What Am I Doing Wrong?

[SheepOfBlue]

Nope got to get this dynamo on track

Sounds like it is almost impossible to wear his furry behind out physically but how about mentally....

Sca was an energizer bunny but making him think would wear him out. Now I had it easier since I could bring him places but in the schedule of walks and frisbee do you practice tricks? I am not sure what to recommend but that might be an approach to take. Also you might snag a treat pouch so the treat is not in your hand (Spitfire is worthless if you have it in hand also). That way you only go to the pouch for successful tricks.

Oh and someone mentioned food. That might be his chewing though it is could be nerves also.

Lastly a cookie ball might be a good thing for you. That way you can put some in then turn him loose with something to occupy him while keeping him out of trouble.

Good luck.

[jenesmomma]

oh man, thats how jene is..hes a few days away from being 6 months. just no matter what i do, take him to the dog park and then walk a few hours later, its never enough to make him tired hahah. i feel your pain! oh and he likes his cage but doesnt settle in it.. but im hoping he grows up and out of the craziness :P

[Meldor]

Originally Posted by Psalms

Thank you for all your help. I will go back to my corner and not bother you anymore. Janet

Hummm... I hope you did not take my replies the wrong way.

I took the time to share this information in order to try and help you with your pup. No judgement or wrongful intentions but pure honest try to help and share what I have been through with my used-to-be-a-rambunctious-sheltie. It's not about bothering us but it's about asking for help and complete strangers offering suggestions and opinions on what they think may help you.

Please don't go back in your corner. Continue sharing your updates/frustrations/successes/plans.. that's what this forum is for.

[missjenneygirl]

We deal with this issue all the time. If you have an evening training class, don't feed the pup dinner before going. Let him travel on an empty stomach.
Throw down an old bath towel in his crate to absorb any drool. He probably won't throw up, since his tummy is empty. Throw an extra towel in the car for the ride home. I also tie a baby bib under their chin, so their ruff isn't slimed.
A little planning ahead, and it will be okay. Most dogs get over the motion sickness quicker if they have car rides often. Of course, some never do, and I have one of those....she is 7 years old now. You would think the 5 hour ride to Maine, and all the dog show traveling over the years would have cured her, but, no.

You can also give Bonine for motion sickness. Give a half tablet in the early afternoon on the day he will have to travel.

Since so many forum fanciers have been where you are, they have walked the walk and come out the other side, everyone wants to help you have a successful puppy experience.

[k9kreationz]

I had to add the bit about Koji being like a baby. He would fight a nap, but you could tell he was cranky and needed one badly. I would crate him and he'd howl and howl and howl (first time I heard it, I was like, WHAT IS THAT???!!! I never heard a Sheltie howl before, lol). But within 10 mins, he'd be out like a light bulb.

The only other thing I would suggest is doggie daycare if it's in your area. Koji was still super hyper at 1 year but he started going once a week. I was amazed at the difference it made. Everyone suggested it, but I never thought one day a week would be enough (and couldn't afford more than that).

Oh shoots. I just recalled you said he gets car sick. Darn it! There goes the doggie day care.

Hmmm....what else can you do? Have you tried mental games? Mix up your walks? I know when Koji has to experience "new" things, it'd tire him out mentally. Bummer you can't take him places though, that would do so much good to tire him out.

[Justicemom]

Originally Posted by missjenneygirl

We deal with this issue all the time. If you have an evening training class, don't feed the pup dinner before going. Let him travel on an empty stomach.
Throw down an old bath towel in his crate to absorb any drool. He probably won't throw up, since his tummy is empty. Throw an extra towel in the car for the ride home. I also tie a baby bib under their chin, so their ruff isn't slimed.
A little planning ahead, and it will be okay. Most dogs get over the motion sickness quicker if they have car rides often. Of course, some never do, and I have one of those....she is 7 years old now. You would think the 5 hour ride to Maine, and all the dog show traveling over the years would have cured her, but, no.

You can also give Bonine for motion sickness. Give a half tablet in the early afternoon on the day he will have to travel.

Since so many forum fanciers have been where you are, they have walked the walk and come out the other side, everyone wants to help you have a successful puppy experience.

I do agree if you avoid the car , he will never get over it.

Diva's son Porter and his nephew Ralph were both quite the drooling/barfing fiends as puppies. We did just as missjennygirl said because it was not an option. They needed to get over it or at least learn to deal with it as both were hopeful show puppies. Porter outgrew it by about 5 months and he was in the car about 3-4 times a week. Ralph took a little longer and truely we didn't know if he would ever get over it. Poor guy looked like a walrus after every trip(now you know why his name is Ralph). He is now 11 months old and dry as a bone his last time in the car. Ironicly when Porter went oversized and we placed him, his new job was to travel around the country in an RV with his people.

I hope you consider all the great advice here, we truely do care and many of us have been there and felt the frustration. Please consider getting him into classes.

I have been and without the help of people in person to help me and guide me, I am sure atleast one of dogs (eh um Ember) would have caused me to pull my hair out. Diva was crazy as a puppy too but I had better coping skills.

[Psalms]

Thank you all for the encouragement about riding in the car. It really never occurred to me that he could get over his motion sickness by riding more. He cowers and trembles so even at the word "car" that I have felt sorry for him and thus have avoided it. Off we will go tomorrow (that is, if it doesn't snow as predicted!) Janet

[missjenneygirl]

Just one more tip...

After you have his crate secured in the car,(you don't want it to rock or shift, that makes the sickness worse) and his towel in place, you will be ready to go.
Remember to always have a roll of paper towels and a plastic bag for any clean-ups.

Now...here is the important part. After you let Sammy relieve himself before the car ride, pick him up. You don't want to walk him to the car on his leash. He will probably get agitated and spin and lunge. So, to not encourage that behavior right now, scoop him up while you are away from the car. Then just place him in his crate. A pat on the head and a "good boy!", and you are on your way.

[Parrotsandpups]

I have a brand new Sheltie and am fairly new to the breed, but I'm an antisocial recluse so I know a fair bit about dog training :p

Sounds like your little fella thinks his boss. I agree with other people who have suggested to contain him in a play pen or room. A lot of people think this is mean, but that is an old school way of thinking (my mum for example!). Containing him to say the laundry with access to a few metres of penned back yard shrinks his world and helps him realize that the home belongs to YOU, not to him. It's also a good way to FORCE him to rest and sleep.

If he has a toy rotation he will learn to entertain himself and calm himself down, as well as stop destroying your house. You can then you structured training sessions (I recommend going to a training class or the training book "The Power of Positive Reinforcement" to get a step by step of how to teach him his place.

There will probably be a tantrum of epic proportions when you first confine him. Lure him in with treats and let him get used to the room before you leave him confined. I recommend leaving on a high note, so let him have a stuffed kong toy to work on while you slip away. Block out the barking, crying, whining - if his misbehaving he is dead to you. The second he clams up after his tantrum, HELLO, PUPPY!! HAVE A TREAT!

You're the boss, his wants don't dictate the way you run your home :) Of course they need walks, food, and love but structure is great for dogs, esp sensitive little beings like shelties :)