Along with an 8 wk old sheltie puppy I just purchased, I adopted a 15 month old sheltie. The 15 mo old , Meeko, is essentially a rescue. He is quite thin. Doesn't have a mean bone bone in his body but is extremely shy. He is almost afraid of his own shadow. Apparently never socialized and had been bounced around from several breeders before i adopted him. He prefers to hide in a corner of the room. He is becoming more trusting very day. He does play well with Indy, the puppy, just not often. Any suggestions or advise on how to help this sweetie learn to trust and not be so afraid would be greatly appreciated.
help requested
- Thread starter listarz
- Start date
graydawntreader
Forums Enthusiast
This link leads to stories about a very fearful Collie named Baby and how she was rehabilitated:
http://www.awca.net/rescue/babestor.htm
You should be able to find tips from Baby's story. Good luck.
http://www.awca.net/rescue/babestor.htm
You should be able to find tips from Baby's story. Good luck.
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Excellent site, very interesting!
mcguiregirl2248
Forums Enthusiast
Zoe my 6 year old was that way when we brought her home. She didn't like Marlie at all and would hide all the time. That was last August. They are best buddies now. Once I stopped trying to get her to hang out with us and do things she realized that she was being left out and joined in. It had to be something that she wanted, not what I wanted.
Rasha is also 6 years old and we got her in Feb. She will often go off and lay away from the rest of us. She was with a breeder for the first 6 years of her life and I don't think that she spent a lot of time with the family. Again, I just leave her alone and if she wants to be with us she is and if she doesn't I don't worry - it's just her. She is very cautious around my husband too, I think that has to do with that Sheltie timid gene. She knows that he won't do anything to her but she is still cautious around him. I guess my point is that I have let my dogs adjust themselves over time and tried not to rush anything, the more that I wanted them to do things the less they wanted to do with me.
I read some of the stuff on the link too and it is good information. What I have said is not an answer but may be a little more comforting. Have a good night with the new pup and dog!!
Rasha is also 6 years old and we got her in Feb. She will often go off and lay away from the rest of us. She was with a breeder for the first 6 years of her life and I don't think that she spent a lot of time with the family. Again, I just leave her alone and if she wants to be with us she is and if she doesn't I don't worry - it's just her. She is very cautious around my husband too, I think that has to do with that Sheltie timid gene. She knows that he won't do anything to her but she is still cautious around him. I guess my point is that I have let my dogs adjust themselves over time and tried not to rush anything, the more that I wanted them to do things the less they wanted to do with me.
I read some of the stuff on the link too and it is good information. What I have said is not an answer but may be a little more comforting. Have a good night with the new pup and dog!!
Calliesmom
Moderator
Callie was a rescue and I don't think she spent much time with people/the family until she got into the foster home. she apparently spent much time hiding behind furniture or staying outside. when she came to live with me, she was spending lots of time hiding but she got lots of treats and love and now has lots more confidence. she does like to spend time outside when it's cooler but not so much in the summer. she doesn't really play at all- with me or my mixed breed dog. I'd say just give her time- give her some obedience training- it helps when they have something to do and know what's allowed. good luck 
The website about Babe is fascinating! Just what I need. Although Meeko is not nearly as frightened as Babe, the articles give me incite on what may or may not work. Thank you everyone for your advice. I have had Meeko for 3 days now and he is doing surprisingly well. He already is hiding less and venturing forth around the house. Although it takes Meeko a while to warm up, once you are petting him, he doesn't want you to stop! I am very excited about his progress.