Scared, Normal, or Scared, Too Much?

T

Teddy Roosevelt

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Never had a Sheltie - but the three previous dogs I've had (one Siberian, one Malamute, one GSD) were all happy go lucky pups who weren't scared of dogs or people.

Teddy Roosevelt is petrified of people. He's only 8 weeks, and I'm slowly socializing him, but right out of the gate, he's scared so much he shakes like a leaf in a stiff breeze when he sees people.

For dogs, he's also terrified.

We have a cat, and he's indifferent.

So...for the breed, are they more timid as pups and grow into their confidence? I WILL socialize the ever-loving shizat out of this little guy, don't want a fear barker or dog nipper, but it seems we are already starting with a deficit.

He's pretty good with us, affectionate, trainable, already dens up in the crate no issues, so seems like he's got lots of great traits. Just don't want a dog that barks at everyone even when on a walk!

Thanks all!
 
Although I had read everything I could find about Shelties, so I was still surprised at how different their mind is compared to, for example. German Shepherd that I have had in the last 30 years.

As you can see I'm not good at English. So if you have not read Trini's description then you get link, http://sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=22964

But sure there are some others that can help you.
 
Shelties do tend to be reserved/shy and socialization from day one is really important. It sounds like your little guy didn't get much handling during his first 8 weeks which is unfortunate but not something you can't help him overcome with gentle supportive handling.

Although some shelties are social butterflies who love greeting people and other dogs, it is much more typical for a sheltie to be selective of the people they open their friendship to. They tend to be one family or one person dogs and deeply bonded to that family/person. Also, in general they don't enjoy the same really rough and tumble play that is so typical in a breed like a Lab.

Make sure as you work with him on socialization that all the work is positive and you take it at his pace so that he doesn't get overwhelmed and retreat emotionally. Progress may seem very slow initially...don't get discouraged...shelties are incredibly smart and he will make progress.

Trini
 
My Blaze is also 8 weeks old. Wouldn't say that he is afraid of folks, or even medical equipment and even he has that "Rule of 7 Socialization" down pat, but he definitely is reserved--like when our neighbor came over to return an item, Blaze just backed away with a "who ARE you" look. (I know that pups that I had before would simply "mob" a visitor.)

And while I'm the one who is "where's the puppy", Blaze doesn't seem to let me out of his sight. I swear he sleeps with one eye open. (I know that this too shall probably pass as he grows older.) Meanwhile I just enjoy my escorts to the bathroom.
 
:lol: nope it won't pass. You are no longer allowed in the bathroom alone.

A lot can change after 8 weeks and I bet he makes a huge turn around in the next few months.

However yes on the more reserved, Sca is the loves everyone dog but I am still far and away #1 and must be monitored. He loves to play and chase but does keep an eye on things more than it appears. He has now started to guarding the groomer when he goes there. So it appears Kerry is his now. Spitfire you must be on the 'list' or you are not allowed to touch him. He now likes the groomers but the new girl well she is not 'approved' yet :hugs He has figured most people on our flyball team are OK but the other people there that would dare touch him :eek2:. Of course he was 6 months when I got him and Sca was 10 weeks and super socialized as a pup.

Good luck and your pup will soon have you wrapped around his paw.
 
Timid?

Chip was exceptional when we brought him home. Photogenic, loves everyone human and most animals, squirrels are an exception.lol

Strangers do not exist in Chip's life. Our family, cousins, uncles, the works, are at our home one time or another, they love chip and he adores them.

Chip is one year plus four months now. Happy, fun, rough and tumble, runs like the wind, will visit you in the bathroom only to leave soon after. He just didn't want the door closed between you and him. I taught him to open the doors with his paw. I can't scold him when he does it, he is so doggone cute.

After many years of having dogs, from puppies to oldsters, I am a firm believer in the humans around them have at least 85% to do with their behavior.

Teach by doing what you do every day, that Sheltie is so smart he or she will "pick-up" on it in no time.
 
Jean said:
My Blaze is also 8 weeks old. <<<, but he definitely is reserved--like when our neighbor came over to return an item, Blaze just backed away with a "who ARE you" look. (I know that pups that I had before would simply "mob" a visitor.)

<<< Blaze doesn't seem to let me out of his sight. I swear he sleeps with one eye open. (I know that this too shall probably pass as he grows older.) Meanwhile I just enjoy my escorts to the bathroom.
Click to expand...

Actually Blaze sounds like a pretty typical sheltie. Even full grown they want to be with their person at all times if possible and are ultra tuned into our every mood and movement...and they are selective as to who deserves their affection...not everyone passes the test. BTW Expect to have a bathroom escort forever. :lol:

Trini
 
Jean said:
Blaze doesn't seem to let me out of his sight. I swear he sleeps with one eye open. (I know that this too shall probably pass as he grows older.) Meanwhile I just enjoy my escorts to the bathroom.
Click to expand...

YUP, this is Cruz exactly! He is my shadow.. even monitors me while I'm showering :lol:

With lots of socialization, Teddy should turn out just fine! He may always be a little reserved, but that is not uncommon with the breed. Cruz also has a 'list' of people he adores - greets them guns a blazing, tail wagging like a lab, whining because he just can't get close enough. Others are just meh. Lots of strangers comment on how "scared" he is, because he would rather sit by my side instead of greeting these new people. I usually respond with "he just loves his people." I got my pup for ME, not them :smile2:
 
Yeah, like everyone says, Shelties are known to be skittish around strangers. It is, after all, what they bred for...to protect their herd. But shivering, is not good.

As Trini said, your pup may not have had enough before you brought him home. But it's not too late

So, a Sheltie who has been properly socialized at a young age can get past it easily. 8 weeks is young yet, and you have time. I was blessed with 3 different breeders who really handled the dogs constantly. One of mine, actually brought the pups onto the front lawn to listen to traffic.

Expose your pup to as many people and dogs (safe dogs, that you know have been vaccinated, until you finish your dogs vaccines).

Puppy school after 4 months is great, but do check out the class. My first Sheltie spent his first 3 classes hiding under a chair because the lab puppies were all over him.

A pet store (not Petsmart.....too big and not controlled) is also a great way to socialize. Staff are trained to deal with animals, answer any questions you have, and often have trusted employee pets to assist in socializing ...uuuhm.....that would be MY store, btw!

Yes, it's certainly doable. I've had 4 Shelties now, and all of them have been assertive in their own way. Not perfect of course. Each has their own way of dealing.

Of them all....my 2nd and 4th were the easiest. Because, I had learned....my 3rd, was a kennel dog until 10 months when I brought him home. Was being raised for show....one out of many......it's taken years to get him to settle, and we still aren't there.

Goo luck!
 
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