Out of control Sheltie, especially when around husband

[Laddie's Mom]

Thanks for the youtube sites, I will try your suggestions.

I have a feeling that I have not been training right, I did not know I should be training now, he is 6 and a half months old already, am I too late to start? He is so headstrong. We took a long walk today, and he pulled the entire time, I know he wants to run, I have been sick for two weeks and could not even go outside, today was the first day I was able to, so, he was hyper. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing by getting him, there is so much turmoil now between husband and I, and I am sure Laddie is feeling it, plus, I am just not up to giving the dear thing the attention he deserves, I would not do it over again at this point, but, I had no idea that what is happening would happen.

 

[Tabitha]

6 months is pretty old for just starting basic puppy training. I start at around 10-12 weeks. First sit, then down, leash training etc.(actually I start teaching them their name at around day 4 of them being with me, depending on how well they are adjusting). You need to buckle down and get to work, big time. This is the time you need to work and work HARD.

Start training for about 5-10 min, stop for an hour, then do another 5-10 min. Keep training sessions short and sweet, even if Laddy wants to keep going, stop. Maybe start playing for a little bit, but not to long. This will keep him interested and more willing to train with you. If you go to long then he'll get mentally tired and loose interest. Start small; sit, down, stay, etc. Even if he knows these tricks or after he learns them, go over them again. I have Joe do this before agility practice and I give him lots of praise. It builds up confidence. And remember, ALWAYS end on a GOOD note. If you think you may be getting frustrated, start playing. I had to learn this the hard way with Ida. Just keep pushing forward Susie, not just for Laddie, but for you and your husband too.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Tabs

 

[melbell]

I've never met a calm sheltie. EVER. well, two, but they would old doggies by time I was around them. (my parents' first two shelties) Don't worry it will go away with age. I frankly love my pups zoomies, he also talks a WHOLE lot as well. As far as the grooming thing, my fiance holds both of my dogs while I trim their nails and hair. My old gal fights as she's been quicked one too many times by my mother, but the pup wiggles because well, he's a pup! For brushing, I just do it on the floor while holding their collars. Also remember, he's still a puppy. They can only stand still for so long before needing a break. Hopefully someone else can help you with the grooming table.

 

[ClantyreSheltie]

As for it being due to "improper breeding", that's garbage. My own Sheltie, Olive, has a very fine pedigree and is absolutely nuts.

Not really. I think there are a lot of breeders that figure so long as the dog isn't scared, then the temperament is fine. Look how many of them breed spinning dogs (anxiety) or dogs that are big time barkers. All this does is perpetuate the problem. And really, a bunch of them figure if the dogs are "active" puppies that equals "great agility dog!" So they sell the crazy ones to agility people.

So yes, I would say a great deal of it is in the breeding.

BTW: I differentiate between "working" dogs and "agility" dogs.

 

[melbell]

Thanks for the youtube sites, I will try your suggestions.

I have a feeling that I have not been training right, I did not know I should be training now, he is 6 and a half months old already, am I too late to start? He is so headstrong. We took a long walk today, and he pulled the entire time, I know he wants to run, I have been sick for two weeks and could not even go outside, today was the first day I was able to, so, he was hyper. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing by getting him, there is so much turmoil now between husband and I, and I am sure Laddie is feeling it, plus, I am just not up to giving the dear thing the attention he deserves, I would not do it over again at this point, but, I had no idea that what is happening would happen.

For pulling on a leash, if he's a foodie, put a treat in front of his nose while walking him, making him walk next to you, every few steps give him the treat. It helps a lot

 

[SheepOfBlue]

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions.
I keep the grooming sessions very short, and after, he gets a treat.
As to the "Tazmania Devil" traits, well, I guess some is just puppy, I will try my best to be stern and say "ouch" loudly, I have done this, but, it makes him wilder, I will keep trying.
It has been so long since I had a puppy, over 20 years, I just don't know how to act anymore.

In addition to the loud ouch another tactic is to get up and then look away from him like he doesn't exist. This ends 'play'. With Sca it still works great and he is 4, Spitfire is unimpressed and figures since you are not watching he can up the terror

 

[Caro]

When you say training do you mean classes? I don't think it's ever too late, 6mths is actually a good age to start classes - you'll find a lot of dogs of a similar age. Have a look at the NZKC clubs section for a list of obedience clubs, they should all run puppy & beginner classes. They can be great fun and a good way to meet other people with dogs in your area. Classes cover things like loose lead walking, focus, recall and settling as well as the basics like sit, drop etc. Preventing pulling on lead and jumping are usually covered because they are really, really common problems - walking loosely doesn't come naturally to dogs. And if they are registered with NZKC they should focus on positive reinforcement and establish a common language between handler and dog.

 

[Laddie's Mom]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. As I shared yesterday, I am not having any luck at all with finding a club for training, seems I am too far out of town.

I will try the food in front of his nose when walking, maybe that will help, man he is a puller, he does not weigh much, but you notice it on your arms after a while.

I will try the "ouch" too, however, when I do yell loudly and sternly, it only seems to encourage him to continue, but the walking away part might be the answer.

 

[melbell]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. As I shared yesterday, I am not having any luck at all with finding a club for training, seems I am too far out of town.

I will try the food in front of his nose when walking, maybe that will help, man he is a puller, he does not weigh much, but you notice it on your arms after a while.

I will try the "ouch" too, however, when I do yell loudly and sternly, it only seems to encourage him to continue, but the walking away part might be the answer.

I'm right there with you about the club thing. I travel an hour and half one way two days a week just to train my dogs. fun fun

Trust me, if he's food motivated it will help a BUNCH as it did with my boy. Also when he walks in front of you too far, just turn around and walk the other way so he has to catch up to you and then go back to the food in his face.. you may look silly doing this out in public or on walks, but, it pays off.

Honestly, the ouch thing has never worked for any of my dogs. What does work is ignoring them or telling them they were bad. Okay, not the best method, but it works. I say bad boy/girl and make them sit.

 

[Laddie's Mom]

Yeah, I did not hear from the other clubs, so, I guess that is out, I guess I can not join our NZKC now because of it, drats!

I will try the food training, yes, he loves food, so, this should be a good aid.

Everyone is so helpful here, again, I thank you all. Apparently, my "first" Laddie was rare as it seems from everyone's post that my new Laddie is more like a normal sheltie should be, LOL, good to know.