Show dog ... companion dog

W

wendystation

Forums Regular
We adopted a 4 year old "show dog" a week ago... he's a beauty, but oh dear, he is having a difficulty adjusting to house-pet life.

I can only imagine... from a kennel with 12 other Shelties, plus a dozen each of two other breeds... one hour in the outdoor run each day, and human interaction only when training/showing. He has a beautiful "show walk" when on leash, really prances.

But....

He doesn't seem to know any basics. Sit, stay, come... he just looks blankly at us. He also flinches when anyone makes a sudden move... even something as simple as adjusting my glasses and he flinches. (This worries me about his previous environment?)

The new environment is a drastic change too, I'm certain. He showed a preference to go lay behind the couch, so after the first 24 hours, I've been attaching a 6' leash to his collar and to my ankle when indoors, then he is always near to me and learning that life isn't that bad.

He did have one beautiful moment a few days ago... the cat was sitting staring at him, so he lowered his chin to the floor and wiggled his rear to playfully challenge the cat. We're hoping that this is a sign of a happier future!

Any suggestions in de-stressing this beautiful boy?
 
I'd recommend that you allow him access to his crate so that he can go there when he feels overwhelmed, walking on the leash at least twice a day, and at least a week of "just dull home routine"....i.e. stick to your schedule for TV, meals, outside breaks for potty, bedtime, etc. and let him hang out and get a feel for the rhythm of the house. Have tiny treats in your pocket at all times and if he comes into your immediate vicinity let a few treats rain from heaven (literally, just drop a few without any fanfare or request for a trick...so that good things are NEAR YOU). After another week or so of this see how his reactions have changed. Even a well socialized dog should be expected to be fearful or mopey if you change their whole world suddenly. Then you can think about what classes or training sessions at home are needed after he's had some adjustment time.
 
granite said:
I'd recommend that you allow him access to his crate so that he can go there when he feels overwhelmed, walking on the leash at least twice a day, and at least a week of "just dull home routine"....i.e. stick to your schedule for TV, meals, outside breaks for potty, bedtime, etc. and let him hang out and get a feel for the rhythm of the house. Have tiny treats in your pocket at all times and if he comes into your immediate vicinity let a few treats rain from heaven (literally, just drop a few without any fanfare or request for a trick...so that good things are NEAR YOU). After another week or so of this see how his reactions have changed. Even a well socialized dog should be expected to be fearful or mopey if you change their whole world suddenly. Then you can think about what classes or training sessions at home are needed after he's had some adjustment time.
Click to expand...

Great advice Granite! My first sheltie was a show dog who grew a bit too big for the breeder. She was one of twenty in a dog run. A crate and a schedule was key for her too. She became part of our family in no time. She was also my first obedience dog!

During the adjustment period, I also took her everywhere with me. Carpooling the kids, going to the car wash, walking to the post office. Lots of treats and love in between.
 
Sat on the floor with our sheltie this evening, and gently scratch/rubbed below his ears near his jaw... I think it was a "sweet spot", as he seemed to relax and really enjoy the gentle massage.
 
Janet had some great advice for you. Another thing you can do is hand feed him for a little while. If you feed kibble, just sit with the bowl in front of you and hold out a few pieces in your hand for him to take. If you use wet food, use a spoon.

wendystation said:
He doesn't seem to know any basics. Sit, stay, come... he just looks blankly at us.
Click to expand...

It doesn't surprise me he doesn't know these commands. Most breeders who only participate in confirmation don't teach their dog to sit since they aren't allowed to sit in the ring.

This doesn't mean you can't teach them. Our CJ was just under 4 years old when we brought her home. She was also a former show dog who didn't really know basic commands - sit, down, etc. We enrolled her in an obedience class and, by the end of the 7 week class, she was excelling at all the basic commands AND passed her CGC.

Working and training with your dog will help build their confidence that you will be there for them and will take charge of a situation. Just make sure you find a class that uses positive reenforcement techniques; Sheltie's don't need a heavy hand.
 
Your boy will come around with time and patience. Janet gave you great advice...let him have a crate for now as his "den" and secure place. Put some nice comfy blankets in it or a dog bed and some toys.

This is a total life change for him. Dogs who've lived in kennels don't see the house as the paradise we think it is for them. He's not used to it, and doesn't know how he's supposed to behave. Give him time and love and he'll be the happiest pet you'll ever have! And it won't take him long to figure out he's got the good life now. :biggrin2:
 
Danny's mommy said:
I had no idea show dogs were not home pets. I have very mixed feelings about this. I am glad she can be a pet now.
Click to expand...

This isn't true. Many show dogs are "house pets" as well and still shine in the show ring. In fact, most breeders I know give every dog they have individual attention and they spend lots of time in the house. It's not a good thing for a dog not to be socialized, no matter what its job is. My show dog lives inside with us and Pixie and Barkley, just like every other house dog.
 
Danny's mommy said:
I had no idea show dogs were not home pets. I have very mixed feelings about this. I am glad she can be a pet now.
Click to expand...

My breeder keeps her dogs inside with her and only keeps a minimum number of dogs. If she feels she can't give a dog the attention it deserves, she rehomes them. In fact all the local breeders I know, and I've met a number of them over the years, are all the same way.

I think you'll find that in most smaller kennels the show dogs are also house pets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top