New Puppy Problems

A

arial_destiny

Forums Regular
We recently got a new Sheltie a few days ago, around 5 months old, and he has some major behaviour problems.

Unlike most dogs he doesn't chew, bark or want to play. He sort of looks at you and then walks away, he lets you pet him and hates it greatly (he sticks his tail between his legs). When I reach for him he runs away.

Training is a pain because he doesn't react to praise or food. He refuses to be lead on a leash at all and stubbornly sits still. The breeder told me to have a firm tug but then he just starts to jump around and spaz and I'm afraid I might hurt him. He hates being outside and just sits down and shivers when he's outside so housetraining is a no-go. (When we take him back inside he won't go until the leash is released.)

This is strange because at the breeder's house he wasn't like that at all, he was joyful and loved to run around and play with his brother, he was a very well socialized puppy yet now it's like his personality completely reversed. This is my first time having a dog and I'm wondering if this is natural. Shelties are reserved with strangers so I thought that might be the cause of his distrust with us. Do shelties normally take a long time to get used to new surroundings? I'm very worried he might never be a member of the family, and will forever end up acting like a large hamster or something. Any advice is to be appreciated.
 
Our Sheltie was definitely scared the first few days we brought her home (at 8 weeks). After all, she had just been separated from mom and all her siblings, and was in a new place with new people. She came around after a few days.

If your pup was well-socialized at the breeder he should come around. Just be very positive and non-threatening.

Did you get a good feeling from the breeder? Do you think that could be a factor?
 
His mom and dad were very sociable and excitable so I don't think genes have any factor. They acted like typical shelties and liked to bark and circle around. The breeder is fairly helpful and responds when I email questions. She crate trained all her dogs, so I suppose my puppy might have eliminated in his crate before, which might be why he likes to sit and lay on his puppy training pads. (we don't have carpet so he might just like the texture better than tile)

He follows my mom around and seems to trust her but dislikes me. When I try to pet him he tries to nip a me. When I praise him he seems to be scared of it and runs away. It's just that he doesn't seem interested in the things dogs should be interested in and it worries me, and he doesn't react in ways dogs should. I really hope he comes around and starts playing and barking. I wanted a sheltie because I heard they were affectionate, eager to please and loyal, yet he's the opposite and I'm afraid he'll never come around.
 
Just give him time to settle in. It is a huge upheavel for a pup to be taken away from what he knows. Remember he is the equivalent of a 6 yr old human child, so things can get scary at that age, esp when you have been taken from your family. You need to be his new family by being patient and giving him the attention he needs for now. It definately isn't a behavioural problem. My Tully took weeks to come around - she was such a timid, scared pup to begin with.

He just needs to sniff around and get used to the new smells and sounds. Don't pressure him to come to you or to do things, he will come around when he becomes more certain of himself and his environment.

It would be great for his transition if you found him a little playmate. And I would recommend puppy classes - they are a great way to bond with you pup in a safe environment, plus your pup will get to meet other pups!
 
Luka was like that for a while. He spent his time absolutely terrified. I started him off in one room with a puppy pad and gradually introduced him to the rest of the house. A month later, we brought his brother (literally littermate) home and his personality completely changed. What he was afraid of, Toulouse wasn't - and vice-versa.

So, maybe find him a dog around his age to have play dates with?

The puppy is probably just nervous and a little scared. He may even miss home a bit. You might be able to ask the breeder for something that has the scent of his litter on it, just to comfort him until he adjusts.

As for being hand-shy, mine STILL do that, even with me, and they're the most loving dogs I've seen. They couldn't be less afraid of anyone. I've been told it's just something with the breed. You can try and get them used to it, but it pops up regardless.
 
We live by time, patience and consistency. Shelties are a wonderful breed and the little pup will come around. Hang in there. Lots of quiet time, lots of gentle petting, lots of walking around the property together, start inside, point out things, go outside and sit together, if the little thing shivers, get a coat (I know the shivering most likely is fear, but if it is cold, then it is a comfort thing). Caro is right, you have a youngster here who just lost family and all the things that are familiar. Dogs love routines, create one and include the little fellow and in no time, you will have the best family member.

If you are a reader get the book, The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete. Follow it like the bible and you will have a puppy that you adore and one that adores you and is a faithful companion.

Good Luck, keep us posted and we love pictures, we are all suckers for sheltie pictures.
 
Update

Well, it's been a month since we got him and he's improved a lot since, he goes on walks now but still freaks out when he sees other people and dogs but is ok when visitors come over. Though he barks like a sheltie and protective of the house, he still doesn't act like one. First of all, he's not very smart. He doesn't get any commands at all, though we've followed his training word by word from books, his only progress is that when there's food, he sits. He doesn't listen when we say "no" because he's not very eager to please. He doesn't care what we say, unless food in involved. We've tried every foul tasting spray on our shoes to keep him from chewing them but nothing deters him. He's not very affectionate either, but he likes to play with other dogs. I'm hoping this is just his teenage stage and his lack of affection may be because we got him when he was a rather old puppy and he's used to playing with other dogs rather than people or toys. If anyone has any advice, I'm open to them all. :winkgrin:
 
It could be a teenage thing. Their brains also go to mush in their teens but don't give up on the training - usually they come out the other side of adolescence having actually remembered what they were taught. Keep reinforcing with food to keep him focused, can't hurt for the moment to use what he values. I would have him working for his meals - if you arent already, try a treat bottle or hide the kibble around the house. Mine still have to work for their breakfast and they love it!

Deska is a chewer, and will always be. But he doesnt chew on shoes (unless he is really excited and then he runs off with them). He gets a rawhide chew every night to satisfy the urge, and i always have a stick handy to redirect his mouth.

Persist with how you are going - its sounding great. Neither of mine were affectionate from about 5mths to 14mths. Now all they want to do is cuddle everyone! From around 18mths they actually lose a bit of interest in playing with other dogs and become much more people focused.
 
Hi, I am so sorry you have to go thru this. I agree it's very odd for shelties: they get trained quite easily due to the general intelligent nature.

Have you tried PetSmart classes? They are good about training even very stubborn dogs. May be they can help, who knows. Also, if I were you I'd definitely talk to the breeder and consult her. She might give you advice/tip.

Also I would advice to have a serious talk to his veterinarian. Like little human adopted kids they might have some attachment disorder.

If you lived in Columbus I'd say to show him to our vet. doctor. Dr. Smith is great.

Keep us posted about your sheltie please. Best of luck to you. Feel free to PM me if you need to talk.
 
Thanks for the update. I am glad to see that your pup has made some progress. I would not be discouraged with his behavior. He was probably not as socialized as he could have been during his first critical months. As many of the people on here who have done rescue can tell you, it just takes a lot of time and patience. I am sure that he will come around.

Agian....thanks for the update.
 
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