Tabitha
Forums Enthusiast
I really don't think there's a 'normal' to a sheltie. They'er just sheltie's!
They are all different! But all wonderful at the same time!
Out of control Sheltie, especially when around husband
- Thread starter Laddie's Mom
- Start date
I really don't think there's a 'normal' to a sheltie. They'er just sheltie's!
They are all different! But all wonderful at the same time!Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
I really don't think there's a 'normal' to a sheltie. They'er just sheltie's!
Amen to being wonderful, they get into your heart and they are there forever.
Get he and thee to an obedience class ASAP! It won't cure him, but it will give him something to think about. And have little practice sessions during the day. Crate training helps. Feeding him in the crate and leaving him there for a short nap helps, too. He's at a difficult age, but he'll grow out of it.
Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
I would love to, but as I have been sharing in other threads, this does not seem possible, there are no training areas near by, the closest is 2 hours away and when I emailed them for info, they discouraged me from joining as they felt it was too far for dog training, so, I will have to read my own books, youtube and others here in the different threads.
Tabitha
Forums Enthusiast
What do you mean by "they discouraged me from joining"? Was it an absolute no or "I don't think it would be a good idea." I'd call them, if you can. I really don't see what's wrong with going 2 hours out to classes. If that's what you really want to do and the ride doesn't have any ill effects on Laddie, then I'd say go for it!
With walking my suggestion that has worked fairly well with Bonnie is Stop, Start, Change direction. Firstly try to get a Front attaching harness such as Happy at Heel or Gentle Leader. A collar or back attaching harness greatly increases pulling, I noticed immediate changes with Bon when I did this as it means you aren't being pulled along. Start in your backyard or around the house, say 'here' or 'close' and tap your leg and encourage them to walk beside you as you walk around the house, change direction and say the command again, give a treat and keep doing this getting them to follow you around. Add a lead in sometimes. Then have a go in the backyard or just in your street. Start walking and if they pull either stop and say 'here' and wait until they come back to your side or if they won't listen turn back in the other direction and keep going (ie they have no choice as you are bigger), keep changing direction and saying 'here' if they start pulling again. Say 'good' or 'yes' when they are behind, or beside you, its not a heel command just to have them close and not pulling.
If you have a big park or sports field its a good place to do this. You may not get a full walk for yourself for a while but it should help slacken some of the pulling and make it a more pleasant walk in the long run.
Don't worry Laddie sounds smart enough to figure out good manners even at the age he is at now, Sheltie's are super smart. Bon is still learning lots of new things. He's just had to make his own rules but he really wants a good leader in you so that he is more comfortable being able to relax and just be the dog. I know relaxing and being less anxious is hard, I'm only just starting to learn that myself!
If you have a big park or sports field its a good place to do this. You may not get a full walk for yourself for a while but it should help slacken some of the pulling and make it a more pleasant walk in the long run.
Don't worry Laddie sounds smart enough to figure out good manners even at the age he is at now, Sheltie's are super smart. Bon is still learning lots of new things. He's just had to make his own rules but he really wants a good leader in you so that he is more comfortable being able to relax and just be the dog. I know relaxing and being less anxious is hard, I'm only just starting to learn that myself!
Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
Thanks for your outstanding ideas. I went to the pet shop yesterday, and bought him a harness, it is called "Halti Lopi" here is the link to it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Halti-Lupi-Harness-Black-Medium/dp/B000QRD9FK
I tried it on him at the shop, and he seemed to do really well in it, the gal that sold it told me she uses it on her huge, 30kg dog and he no longer pulls, so, we shall see, if he does not respond, this company has other styles to choose from. This may be the answer to my prayers, something has to help.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Halti-Lupi-Harness-Black-Medium/dp/B000QRD9FK
I tried it on him at the shop, and he seemed to do really well in it, the gal that sold it told me she uses it on her huge, 30kg dog and he no longer pulls, so, we shall see, if he does not respond, this company has other styles to choose from. This may be the answer to my prayers, something has to help.
Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
Well, it may have worked at the pet shop, but man, when I took a walk outside yesterday, he pulled just as badly as before, so, I have ordered a sturdier one called "Easy Walk" hopefully this will help. I have back and arm issues and any hard pulling turns my walk into a time of unhappiness, we shall see what happens when it comes. Mercy.
Unless needed, a special harness is not required to properly teach this dog manners on lead.
What you needed to do is STOP, and immediately turn in opposite direction. no if's and's or but's.
You do this a few times, he will get the hint to behave. This dog has you right where he wants you!
You give in to his silliness, and to him he thinks GEE...I get mom's attention if I do this or that. Any attention you give him he is eating it up, and it doesn't matter if its good behavior or not. He's getting it.
Unaccepted behavior in the home with your husband is not acceptable. He needs to be corrected. Biting & nipping is again not acceptable.
What you needed to do is STOP, and immediately turn in opposite direction. no if's and's or but's.
You do this a few times, he will get the hint to behave. This dog has you right where he wants you!
You give in to his silliness, and to him he thinks GEE...I get mom's attention if I do this or that. Any attention you give him he is eating it up, and it doesn't matter if its good behavior or not. He's getting it.
Unaccepted behavior in the home with your husband is not acceptable. He needs to be corrected. Biting & nipping is again not acceptable.
Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
I will keep trying the abrupt turning, I have done it, but is does not seem to help, he still tugs like he is pulling a sled. I did not realize that pulling was a way of getting attention, he certainly looks preoccupied when doing it, always has his nose to the ground.
I wish the husband would be more cooperative as well, he seems to undermine what I am doing and this makes it difficult for me to keep any training consistent. I know when Laddie is with me, he calls him to take him outside, I hate this, but he does it anyway, also, he feels a dog should be out a lot, I do not, so, when he lets him out, I have to bring him in, it is a mess.
I had none of these problems with my first Laddie, but then, it was basically just he and I, my first husband, could have cared less and did not try to take over. What a difference in dogs as well, but, I realize they all have their own, individual personalities, that is what makes them so endearing.
I say Steve should get another Labrador, he loves them, and he misses his, his is gone due to a divorce a few years back, he has not gotten over the dog OR the divorce, my life has not been too great since being here or married. Oh well, que sara sara.