Chris
Premium Member
I think that with a supportive trainer -- and Sheltie Nation with you any time you have questions -- your little one will do just fine. We're with you 100%!
I am not happy with my breeder =(
- Thread starter Snwong
- Start date
I think that with a supportive trainer -- and Sheltie Nation with you any time you have questions -- your little one will do just fine. We're with you 100%!
Wow, quite the journey!
Being in the car TWO times, when the he was a baby DOES not mean he was socialized to be in a car, for crying out loud
Toffee gets car sick, so I DO give him some medication from the vet when I go on LONG trips, so he won't get carsick. That is different than being scared out of his mind, poor little dog!
I like Juliet's training regime... and your pup is at least starting to take the treat, even IF he is running after snatching the treat
So think SMALL steps... like everyone said...
Also definitely do clicker training, because it is so positive, you will be AMAZED how it builds confidence and trust.. It's also easy to do, and if you do something wrong, it doesn't do ANY harm L)
Now get that poor, little dog OUT into the world.. you can't wait until he is a year, what a bunch of BS... It sounds like you have a suitable little area you can take him, he WILL get used to the few cars, etc... Too bad the breeder was so useless with her information, but you got us
AMEN..sister!!
Emmasmom
Forums Sage
I was reading your original post once again. I can't believe how the breeder is not offering you support. I understand that living in Toronto is tough for anyone, let alone a dog. But lots of people do and their dogs are well adjusted and social.
Was the breeder from Toronto as well? And if so, did she live in a house or apartment and if in a house, did she have a yard for the dogs? It almost sounds as if she is blaming you (and I may be reading her wrong) for taking a dog into an apartment.
I've seen some of the Sheltie puppies offered up on Kijiji by breeders in the Toronto area and one picture from a breeder just broke my heart - the puppies looked so sad.
I found my breeder on Kijiji too but she is a really good breeder with lots of champions in her lines and is also involved in Sheltie rescue in Southern Ontario. In fact, she and a friend went to New Orleans to help with the dog rescue after Katrina. Emma's picture on the site showed a lot of attitude. I just fell in love with her from first look. This breeder wants to be involved and wants to be updated. She has never turned down a request for information or help and I went through a lot with Emma and her drug reactions.
Just hang in there - you've been given lots of good advice in this thread. Educate yourself with the forums and any other research you can do. Talk to your vet (and a good one will help you). They may be able to connect you with other Sheltie owners in Toronto. You've taken the right step with finding someone to help you with the behaviour. Don't give up on the puppy and most important DON'T give up on you. All of us have gone through struggles with our own dogs and know that it just takes a lot of love and time. Keep us updated. Think of us as your cheering section.
Was the breeder from Toronto as well? And if so, did she live in a house or apartment and if in a house, did she have a yard for the dogs? It almost sounds as if she is blaming you (and I may be reading her wrong) for taking a dog into an apartment.
I've seen some of the Sheltie puppies offered up on Kijiji by breeders in the Toronto area and one picture from a breeder just broke my heart - the puppies looked so sad.
I found my breeder on Kijiji too but she is a really good breeder with lots of champions in her lines and is also involved in Sheltie rescue in Southern Ontario. In fact, she and a friend went to New Orleans to help with the dog rescue after Katrina. Emma's picture on the site showed a lot of attitude. I just fell in love with her from first look. This breeder wants to be involved and wants to be updated. She has never turned down a request for information or help and I went through a lot with Emma and her drug reactions.Just hang in there - you've been given lots of good advice in this thread. Educate yourself with the forums and any other research you can do. Talk to your vet (and a good one will help you). They may be able to connect you with other Sheltie owners in Toronto. You've taken the right step with finding someone to help you with the behaviour. Don't give up on the puppy and most important DON'T give up on you. All of us have gone through struggles with our own dogs and know that it just takes a lot of love and time. Keep us updated. Think of us as your cheering section.
I was reading your original post once again. I can't believe how the breeder is not offering you support. I understand that living in Toronto is tough for anyone, let alone a dog. But lots of people do and their dogs are well adjusted and social.
Was the breeder from Toronto as well? And if so, did she live in a house or apartment and if in a house, did she have a yard for the dogs? It almost sounds as if she is blaming you (and I may be reading her wrong) for taking a dog into an apartment.
I've seen some of the Sheltie puppies offered up on Kijiji by breeders in the Toronto area and one picture from a breeder just broke my heart - the puppies looked so sad.
Just hang in there - you've been given lots of good advice in this thread. Educate yourself with the forums and any other research you can do. Talk to your vet (and a good one will help you). They may be able to connect you with other Sheltie owners in Toronto. You've taken the right step with finding someone to help you with the behaviour. Don't give up on the puppy and most important DON'T give up on you. All of us have gone through struggles with our own dogs and know that it just takes a lot of love and time. Keep us updated. Think of us as your cheering section.
She is living in a house in toronto downtown and she do have a back yard. I found her in Dogs In Canada magazine. She is one of the breeder listed in the sheltie section. and yes, she was blaming me about bringing him out to go potty and let him see strangers and cars.
I truthly believe in my boy and I think he have a great soul. I'm just constantly questioning myself whether I'm giving him a good home or not (especially after each time I contact my breeder) Because everytime he freaks out, I'm heartbroken.
I will be strong and take a good care of my boy~ I really appreicate you guys support~!!!!!I have no idea what will happen if I havn't find you guys!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!
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BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Wow! Just catching up on this thread.
I'm puzzled by a breeder in the middle of Toronto....where in Toronto? And how big a yard? I don't know of any reputable breeder that would breed dogs in a typical 50 x 100 subarban lot!
A couple of comments:
1) Just because the listing was in Dogs in Canada, does not make it a reputable breeder. Anyone can advertise their kennel in the magazine. While it's a great magazine, they get their funding by advertising.
2) While I disagree with about 85% of what your breeder said (e.g. waiting until 1 year), I do agree that slow acclimatization is key. Even now, my 2 year old gets a little freaky if we are walking on a street and a car comes up behind him. I think there might have been miscommunication between yourself and your breeder - she may have thought you were walking him at rush hour, with cars and a people whizzing by - clearly, you weren't but maybe she did not understand that.
3) The actions you are now taking are totally appropriate. Baby steps! Slow introduction with lots of treats and praise for every step pup takes. Shelties respond magnificantly to positive reinforcement.
4) Hiring a trainer is good, but don't forget about puppy school. But do shop around. Puppy school is terrific for getting them used to unusual situations. And puppy school will also teach you to handle the pup in "less than ideal" situations.
Good luck to you!
btw - have you posted pictures yet? I'm way behind on threads, so have not had a chance to check the "Hello" thread!
I'm puzzled by a breeder in the middle of Toronto....where in Toronto? And how big a yard? I don't know of any reputable breeder that would breed dogs in a typical 50 x 100 subarban lot!
A couple of comments:
1) Just because the listing was in Dogs in Canada, does not make it a reputable breeder. Anyone can advertise their kennel in the magazine. While it's a great magazine, they get their funding by advertising.
2) While I disagree with about 85% of what your breeder said (e.g. waiting until 1 year), I do agree that slow acclimatization is key. Even now, my 2 year old gets a little freaky if we are walking on a street and a car comes up behind him. I think there might have been miscommunication between yourself and your breeder - she may have thought you were walking him at rush hour, with cars and a people whizzing by - clearly, you weren't but maybe she did not understand that.
3) The actions you are now taking are totally appropriate. Baby steps! Slow introduction with lots of treats and praise for every step pup takes. Shelties respond magnificantly to positive reinforcement.
4) Hiring a trainer is good, but don't forget about puppy school. But do shop around. Puppy school is terrific for getting them used to unusual situations. And puppy school will also teach you to handle the pup in "less than ideal" situations.
Good luck to you!
btw - have you posted pictures yet? I'm way behind on threads, so have not had a chance to check the "Hello" thread!
Yes, I think I am responsible for picking the wrong breeder too. Since she lives in a busy area (bloor and spadina), the only concern before I got him is about his health etc etc, I never thought she did zero socialization on him. And she know I didn't walk him on rush hour, she insist I have to let him potty in the house (using pad) instead of taking him to potty outside. Because I will expose him to stranger and cars which will affect him.
btw, I carry him down to the grassy area once I know he is not comfortable walking in the hallway. and I did enroll him to puppy class, it start May 1. I'm frustrate because I understand the socialization period for 3-4 months is very important. And by May 1, he is 4 months old. And I've been struggling should I bring him down to potty because he is happy running with me, but as soon as he see/hear something scare to him, he freak out. It is painful to see him stress. so before the class start, I think I should find a trainer to help me deal with his fear. I just need the trainer to train me how to handle his stress.
He is such a smart boy! I read that by training him some comments it will help his confident, so i teach him sit and down~ and he learn it within 15 mins~
Toffee's Mom
Forums Sage
yes, learning will increase his confidence.. AND built a bond between you two!!
Whoever heard of NOT allowing a dog to walk outside and go potty!?
This woman had some strange ideas!
Regardless whether you are in a big city! Romeo's mom is in Singapore, I am sure that beats Toronto
So now you'll just do baby steps and get training for yourself how to overcome your stress of the dog stressing out
You're both going to do just fine, I think, as long as you give yourself and the pup time and don't give up!
Good luck from the Maritimes!!
Whoever heard of NOT allowing a dog to walk outside and go potty!?
This woman had some strange ideas!
Regardless whether you are in a big city! Romeo's mom is in Singapore, I am sure that beats Toronto
So now you'll just do baby steps and get training for yourself how to overcome your stress of the dog stressing out
You're both going to do just fine, I think, as long as you give yourself and the pup time and don't give up!
Good luck from the Maritimes!!
Yes, I think I am responsible for picking the wrong breeder too. Since she lives in a busy area (bloor and spadina), the only concern before I got him is about his health etc etc, I never thought she did zero socialization on him. And she know I didn't walk him on rush hour, she insist I have to let him potty in the house (using pad) instead of taking him to potty outside. Because I will expose him to stranger and cars which will affect him.
and I did enroll him to puppy class, it start May 1. I'm frustrate because I understand the socialization period for 3-4 months is very important. And by May 1, he is 4 months old. And I've been struggling should I bring him down to potty because he is happy running with me, but as soon as he see/hear something scare to him, he freak out. It is painful to see him stress. so before the class start, I think I should find a trainer to help me deal with his fear. I just need the trainer to train me how to handle his stress.
He is such a smart boy! I read that by training him some comments it will help his confident, so i teach him sit and down~ and he learn it within 15 mins~
That fast learning "sit" was the beginning of a bond between you & him.Wonderful news. This is what he needs,and you also,a bit of a confidance booster..congrats..so keep going,its just the beginning of this little guy to a long happy life with you.Smile..
Remember baby steps~
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Take a deep breath! Everything will be fine.
There is truth that there are "ideal" periods, but nothing is ever irrevocable. You are doing all the right things. Be patient and stay the course.
p.s. get rid of the pee pads, asap! They only cause confusion. Crate your baby. It's not cruel, it's his den - and it does an excellent job of housetraining (I won't go into the particulars here because there are lots of other threads on the subject)
There is truth that there are "ideal" periods, but nothing is ever irrevocable. You are doing all the right things. Be patient and stay the course.
p.s. get rid of the pee pads, asap! They only cause confusion. Crate your baby. It's not cruel, it's his den - and it does an excellent job of housetraining (I won't go into the particulars here because there are lots of other threads on the subject)
Chris
Premium Member
Barb's right. He's already responding beautifully to you. I mean, folks rescue Shelties all the time who have had no socialization and with love and patience, they come right around. Ask Judy (Sun Chaser). Your baby is healthy and loved -- just move ahead with confidence: Sheltie Nation is by your side!
