Reactive sheltie needs help!!

somehow I do not see this family keeping this pup. If it was calmest pup in a litter and it came to that much frustration whatever they doing obviously is not working. Some people just think dogs are born trained and seniors, or as you say, their expectation of large breed like Saints who are even as puppies are not that lively did not match Sheltie pup. I can see why you want to give them more chances, they seems to want whats best for the dog. Same as I would never ever own St Bernard, shelties are not for everyone. Also if the pup is crated 8-10 hrs during the day ? it is waaay over the top IMHO
at least they can get him to daycare or something if they are so busy during the day not to give pup time to use his brain and body.
 
It sounds to me like one frustrated pup who acts out like a kid would do. That's a lot of confinement for a young pup (or even an adult dog IMHO) and he is taking out his frustration in the ways available to him. Their hearts might be in the right place, but it sounds to me like they just aren't the right family for a Sheltie. That doesn't mean they don't love him, just not the right fit.
 
On the whole I agree that the better option for the dog would be a more active home, but that doesn't sound the best option for the family who want to keep him.

They have an adolescent sheepdog on their hands, he definately he needs more than regular exercise. I would say playdates during the day or lots of exercise before and after work is a must.

I also get the feeling they may not be an experienced owners and could probably do with the extra guidance.

I would really recommend they attend obedience classes. While bringing in a behaviourist is great it may not be solving the root of the problem - which could be them and how they communicate with the dog. Obedience classes would actually help them to interact with the dog.

This is likely to go on for at least 6mths, until he starts growing up. Another 6mths of this behaviour though and it will become entrenched. The family needs to seriously consider whether they have the energy and commitment to change their own lives to retrain him over the next six months or if they can live with this behaviour for the next 10 years.
 
They have taken him to obedience classes, and they are experienced dog owners, they have just never owned small dogs or herding breeds.

I am still waiting to hear back from them, so I can find out exactly what all they are trying and how much exercise he is getting.
 
She is supposed to bring him over this weekend for a week. But i warned her that more than likely i will not see the same problems she has since my house is so much busier than hers. I still think it would be for the best for them to give him up. Maybe the week away will convince them it is for the best.

I did find out that she used to walk him for 1 mile everyday, but now that it is dark by the time she gets home, he isnt being walked at all except for on the weekends. She also said they yell at him for barking, and for nipping he gets tapped on the nose! :mad: She said the behaviorist told them he needs more exercise, and to ignore the nipping (turn their back to him) and to redirect him when he becomes focused on cars. They also said he would probably never be cured! Well duh!!! They was told by me and the behaviorist and several trainers he needs MORE exercise, not less! :dead:

I just hope they come to their senses and decide to give him back before he is completely ruined.
 
I hope you get him back for good, he does need a new home where people understand the breed and can give him the attention and excercise that he seems to need. Poor guy I feel bad for him, does not sound like he is much loved and paid attention too.
 
Sounds like they got great advice from the behaviourist. Are they hoping you can turn an adolescent sheepdog into a geriatric pug in week?

How are you taking this? It must be hard to send a pup to what at the time was a really good home to find they have changed.
 
*Caro said:
Sounds like they got great advice from the behaviourist. Are they hoping you can turn an adolescent sheepdog into a geriatric pug in week?

How are you taking this? It must be hard to send a pup to what at the time was a really good home to find they have changed.
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It is upsetting me very much! I keep telling them the same thing and they are basically ignoring the advise, and everyone elses. I got an email this morning saying they are bringing him Sunday. Then she wants to know if I think he will ever settle down :eek2: :mad:

At this point I am just hoping they will decide to give him back, if not at least Bailey will have a week of good exercise and fun.
 
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