How to help our dog relax and enjoy?

danisgoat said:
What kind of treat are you offering? I would try something REALLY yummy to start him off. My pups go nuts over dehydrated liver treats. They also like those natural balance sausage rolls. I cut them up into treat size.
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I second these ideas, both faves of my dogs. Also another sausage roll called Roll Over.
 
I had a dehydrated chicken the dogs just loved. I can't remember the name offhand, but all I have to do is say Chicken now and they come arunning.
 
Good luck in your effort to get him more comfortable. I skimmed through the posts, does he have a name?
 
aww..sounds like you are doing everything right.
poor gal was kenneled all the time and now is in puppy heaven (she juts has to figure that bit out!).

puppy play bows are the best :D
 
*chuckle*

Yes, ours is a male Sheltie... and I have not shared his name merely so that my gossipy blathering could not be traced back to the previous owner.

Of course, if anyone is seriously concerned about the previous owner, they can contact me 1:1.
 
First, a big hug for taking this Sheltie in and giving him what seems to be a wonderful forever home. Second, sounds to me like he wasn't socialized and may have been mistreated so trusting other humans will take time and patience. Try a really high value treat, like chicken or pieces of a cooked hot dog, and see if he'll take it. Always practice positive training and expect some set backs. We have a blue merle Sheltie named Zoey that we got from a breeder. She was 8 weeks old when we brought her home and she has been the most difficult and trying dog, but with patience and positive reinforcement she is blossoming into a sweet little gal. She just turned two years old in September and is finishing up Nosework 2 class.

For resources, I like the Whole Dog Journal. You can order a subscription on the Internet. Great wealth of information in their monthly articles.
 
In our 30+ years of marriage, this is our 4th Sheltie. He's a challenge, but yes, I see a light at the end of the tunnel for this boy. *woof* Thank you all, from both of us!
 
An update on mellow-ing our dog....

After nine months of TLC, our male sheltie is coming around! "Bro" has learned that there's a lot of love available, and he's starting to enjoy it.

The final step that seemed to really nudge us to success was the use of a calming pheromone. Plugged into the wall in our main living area, it seemed to truly help Bro feel more mellow.

Thank you all for your assistance! Bro's not quite 100%, but he's firmly footed on the road to a happy and healthy life.
 
wendystation said:
An update on mellow-ing our dog....

After nine months of TLC, our male sheltie is coming around! "Bro" has learned that there's a lot of love available, and he's starting to enjoy it.

The final step that seemed to really nudge us to success was the use of a calming pheromone. Plugged into the wall in our main living area, it seemed to truly help Bro feel more mellow.

Thank you all for your assistance! Bro's not quite 100%, but he's firmly footed on the road to a happy and healthy life.
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That's so wonderful to hear! :biggrin2:
 
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