Biting / Fear, help...

[Chris]

Harley was probably frightened and threatened -- he had no idea of what was happening. Shelties are very sensitive dogs. Yelling at a Sheltie is very psychologically threatening. A firm "No" is all it takes.

May I recommend How to be Your Dog's Best Friend, an amazing book n building a positive relationship with your new boy.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Dogs...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272847417&sr=8-1

 

[sable]

Congrats on your sheltie. Along the way its always good to train the kids along with the sheltie. The dos and don'ts. You have received great advice, and they are right, one and two word commands do work.

My favorites are NO, at the front door when someone comes BACK UP, Stay for example. When they are young, you think somedays you are a polly parrot, or you need a tape recorder. , now that might make your son use a spray bottle on you, watch out.

Praise, and if you have to use treats use treats. I love that your little furkid has found a happy foot to lay on, that is where mine go with my husband.

OMG wait when you are sleeping and a good face washing comes from your furkid, my boy does this to my husband. Sounds like this little one loves you a bunch. Time, patience, and repetition cures everything.

My very best to you, and your family.

 

[Caro]

Really appreciate the help. I can't believe I forgot to let you know how old Harley - the Sheltie is: He was 18 months old when we adopted him, and I realize they can be barkers. Hope we can ease this situation.

Harley is still young (about the equivalent of an 18yr old human), you already know how to raise an adolescent human male so a young dog will be a breeze (at least adolescence in dogs doesnt last as long). Using physical punishment is a very risky thing to do with a rescue and also with a sensitive breed like a sheltie (they dont tend to take things in if they feel threatened). But this also means there are some really effective ways to deal with problems.

Sheltie thrive on attention and a lot of the time barking is attention seeking. One tactic is to withdraw attention. If Harley starts barking turn your back on him, even walk away. It might initially start him barking more (to see if more barking will get your attention) but once he realises its having the reverse affect he should settle down.

Also, time outs are really useful for shelties - they are a breed that love being around their family so being withdrawn from them is a big punishment. Two minutes should be enough for most things, although if he snaps again I would use a 5min time out. When you do time out dont say anything, just clip on his lead and lead him into another room away from you, or behind a barrier. I can direct my two into the 'time out' area by just pointing altho I rarely have to use it now.

Ask your son to give the attention withdrawal approach a try. I bet Harley adores your son. I have found shelties just think the world of their family, but have a special spot for the kids. And seeing as they are both 'of an age' I have no doubt they will become best mates. In fact it wouldnt suprise me if Harley was really upset when your son sprayed him because he probably thought they were mates.