Adopted Sheltie/May be biter

Forgot...he was laying in floor by husband on couch yesterday. Husband got up, dog bit him hard on toe. Older son was petting him down back, he turned to try & snap him also.
I'm willing to work w/this guy, but we may foster little ones in the future. Need to have him safe.
Also...should I wait to have him neutered since he's sneezing & had that big immunization shot? Until his immune system is a bit stronger?

dogs can be snappy for medical reasons- too much vaccination causes vaccinosis, I have seen few cases, there could be full blown Lyme when every joint is inflamed and dog has personality changes, low thyroid will cause snappiness as well. CISR just had a case when pup started biting long standing family members, well his thyroid was very low. It was missed by their vet too... not everyone knows shelties.
Of course there are behavioral issues you might not be aware.
 
I agree with Toffee's Mom and SheltieChe, poor guy needs a confined, stress free area where he can get used to his new surroundings and have limited exposure to people. No one should be petting him but you and maybe your husband right now, especially since you don't know if he has something medical going on.

Neutering may have to be postponed, definitely have your vet assess him first.
 
Yeah, I'd definitely wonder if something medical is going on. Maybe he's having issues seeing or is in some pain. I'm not an expert on biting since neither of my dogs have had an issue with it but when they were nippy puppies I exaggerated and cried "OWWWW" even if it was just a little nip. Start looking for warning signs before he bites... does he growl, look at you without blinking (that's aggression), just jump and do it suddenly... so on. Maybe you can find the "triggers" and then try to manage the behavior by avoiding things that scare him or put him on the defensive.

Hey, you should post some pictures. :yes:
 
Last edited:
I got in on this kinda late, but you are getting some great advice. Don't give up on this boy! You will probably never know what kind of traumas he has gone through. Have him completely medically checked out for anything that could cause behavioral problems, have him neutered, and provide him with a nice, dark den (crate) to hide in when he needs to.

My Bela girl was a rescue. She was a puppy mill mama and went to SR at 5 years old. She had been kept in a very small cage all her life, and had absolutely no idea how to live in a household with people. She potty trained with hardly any effort at all (Shelties are SMART!), and for the first few weeks it was hard to get her out of the crate. I kept her door open, and she'd sneak out and drink some water occasionally. She did attempt to bite me a few times when I would pick her up or brush her rear end. But she has hardly any lower teeth, so all she can really do is pinch you hard. She didn't bark at all for six months! I've worked with her on a daily basis, and she's now much more adjusted, though she still avoids the kitchen, bathrooms, and downstairs hallway (all with vinyl flooring). She fears thunder but no longer goes ballistic over it. Now she just comes to me and wants to snuggle up.

Your dog is under some pretty extreme stress. Shelties generally don't do well in shelter situations - it can be traumatic for them and it takes time and a light hand in helping them cope with their change in circumstances. Don't give up. Treated right, he'll soon learn that he's home to stay and will settle down.
 
How did she get over thunder? My little rescue Rusty is terrified of fireworks and when it's thundering he runs around barking at the sky(or windows). Not scared but, extremely excited.
 
Last edited:
How did she get over thunder? My little rescue Rusty is terrified of fireworks and when it's thundering he runs around barking at the sky(or windows). Not scared but, extremely excited.

Try a Thundershirt -- they really work!
 
How did she get over thunder? My little rescue Rusty is terrified of fireworks and when it's thundering he runs around barking at the sky(or windows). Not scared but, extremely excited.

My rescue Toby is really afraid of fireworks and thunder and is noise sensitive in general. I bought him a thunder shirt, which has helped him immensely.

You don't have to buy him a Thundershirt, any kind of snug fitting t-shirt should work.
 
I've taken/applied great advice from here. Been sitting in floor, let him come to me. Yesterday he climbed in my lap, turned over & wanted his belly rubbed. He's coming around, but I'm still leary of him. When he's mouthy now, I tell him NO and he seems to listen/obey.
He climbed on couch today by son wanting loved on.
I don't let him on furniture, but he sure tries! These guys are persistent aren't they? He's mesmerized by the Maltese/thinks he's 'live entertainment'...good with him 'cept for nose in butt constantly! I keep telling him NO.
He's been sneezing/am giving all natural treatments for immune system. Been wrapping in meat or cheese/feeding out of my hand. Seems better today. Waiting a week on neutering. Had a few poo/pee accidents,but he knows quite a few commands.
He's so full of life & now comes/puts muzzle in hands wanting loved on. I keep letting him come to me for the most part. Has own crate w/quilt in. Overall doing better. Giving time & space.
 
Back
Top