Selective, stubborn, diva attitude !

D

dstaks

Forums Novice
Hello everyone, my name is Derek and I'm a proud owner of a 4yr. old female Sheltie, Mya. We actually adopted her from an abusive and neglecting home last yr. Recently I moved to South Carolina and it's been very hard to get her to adapt to a new schedule or routine. It's her way all the time basically. She has been very selective to one room but, unfortunately can't stay in there at night anymore. I recently moved her into my room and it's nothing but chaos. Walking around everytime I get up to go the bathroom she tries to escape :lol: , panting, always trying to go outside at 4 am or any hr. for that matter. I tried taking the water away at night so the bathroom happening at a ridiculous hour don't happen but, she will lay in the kitchen and almost pout until it's back on the ground. She is loyal to my mother because she is home all the time and always in her face or following her around (thats the room she tries to get into). She always want's to walk or she won't go the bathroom or when I try to take her to the bathroom outside she refuses and stands there, so I give in and take her back in. Another thing is when I do walk her, she barks at the houses with dogs (i think thats why she wants to go outside) and she won't stop. When we are at home, she won't play, she doesn't run, and it's like she is worn out. You call her or tell her to come here, she will run away like she is scared or ignore you. Guys I really don't know what to do anymore, please any tips? What is your food and water schedule? I'm thinking about going back too the cage for sleeping habits. Sorry if this is confusing and alot but, this is my last resort. I really need to curve these habits :yes:
Here she is
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That's not a Diva attitude sounds like a Sheltie attitude to me. Shelties are very loyal to their person and it sounds like your girl has chosen your Mom as her person. You didn't say why she can't sleep with your Mom. I think this is the main issue she is stressed because she can't keep an eye on her. It also sounds like she has anxiety issues. You may try a product called rescue remedy or pheremone plug ins they mimic the scent the mother dog puts out.
 
Hi Derek, welcome to Sheltie Nation!

yes, it sounds like stress not like attitude

the body language you describe, the panting etc...
If you don't want her to follow you at night (most Shelties are our shadows, lol) a crate is a good, safe place for her.
I recommend setting up a calm environment for her and a routine, I would recommend she sleep in your Mom's room if that is ok with her, until you have a tighter bond with her yourself. Maybe you can take over her walks and feedings.
 
Thanks for the welcome:yes: I don't understand because it was all me before we moved, now her. If I crate her in my room would it be a bad idea? I walk her alot and feed her in the mornings but, no change..
 
Welcome and greetings from the low country of SC.

It sounds as though the move was stressful for the dog. You say that your mother is home most of the day, but I take it that you aren't ?

You might want to enhance your bond in the new location by hand feeding kibble to Mya. Also make sure when you take her out to walk that you have very tasty treats with you. I'd give her a treat any time that she looks at you and lots of praise and she will start looking at you automatically and hopefully worrying less about what is going on around her.

Hopefully she will start settling in soon. Keep us posted.
 
I agree your dog is showing signs of anxiety. The panting, pacing, excessive drinking and urinating, clingness, even barking and over-reacting at other dogs are signs of anxiety and stress.

As a rescue dog she has already experienced periods of uncertainty, so change is probably going to be more difficult for her. Moving home has been confusing and created uncertainty for her again. She may be clinging to your mother not because she loves her more but because your mother is home more she provides more security.

Two things that should help are exercise and routine. Exercise will help kick in feel good endorphins and increase her seratonin levels, as will being out in the sunshine and fresh air. Morning walks, before you leave will help her get through the day. But even if you can't get outside for an energetic walk one-on-one playtime will also get the endorphins moving. Make your new home an extra fun place to be. Routine will also give her some security because it will add predictability and certainty for her. Eating at the same time and in the same place, walks at the same time every day, toileting at the same time (obviously if she needs to go in between that's fine but at least she knows when the scheduled toilet times are). Stick as much as you can to a schedule.

As mentioned there are also some remedies you can try to help keep her ralexed. If it keeps going though you should probably talk to a vet, they can often provide options for addressing anxiety. She may do better with some short term medication to help her get through this stressful period. there are also pheremone collars available through vets and a range of other options.
 
Hi! Congrats on adopting a rescue!

I adopted Bela in early June, and she acted a lot like Mya's acting now. Bela only feels "safe" in the bedroom, but it used to be only the crate. It was difficult at first to even get her to come out. Slowly, her safe zone is growing - it just takes time. We're working on the living room and kitchen right now.

I'd advise getting a short traffic lead (about 2 feet long) and having her wear it around the house, making sure she is with you wherever you go (and giving her treats often!).

I agree with the opinion that she's clinging to your mom as security. Everything else is strange to her right now, including your new schedule. I've noticed that Bela gets thrown for a loop with even the tiniest hiccup in schedule. Makes her very insecure. I am normally home with her all day, 24/7, and when I have errands and things that I can't take her on, she won't have much to do with me for the rest of the day.

We also have the "stand and stare" problem when going potty. If the neighborhood is quiet, all goes as normal. But often, a 4-wheeler or loud motorcycle or car goes by, or the neighbors are slamming car doors, or the other neighbors have their dogs out and she'll just stand and stare or wind her leash around my legs annoyingly.

When this happens, in she goes, and into the crate. Now, normally I don't close the crate door, but when this happens, I do. It comforts her and gives her a safe place to calm down. In 15 minutes or so, I take her out again. Then repeat until potty happens.

You should probably consider getting the crate out again, and giving her a safe place to hide when she feels insecure. Just give her some time and a regular schedule, and she should be fine.
 
Congrats to you. She'll come around when she realizes she has a great home, maybe everything is just new to her. I don't think its a diva attitude either. Lil' Lady can teach Diva Classes. Time takes care of everything.
 
I know our 3 year old Sheltie also changes her "person" depending on who is spending the most time with her. When I was working very long hours during my work's peak season I didn't get to see Stella very much. When I would come home she acted like I didn't exist and would stress when my boyfriend would go anywhere. Now that I am home most of the time, she is once again ridiculously attached to me and doesn't care all that much about my boyfriend. I used to get really upset thinking that she didn't care about me, but she is just being a sheltie. Don't take it personally.
 
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