all excellent advice...
it certainly is a challenge dealing with his timidness. I guess Barbi and I weren't used to or expecting a pup that would hide for the first weeks (months??) that we had him
Sheltin does watch me when I pet the cat with interest. Then when I look at Sheltin he'll lean his head back and cower back. I have to remember to just not look at Sheltin as much. Again, other pups I worked with didn't mind the eye contact the way this guy does.
But, progress with Sheltin using puppy pads consistantly, as long as he's near them or vice versa, is fine with me.
I just found it both amusing and a bit annoying that he jumped off the bed while I was home but then went back up onto the bed when I left to mess on the bed.
Glad to get some clarification on the alpha dog thoughts too.
I assumed his pulling away was from fear, but I wrongly assumed he was trying to dominate the situation to an extent.
A plus with this guy is he's definitely a smart one and understands what I'm asking him to do as far as the basic commands are starting to be understood.
We were just contacted by his former owner (the breeder who sold him to us) stating that, "he should be warming up to you by now"
well, if warming up means he's making some progress, yeh, maybe. But I still would state that he hasn't warmed up as much as I expected yet.
I'm certainly not disappointed with this guy, just still a bit surprised by his fear regardless of the affection, treats, and positives he gets.
I will definitely be spending more of this upcoming weekend with Sheltin next to me or at least in the same room with me... anxious to get him to a dog park or petco or shelter with other pups and kitties to see if he feels more comfortable with several animals. I am thinking if he came from a breeder and was outside, he was probably around a lot more animals and is probably withdrawing or maybe even depressed from missing companionship of animals.
He didn't mind the three baths he's had, he'll sit or lay calmly in the tub and look at me (probably wondering when he can get out), even with the water in the tub, so I think it's safe to bathe the 'mess stink' off of him...
and I haven't had him try to jump out, nip at me, or even lay in submissive pos'n while in the tub. NO shivers or shakes either during the bath, unless I change the water temp too abruptly. So I think I'll stick with bathing him every few days unless he's messier... the baths don't seem to be a negative factor.
still have to find his 'special treat' he can't live without.
He likes everything we've offered him. He'll eat it if the treat is left unattended, but he still hasn't found one that he'll take from my hand no matter what
In fact, most of the time when I offer a treat in my hand he'll pull back and won't even sniff at the treat. That seems a bit odd to me still.
Also, he'll let me 'rake' him, comb and brush him without any issues, unless I tug too hard on a mat in his fur. His coat is pretty decent looking and feeling now too. Got all the 'nasties' out of his fur. He still 'runs for the hills (his house)' when I stop brushing or petting him... that, too, should soon change.
well, more puppy steps ahead...
looking forward to the days when I can take him and he'll proudly strut his stuff next to me.
thanks again to all who have advised and suggested.
Steve (Barbi, Sheltin and Rupert)
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... but a dog that has been socialized at least somewhat would NOT be this shut down at 6 months of age. This isn't just a warming up issue, he's not 'just shy'... He's starting out brand new trying to figure out what humans do!