scared/hiding six month old male, sheltin

[SheepOfBlue]

I am betting they do warm up some. While not a Sheltie my brother had a dog that some piece of filth tied to a sign post with a bowl of water and abandoned him in 95 degree Alabama heat (and he was a black dog). It was obvious that while he was a lovable dog the scum had beat him. It took about a year then Omo was the most lovable guy you can imagine loving getting pets. He did warm to people slow but improved to the point that you would have thought him shy is all.

Sounds like Sheltin has made huge strides though I am sure it is less obvious to you since you see him every day

 

[Caro]

I've been working alot with him, as you can imagine.
The hardest things for me to get him to break is his wanting to run and bark/jump/scratch at me as I'm leaving. He literally atacks the door after I close it. I hear him growling and barking at the door.
When I'm inside, I easily redirect him, but am not sure what to do once I go outside.
I've tried going out and back in but he stops when I go back inside.
I've tried ignoring it too. Basicaly picking my battles, especialy considering what this guy was apparently through before we got Sheltin.

Sounds like you are going great.

Mr D throws spinning, foot stamping tantrums when I leave. I tried all those leaving and coming back processes - but they are really designed for dealing with seperation anxiety. What Deska has (and it sounds like Sheltin too) is a really strong desire for his flock not to leave. It isnt anxiety its just overwhelming love! As my vet behaviourist once pointed out as far as the dogs are concerned all the fun things happen when I am around. So I need to make it fun to stay at home.

Now there is one thing Deska loves almost as much as me, and thats food. So leave a food puzzle to keep him occupied when I leave. If I dont have a lot of time its a bone or treat bottle (he finishes a Kong before I get out the door). But most of the time I give him a 'puppy treasure hunt', which is just hiding treats or kibble around the house (or yard if its a nice day). He loves the treasure hunt so much that he actually refuses to come with me if I have hidden 'treasure'.