New Behavior is Troublsome

Ashley-I am so glad that I am not the only one that finds his behavior alarming and abnormal. She told us before we got him that he was a mellow dog to begin with so we were prepared for mellow lol but not quite like this! I do know that he was raised primarily outside with the other males she had and was being prepped to be a show dog so he was not socialized as a family pet like some show dogs are. She seems to really care for her dogs though and all of the others seemed happy and healthy. Do you have any other thoughts on what we could do to nudge him in the right direction?
 
I know that when we brought my dog home at 6 months (he was also going to be a show dog) that he was a bit timid. Not to Hollywood's extent, but he wasn't very outgoing. For the first few days he would just take all his toys and bones and put them in his crate and really liked being in his crate. I know some people recommended that you get Hollywood a crate, but I can't remember if you said if he had one or not.

I would recommend involving a professional trainer. They may have some tips or ideas, and can also provide a safe environment to get him used to people and dogs. I know the trainer that we used for obedience had several very mellow dogs that she would bring to sessions with dogs that needed some confidence.

I think someone mentioned it before, but training a dog to be a show dog shouldn't mean that he isn't properly socialized. In fact, show dogs should be comfortable enough to be placed in many different situations. I wonder if the breeder told you the whole story? It sounds like Hollywood would not feel comfortable in a show ring, if he's not even comfortable in someone else's living room. What did the breeder have to say about his timidity? It sounds a bit fishy to me.
 
I would caution you about introducing him to other dogs at this point. If he is sick, he could be contagious! Not a good idea at all.

I would focus on the water first....chicken broth (low salt - if he is having kidney problems, the salt will only make it worse). Consider also adding electrolytes to his water as well, since he appears to be dehydrated.

Next the food. I would be inclined to go straight to baby food. It's got water in there too. Then ease him over to boiled chicken and rice, then gradually start re-introducing dog food if he can keep this down.

At this point, it's difficult to say if this is behavioural or medical, but eliminate the medical first and deal with the current symptoms. To me this does not sound like a depressed pup, but a sick pup.

Best of luck to you! It's so distressing that our pups can't speak to us and tell us what's wrong!
 
Since the vet said he is healthy... then time, patience and positive reinforcement. that's the best thing you can do for him.

And yes, bring the food to him if he is not eating where his bowl is. Right now just worry about getting him to eat and feeling comfortable.
 
pipersmommy said:
Ok, our vet seems to think everything is in working order, which is good. He told my husband that Shelties are generally timid by nature with strangers and unfamiliar territory. He said he would give him another week or two before really worrying. But for now, everything seems normal. He does seem a bit dehydrated, but not enough for fluids right now he said just make sure what ever we give him is in moderation to begin with to not upset his tummy too much. He said the vomiting is probably a combination of the dehydration and the rich quality of the treats which has been the only thing he would eat on occasion since there is nothing else in his stomach.
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What were the results of the urine culture? Timid yeah....but your dog is not displaying normal Sheltie behaviour at all. It sounds to me like you have a sick dog.

When your dog urinates, does it have an odor?
 
pipersmommy said:
Smudge thats awesome! Would you be opposed to maybe us visiting in the near future to see if he will romp with other dogs?
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After he begins eating I wouldn't mind at all! How far away from Shreveport do you live?

My work schedule is kind of wonky at the moment (I am moving from graveyard to days) so for the next couple of weeks I am not quite sure what I am working.

I love going to the Boardwalk in Shreveport. Julie (my twin sister) and I went to the El Dorado for our birthday a few years ago. We had a blast! Julie stuck one dollar in a machine, won $28, and then went to the hotel room for the night. She said she was done. :lol:
 
corbinam said:
I know that when we brought my dog home at 6 months (he was also going to be a show dog) that he was a bit timid. Not to Hollywood's extent, but he wasn't very outgoing. For the first few days he would just take all his toys and bones and put them in his crate and really liked being in his crate. I know some people recommended that you get Hollywood a crate, but I can't remember if you said if he had one or not.

I would recommend involving a professional trainer. They may have some tips or ideas, and can also provide a safe environment to get him used to people and dogs. I know the trainer that we used for obedience had several very mellow dogs that she would bring to sessions with dogs that needed some confidence.

I think someone mentioned it before, but training a dog to be a show dog shouldn't mean that he isn't properly socialized. In fact, show dogs should be comfortable enough to be placed in many different situations. I wonder if the breeder told you the whole story? It sounds like Hollywood would not feel comfortable in a show ring, if he's not even comfortable in someone else's living room. What did the breeder have to say about his timidity? It sounds a bit fishy to me.
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Excellent points Ashley about Hollywood being trained for the showroom therefore he should be able to handle most anything! At this point after a week or so of this behavior, I too would question the breeder and make sure she told you everything!:wink2:
 
Smudge-we actually live in Bossier City so its right there. Lol the most I have ever won is like 250 off of a 20 after that I was done!

He eats as long as we bring the food to him, we will just have to start bringing it to him on his perch on the couch I guess. Its like he is afraid of everything in the house and that is why he wont walk around I guess. The vet said the urine test was normal, it showed no bacteria. No HW or any other parasite...hubby just told me that Doc said everything was normal. As far as the odor, there is hardly any at all, unless you get right up next to it to smell you don't even know its urine.

I know that a lot of people show their pets that are perfectly socialized, but I don't think that hers are. He was trained to take everything in and not react to it like bathing and brushing, kind of like a pawn he just lets you do what ever you want to him with hardly any reaction. But he was just kept in a kennel outside with the other male dogs. They were not played with and showed attention like pets are. She breeds and shows so she has many dogs at any given time, there are ten in the house alone and that is just her females. I think there are too many in general for all of them to get the proper human socialization they need, they only know a kennel and showing. :( But I totally agree that not all show dogs are raised that way! :winkgrin:
 
Another thing. This might sound really stupid, but try it anyway. :yes: Did the vet look down his throat? If not, open his mouth and make sure there is nothing lodged in there. If there is something in the back of his mouth stuck that would also stop him from eating. Just something else to try. :yes: My two dogs stick everything in their mouths. I am always pulling crazy things out.

I'm with everybody else - this just does not seem like a behavior problem. There's something not right.

There hasn't been any blood when he goes to the bathroom, has there?
 
He has not had a poo since we got him, I assume from not really eating. But thats kind of our fault I guess, he eats so long as we put it right in front of him! We just figured that he would eventually go eat on his own.
 
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