Adopted Sheltie/May be biter

[sable]

Is there anyway you can gate Diego off from the others? Just let them sniff each other for awhile and keep them seperated. I know your anxious for results, but this is not going to happen immediately. I hear your pain but have patience. Your sure giving him a second chance.

I keep thinking about him biting your hand. To me this is a red flag that he is protecting himself. Startled maybe, but still I wonder if the previous owner did something to him. You have to gain his trust, and I believe after awhile that is very possible.

Our very best wishes, and best of luck. Your a good mom.

[Tagg]

In reading through some of the posts about Diego it sounds like he has no bite inhibition. Startled dogs might bite occasionally but their first reaction should be to scramble to one side or the other, not to immediately set their jaws in motion. I too would be concerned about this dog being ever able to safely be around small children. Kids will only remember for a nano second what the instructions are to be around the dog and traumatized kids that are being fostered don't need the additional worry. I know that this is going to be unpopular with the members of the forum but I have to say that in my opinion fostering children and Diego have a low probablity of being a good match. You should get in touch with a really good trainer that is well versed in handling abused dogs and work with them. Don't let him have a chance to mark in the house - it only helps to establish his place in the pecking order and you will have a dog that has little respect for you. Get him neutered and get him housetrained before giving him free access to the house. Who knows what his past is but if he has been running the streets and breeding things he might have a low tolerance of other dogs. Ontario Sheltie gives some good advice on reteaching him to be around other dogs but until his testosterone fades a bit it might be more challenging. I will be rooting for you.

[rose]

i am not going to give advice, so many have given you very very good advice, and i read what they say, and learn much.
so i am going to just say i'm cheering for you .all the best

[kathyl]

Thanks guys. This dog is a good dog, but I think you're right about talking to a trainer. We aren't fostering yet, but the door is open & want things okay for who comes in our home. Actually looking for farm w/land... all of us need a creek to put our toes back in!
Diego is house trained, doesn't mark, whines when needing to potty, knows some commands. Is worse barker than my collies (& they're bad) Getting attached to the family. I get in floor & he flops in my lap for attention. When we got him he looked as if freshly groomed.
Have a bathroom off storage room boys use. When oldest son goes in, Diego always follows. When son tries to shut door, Diego growls. When door is shut, he barks then lays outside of door till son comes out. Very protective.
Was to be neutered yesterday but food/water wasn't taken away night before. Now goes Tuesday.
Yes I'm a good mom. Get trainer info Tuesday.

[kathyl]

Hi to all. I need to ask if anyone on the forum lives close to me. We found out my dad has stage 4 lung cancer, & daughter's husband is being deployed to Afghanistan.
Though we really like Diego, at this point in life, my time will be divided helping family members. I'm the main caregiver for animals, and Diego needs retrained in some areas. We are unsure if we'll be able to keep him. He's a handful.
I know many on this forum are familiar with Shelties and would feel more comfortable knowing he's with someone who can get him help.
I've tried finding trainers and seem to be coming up with nothing. We haven't decided positively we will re-home him, but making forum members aware in case.
Thanks again for all your help.

[take4roll10]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I don't know anyone in Kentucky, but through a quick search, I found three sheltie rescues that may be in your area.

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KY86.html
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KY34.html
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KY202.html

[kathyl]

Hi group. I contacted the closest Rescue to us; about 2-3 hrs. She has 10 dogs though.
Update on Diego. This dog has gotten very attached to us (& visa versa). Follows us/lays @ feet/etc. We enjoy most of his personality/traits. He just absolutely does not tolerate strangers coming in our house or the neighborhood children. He won't stop growling/barking when someone comes in & if we crate him, he barks non-stop. When excited, he's also nippy when taken outside.
My husband thinks finding him a home with adults who understand Shelties might be the best for him. If anyone on here would like to take him/work with him, please let me know. Thanks.
We're in Ashland, Ky, 41102.

[HopeShelties]

I've forwarded this information on to people in my sheltie club. Several of them help with rescue and placement of shelties. I'm going to pm you as I expect to hear back from someone and will probably need your contact information for them.
I live in shepherdsville ky and know a few people in rescue in kentucky and Indiana.

[kathyl]

Thanks. I'll probably cry when he leaves, but need to do what's best for all.

[kathyl]

Hi to all. Finally got some good pics of Diego & wondered where/how to post them. Help please...