, whose name is Harley (he's a male). He's had a rough past week - he was neutered and moved 3 times right before coming into our home (all within 7 days!). As a result, he was a nervous around us for the first 24 hours, but he's warming up to us a lot better now.

I actually have a question for those more experienced than I am: my wife and I work during the weekdays, in which we're gone for about 9 hours of the day - is there any advice anybody has for making my little buddy feel more comfortable while I'm away for so long? Should I have a neighbor come play with him/let him out in the middle of the day?

I currently have him penned within our family room downstairs where he can look outside, has a water bowl, a comfy bed, and a few toys. I have the radio on all day too on a low volume for background noise. Even still, I feel almost guilty for leaving him alone for so long.

Perhaps I'm going through "separation anxiety"! :sadsmile: any advice is greatly appreciated,

Thanks,
Bryan
 
It would be good to get a neighbor or dog walker to come and take him out once or twice while you are at work. This is an active breed, and it is good for them to get a fair amount of exercise. Even if it is just throwing a ball in the backyard for awhile or something along those lines. Make sure the neighbor has some experience and knows the dog rather well...as many shelties are nervous around new people (Although not all!) and will take some time to warm up to them.

Also look into getting some toys that could stimulate him mentally. Toys such as kongs, and other toys where they have to figure out how to get the food out are good - and it exercises their brains.
 
I totally agree with Aztec's suggestions. Harley can, no doubt, go the nine hours without having to be taken out to answer Nature's call, but if you can find someone you would trust to take Harley out mid-day, have him/her spend some time with Harley, you and/or your wife so Harley feels comfortable with another new person, that's a great way to handle the time you're concerned about.
 
How old is Harley? If he is 9 months old or older, he CAN wait 9 hours to go out although if you have someone who can take him out for fresh air and a potty break at the mid-point of that long wait, it would be better.

Sounds like you set up a good place for him to wait for you. Its clearly defined as "his room" and you gave him the stimulation of music, a window, and toys. Once he's used to the idea that you go away and come back and that this is HIS home, he'll settle in and get happier and happier.

Now, how about some pictures? We love pictures. (I REALLY love pictures). You can get a premium membership which allows you to imbed photos right into the thread OR on a freebie membership you can post the link to pictures that are stored elsewhere online (imagecave, photobucket, etc).

Thanks for joining and THANKS for adopting a rescue sheltie! Harley is a lucky dude to have you!:yes:
 
Welcome Bryan and Aztec!

There is no dought he is old enough to hold it for that length of time. Where he's been through so much already, if you could have a neighbor look in on him for a week or two just to help him settle in and be more at ease would be ideal !:winkgrin: Thanks for adopting Aztec !:cool: Welcome to the forum and would appreciate pictures ASAP !:lol: Welcome to the world of being owned by a Sheltie ! He will melt your heart.:yes:
 
Welcome to the forum!

I won't add anything to what's already been said. You are doing all the right things. And yes, it's your separation anxiety, more than the pup's thats eating at you! My boys are both 10.5 months, perfectly able to "hold" it, but I still go home everyday at lunch!
 
Welcome, Bryan, and kudos to y'all for saving a Sheltie! Our Annie Laurie is a rescue, and we can't imagine life without her! :wink2:
 
Welcome! Good for you, finding a shelter dog. We looked in the shelter's, but no luck, so, we decided on adopting a 'forum puppy'! LOL

Good luck snd this is a GREAT place to hang out!
 
Thanks everyone for the replies so far - it's nice to know I have a good crowd of people to seek advice from!

Harley did pretty good yesterday by himself. Based on comments I've received so far I'm going to have someone let him out on days when we're going to be gone later, and buy him some more stimulating toys to play with.

I'll get some pictures up soon :wink2:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top