Hello From the Tampa, Area

[b_chace74]

Tnxs .. Doing Just that Judy tnxs for the tips. He trembles at times but is already looking at me for guidance. Hes super SMART. Did I say OMG I <3 this boy. Hoping weather nice this weekend and we will head to the park (not a dog park hate those places). Just want him to chill around people. There's a quieter one by my house and thinking Sunday be a nice day to get him out. I believe he will come out of it. Time with tell. Today he tried warming up to my Daughter Ady. But she was over tired. Why is this such a problem in this breed? It doesn't seem like temperament but for sure seems like weak nerves.

[lovemyshelties]

Welcome to SN. We have four Shelties. Our Zoey is a blue merle whom we got at a pup. She is very anxious and cautious around new situations and not at all fond of young children (almost nipped a little girl who came running toward her on one our walks a few years ago). Not sure, but I know of others with blue merles who are a mess. Love their coloring, but I'm never getting another one. Zoey's issues can be quite taxing at times.

Good luck with your sweet little guy. Positive training goes a long way.

[penny w]

Great pictures! We have an 11 month old sable Sheltie, Jagger, and a German Shorthaired Pointer (Kylie, who will be 10 years old this August).

[b_chace74]

Originally Posted by lovemyshelties

Welcome to SN. We have four Shelties. Our Zoey is a blue merle whom we got at a pup. She is very anxious and cautious around new situations and not at all fond of young children (almost nipped a little girl who came running toward her on one our walks a few years ago). Not sure, but I know of others with blue merles who are a mess. Love their coloring, but I'm never getting another one. Zoey's issues can be quite taxing at times.

Good luck with your sweet little guy. Positive training goes a long way.

Hmm wonder if something linked to the coloring. Very interesting thought

[Justicemom]

Originally Posted by b_chace74

Hmm wonder if something linked to the coloring. Very interesting thought

Welcome to the forum. I have a blue merle named Birch and he is not a nervous dog. He is reserved with strangers but he is not shy. Meaning he will approach you then ignore you but he is not worried. Nor any of my dogs that live with me. I have a bi blue, sable and a tri.

Good underlying genetics and then socialize the heck out of them. I have seen poor temperments of every color in this breed.

[Jaynie]

Welcome! You've got more than your share of cuteness going on! I love the pic with the huge Sheltie smile!

Your boy just needs to develop some confidence. He's obviously brainy (he IS a Sheltie, after all), and should adapt in no time.

As for "coddling" a dog, there's nothing wrong with reassuring a frightened dog, just don't go overboard. I have a puppy mill rescue girl who spent her first five years in a 4x5 pen - it took her over six months to just wag her tail and bark, but she was an extreme case. She's pretty stoic for the most part, but loves attention and petting. You'll hardly ever go wrong petting a scared dog. Treats are a big help, too!

Welcome to the forums, and thanks for posting pics!

[Bella's Mom]

Welcome! I grew up in St. Pete but live in Ohio now.