tYLERS,MOM

[tyler2]

Hello, I have an 8 month old sheltie. He is sable and white.This is my third sheltie, however I guess I forgot what it was like to have a puppy. My other ones I had for twelve years. So as I get older I just don't rember what it's like to train a puppy. He went to obedience class which I don't think he learned much. He likes to bite socks on our feet. I think sometimes he has sled dog aspects in him as he likes to pull when walking. He was house broke at five months so that was good. I'm trying to rain him to come and stay.I guess with time that will come also. Barking is a problem. He barks at everyone going by and coming into the house. He is very skitish around anyone. Like I said either I don't remember or this one is altogether different than my last two. Hope fully he will improve with age. He has been neutered but that doesn't seem to stop him from hoping someone.Any helpfull hints will be greatly appreciated.

[Internette]

Hey your in my neck of the woods. I am in Punta Gorda right now.
Sounds like he is wearing you down? Puppy craziness?

[Eagle]

I was recently in the same boat.

A few helpful resources

(1) Patricia McConnell has a book called The Puppy Primer. I knew most of it already, but it was a very helpful refresher. If he is already eight months though, you may be past this.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Puppy-Prim...s=Puppy+Primer

(2) DogStarDaily web site.

Many free articles if you search. Also, two free books, Before you get your Puppy, and After You get your Puppy by Dr Ian Dunbar. Again, you may be past these books,but they are free, so you can look and see.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/free-downloads

(3) No pull harnesses.

The one that a trainer recommended to me was the sense-ation http://www.softouchconcepts.com/

There are others though that you can get in the pet store. Just be careful, not all harnesses are no-pull. I believe the no-pull ones usually attach in the front, but I could be wrong.

(4) Red light/ Green light

If the dog pulls, you stop. If the leash is loose, you walk.

(5) Turid Rugass has a couple of books

My Dog Pulls, what do I do http://www.amazon.com/MY-DOG-PULLS-W...s=Turid+Rugaas

Barking the sound of a Language http://www.amazon.com/Barking-Langua...s=Turid+Rugaas



As far as the pup nipping at you, I believe you want to yip like he really hurt you. Do not scold him, just act like he hurt you.

For the barking, I believe the key thing is to not reward the barking, reward quiet. So he never gets a treat if he is barking, he never gets petted for barking, you can even look away if he is barking. Try to reward quiet. Barking at people going by is tough. Is this inside or outside? If inside, can you pull the shades so he can't see them. When he can see, maybe you could get him to focus on you and reward him for that?

As far as being skiddish with people, will he take treats from other people? I try to always have treats on me to give to others to give my dog. If people are coming over, I meet them at the door with treats to give the dog.

Hope some of this helps. Good luck and enjoy the puppy.

[dblock]

I recommend the no pull harness as well. In addition, when he starts to pull, just stop walking and when he calms down, you can start walking again, this has done wonders for my Beau.

But, congratulations on your puppy

[Shelby's mom]

I was in the same boat 2 years ago. Our angel was 13 when she passed. We totally forgot what it was like to have a puppy. And Shelby is the complete opposite of Hollie.

I agree with everyone's suggestions. You have to teach her what is acceptable and what is not. Consistency is the key. We also had the support of a great trainer who taught us how to reinforce the good and ignor the bad. Hang in there, things will get better. Here we are 2 years later and despite how very frustrated we were at times we now have a well behaved (most of the time) little girl that we are very proud of.

As for the barking we (me more than hubby) have just accepted it. Shelby barks at things outside the window so we just close the curtains and I put pillows on the chair so she can't jump up and look out.

[Toffee's Mom]

Eagle really has posted some awesome resources
Dogstar daily is one of my favourite places!

a freedom harness is a great tool, I really like it as friends have them for all their dogs, so I got to try one out. I haven't yet got my purchase but I really like them also for reactivity as it keeps the head free and doesn't hinder body language, as well as controls the opposition reflex you always unwittingly encourage with a collar pulling kinda dog! And yes it is only the ones that attach at the front that are no pull harnesses in my experience.

Welcome to Sheltie Nation Forums, can't wait to hear more about your puppy!

[tyler2]

I also have tried the gentle lead collar It works great, Tyler doesn't pull any more. Now if I can only learn to control his barking. He barks at everyone and everything inside and outside. I know shelties are known barkers but I just can't remember my other two barking that much. He is also very skitish with peopl. One trainer I had said I should crate him all the time. I never did my other two and don't intend to this one. Anyone got sugestions?