Emmasmom
Forums Sage
I am sorry it didn't work out. Just don't let this experience shadow or darken Shelties for you. Shelties are all different, just like we are. Another one may have been different for you.
Good By, Sheltie Lovers
- Thread starter Psalms
- Start date
Well said. I agree 100%. Shelties are very perceptive - if you are angry, or frustrated, or resentful they will sense it. It's not fair to either of you to have to continue for the next 14 or so years under these conditions. Please consider contacting your breeder and arranging for your pup to be rehomed.
labgirl
Forums Sage
I've been watching this thread and wondering what to say or even if I had anything to say.
Cadbury has taken me to the limit and back more than once. I have told people I won't ever have another labrador. I wanted to try showing with him or obedience or even agility - all of which labs do successfully, even chocolate ones! No chance with Cadbury.
In the first year with him I came home too often in tears because of another dreadful walk or training class, another occasion when he had embarrassed me or someone had shouted at me/him for doing something wrong. I'm tougher now, I don't break down, even after the rubbish walk we had today (chased a jogger, got put back on lead, wrenched my back trying to chase another dog!). But I do know how you feel to a degree.
Because this is the bit where I differ. I love that dog, that stupid, oafish, clown who occasionally makes my life a misery. He isn't the best, he isn't even very good at anything, except he is mine, all mine. I have learned to adapt my expectations. I gave up the idea of obedience and agility, now Cadbury is purely a pet dog. I worked for four years in a pet obedience class to overcome the worst of his behaviour, now he rarely jumps up at people, he doesn't mouth (often), he will respond to his recall if I make sure I catch him before he sees something distracting, he is the perfect foot-warmer and he is my shadow.
I wouldn't go out and buy another 'Cadbury', not even another lab, I would go get another Merlin in an instant. But if anyone tried to take that dog from me they would have to contend with a small ball of fury that would be me coming at them! Some people asked me why I didn't give up, why didn't I just rehome him - that's what a lot of people would do and thought I should do. But I was too stubborn, am still too stubborn, to do that. Our relationship will never be the same as the one I have with Merlin. Merlin and I work as a team, with Cadbury I always seem to be pulling in the opposite direction to the way he is going. Yet, I still see the good behind the bad, the cheerful smile that is always there, the patting paw reminding me labs need hugs too, the impressive beg that took a whole year to teach! See, stubborn!
Sometimes you have to look at what is there and not what isn't. It's complicated, messy, sometimes infuriating, you wonder how you ended up with such a 'hopeless' dog. Only they aren't hopeless, they just need to be looked at in a different light
Cadbury has taken me to the limit and back more than once. I have told people I won't ever have another labrador. I wanted to try showing with him or obedience or even agility - all of which labs do successfully, even chocolate ones! No chance with Cadbury.
In the first year with him I came home too often in tears because of another dreadful walk or training class, another occasion when he had embarrassed me or someone had shouted at me/him for doing something wrong. I'm tougher now, I don't break down, even after the rubbish walk we had today (chased a jogger, got put back on lead, wrenched my back trying to chase another dog!). But I do know how you feel to a degree.
Because this is the bit where I differ. I love that dog, that stupid, oafish, clown who occasionally makes my life a misery. He isn't the best, he isn't even very good at anything, except he is mine, all mine. I have learned to adapt my expectations. I gave up the idea of obedience and agility, now Cadbury is purely a pet dog. I worked for four years in a pet obedience class to overcome the worst of his behaviour, now he rarely jumps up at people, he doesn't mouth (often), he will respond to his recall if I make sure I catch him before he sees something distracting, he is the perfect foot-warmer and he is my shadow.
I wouldn't go out and buy another 'Cadbury', not even another lab, I would go get another Merlin in an instant. But if anyone tried to take that dog from me they would have to contend with a small ball of fury that would be me coming at them! Some people asked me why I didn't give up, why didn't I just rehome him - that's what a lot of people would do and thought I should do. But I was too stubborn, am still too stubborn, to do that. Our relationship will never be the same as the one I have with Merlin. Merlin and I work as a team, with Cadbury I always seem to be pulling in the opposite direction to the way he is going. Yet, I still see the good behind the bad, the cheerful smile that is always there, the patting paw reminding me labs need hugs too, the impressive beg that took a whole year to teach! See, stubborn!
Sometimes you have to look at what is there and not what isn't. It's complicated, messy, sometimes infuriating, you wonder how you ended up with such a 'hopeless' dog. Only they aren't hopeless, they just need to be looked at in a different light
tofu pup
Moderator
He isn't the best, he isn't even very good at anything, except he is mine, all mine. I have learned to adapt my expectations...
Sometimes you have to look at what is there and not what isn't. It's complicated, messy, sometimes infuriating, you wonder how you ended up with such a 'hopeless' dog. Only they aren't hopeless, they just need to be looked at in a different light
Oh Sophie, I am sending you the biggest hug right now... I wish more people could learn to take this view, not only with their dogs, but with each other.
Thank you for brightening my day.He isn't the best, he isn't even very good at anything, except he is mine, all mine. I have learned to adapt my expectations...[/B
Truest words ever spoken. I tell Beau every single day that I don't expect him to be "Perfect" I just need him to be the best that he can be. Its not his fault that Beau is the way that he is, and having been taken away from my parents for neglect, I understand on every level what it can do to person, let alone an animal that cannot communicate its needs to us
..
That being said, I can completely understand, Psalms predicament. I don't think she should be made to feel that she has failed her dog, I commend her for understanding her own human limitations in not knowing what to do and wanting the best.
In my case, I live by myself so I can adapt both mine and Beau' environment to make sure I'm not setting him up to fail. But, even then some days are harder than others but, I don't love him any less
Truest words ever spoken. I tell Beau every single day that I don't expect him to be "Perfect" I just need him to be the best that he can be. Its not his fault that Beau is the way that he is, and having been taken away from my parents for neglect, I understand on every level what it can do to person, let alone an animal that cannot communicate its needs to us
..
That being said, I can completely understand, Psalms predicament. I don't think she should be made to feel that she has failed her dog, I commend her for understanding her own human limitations in not knowing what to do and wanting the best.
In my case, I live by myself so I can adapt both mine and Beau' environment to make sure I'm not setting him up to fail. But, even then some days are harder than others but, I don't love him any less
Tabitha
Forums Enthusiast
Sometimes you have to look at what is there and not what isn't. It's complicated, messy, sometimes infuriating, you wonder how you ended up with such a 'hopeless' dog. Only they aren't hopeless, they just need to be looked at in a different light
Sophie, your love and devotion for Cadbury is not just stubbornness, it is the unbreakable bond between you and your dog. I too am sending you, Cadbury, and Merlin a big hug! The statement you just made should be read by ALL dog lovers and owners all across the world
!Sophie, no truer words spoken indeed. They steal our hearts no matter what their short comings. Our girl has many issues but she also has so many loving qualities. Sometimes when I become frustrated with her behavior she comes and gives me a big sheltie kiss and I realize she is worth all those frustrating moments and that I will continue to work with her to help her be a better sheltie. And if that never happens she has most definitely taught me a lot along the way.
sable
Forums Enthusiast
Psalms I am so sorry about Sam. Have you ever thought of a thunder shirt?
I have heard nothing but really great things and how it calms a dog down.
I know when I take my two to the dog park I use a harness, where we have complete control. For some reason it keeps them from any distractions.
Just some thoughts to help. Your sheltie is young, and some dogs of all breeds can be a bit hard headed, and eventually with patience and age they do turn around.
If you decide to give Sam up, hopefully you call the breeder, or give him up to a rescue where sometimes, they are also a trainer.
My very best wishes whatever you decide, for you and your Sammy.
I have heard nothing but really great things and how it calms a dog down.
I know when I take my two to the dog park I use a harness, where we have complete control. For some reason it keeps them from any distractions.
Just some thoughts to help. Your sheltie is young, and some dogs of all breeds can be a bit hard headed, and eventually with patience and age they do turn around.
If you decide to give Sam up, hopefully you call the breeder, or give him up to a rescue where sometimes, they are also a trainer.
My very best wishes whatever you decide, for you and your Sammy.
While it sounds very much like your Sammy is not a good fit and may have some issues, not all shelties or goldens or shepherds are the same. Please don't judge a breed by one dog.
I hope that your breeder or a rescue can help you find a better situation for this young dog as obviously the two of you are not happy with each other.
I hope that your breeder or a rescue can help you find a better situation for this young dog as obviously the two of you are not happy with each other.
I've been watching this thread and wondering what to say or even if I had anything to say.
Cadbury has taken me to the limit and back more than once. I have told people I won't ever have another labrador. I wanted to try showing with him or obedience or even agility - all of which labs do successfully, even chocolate ones! No chance with Cadbury.
In the first year with him I came home too often in tears because of another dreadful walk or training class, another occasion when he had embarrassed me or someone had shouted at me/him for doing something wrong. I'm tougher now, I don't break down, even after the rubbish walk we had today (chased a jogger, got put back on lead, wrenched my back trying to chase another dog!). But I do know how you feel to a degree.
Because this is the bit where I differ. I love that dog, that stupid, oafish, clown who occasionally makes my life a misery. He isn't the best, he isn't even very good at anything, except he is mine, all mine. I have learned to adapt my expectations. I gave up the idea of obedience and agility, now Cadbury is purely a pet dog. I worked for four years in a pet obedience class to overcome the worst of his behaviour, now he rarely jumps up at people, he doesn't mouth (often), he will respond to his recall if I make sure I catch him before he sees something distracting, he is the perfect foot-warmer and he is my shadow.
I wouldn't go out and buy another 'Cadbury', not even another lab, I would go get another Merlin in an instant. But if anyone tried to take that dog from me they would have to contend with a small ball of fury that would be me coming at them! Some people asked me why I didn't give up, why didn't I just rehome him - that's what a lot of people would do and thought I should do. But I was too stubborn, am still too stubborn, to do that. Our relationship will never be the same as the one I have with Merlin. Merlin and I work as a team, with Cadbury I always seem to be pulling in the opposite direction to the way he is going. Yet, I still see the good behind the bad, the cheerful smile that is always there, the patting paw reminding me labs need hugs too, the impressive beg that took a whole year to teach! See, stubborn!
Sometimes you have to look at what is there and not what isn't. It's complicated, messy, sometimes infuriating, you wonder how you ended up with such a 'hopeless' dog. Only they aren't hopeless, they just need to be looked at in a different light
Thank you,you have certainly made me smile~ Our Earnhardt would be 10 years old today. And how we miss him. He was the light of our lives. Ican relate to you on the stubbornness, silly antics to, as we certainly went down that road with Ernie when he was a pup.
Hugs to you & Cadbury & Merlin.