----Update----
We had camping plans and we decided to bring Christy with us. I though it would be too much, but considering her issues, she actually did very well. The car trip wasn't so pleasant. Her breeder did say she drools, and she sure does drool and vomit sometimes. I can tell that she had a previous bad experience in the car, probably when she was a little puppy. Even when the car isn't moving, she begins to drool. So its pretty much physiological. Coming back we made her look outside and relax, she did much better. Then she threw up once we got out. So we will continue to relax her and train her to not be nervous in the car. The actually camping trip was good. Once we got her out of the car, she was dazed she didn't bark at the people and a dog, and just showed interest in them. Our camping spot was pretty empty on our side, the other side of the river had activity such as kids, dogs, and strangers. We chose this spot so Christy won't be overstimulated and see strangers walking by. We set up a pen for her, and for the most part she would lay down quietly. If there is a dog barking, or a strange sound she would bark, we would then make a loud clap sound to snap her out of it, and say quiet. She would quiet down in a minute or so. We had a couple of times where hikers passed our camp, and she would bark and growl. And when we took hikes we passed by people several times. She would do the usual growling, and barking with a high tail. Sometimes when we are close enough to people, she would stop and sniff them. My dad took her for a walk once while we were still sleeping. He said they came across a couple who recognized that she was a sheltie. They had shelties of their own at home. She carefully approached Christy and petted her, and Christy shyly began to wag her tail. This is very promising that she would be happy around a stranger. The actual hiking was fun and Christy was having a ball. Even though she pulled on the leash, I kept on correcting her. Today we are just resting, but I want to know what should we do next? The people at the club recommend bringing her to places like pet smart, home depot, and sitting outside stores. And letting some people feed her eventually. But with the way she reacts to people and dogs, it sounds like she would scare people away and aggravate other dogs. It could be different if there was lots of people around and up close, but I'm not sure. All I know is that she should see these things at least everyday, that's why I take her on walks to the park. Is it still too early for training classes?
We had camping plans and we decided to bring Christy with us. I though it would be too much, but considering her issues, she actually did very well. The car trip wasn't so pleasant. Her breeder did say she drools, and she sure does drool and vomit sometimes. I can tell that she had a previous bad experience in the car, probably when she was a little puppy. Even when the car isn't moving, she begins to drool. So its pretty much physiological. Coming back we made her look outside and relax, she did much better. Then she threw up once we got out. So we will continue to relax her and train her to not be nervous in the car. The actually camping trip was good. Once we got her out of the car, she was dazed she didn't bark at the people and a dog, and just showed interest in them. Our camping spot was pretty empty on our side, the other side of the river had activity such as kids, dogs, and strangers. We chose this spot so Christy won't be overstimulated and see strangers walking by. We set up a pen for her, and for the most part she would lay down quietly. If there is a dog barking, or a strange sound she would bark, we would then make a loud clap sound to snap her out of it, and say quiet. She would quiet down in a minute or so. We had a couple of times where hikers passed our camp, and she would bark and growl. And when we took hikes we passed by people several times. She would do the usual growling, and barking with a high tail. Sometimes when we are close enough to people, she would stop and sniff them. My dad took her for a walk once while we were still sleeping. He said they came across a couple who recognized that she was a sheltie. They had shelties of their own at home. She carefully approached Christy and petted her, and Christy shyly began to wag her tail. This is very promising that she would be happy around a stranger. The actual hiking was fun and Christy was having a ball. Even though she pulled on the leash, I kept on correcting her. Today we are just resting, but I want to know what should we do next? The people at the club recommend bringing her to places like pet smart, home depot, and sitting outside stores. And letting some people feed her eventually. But with the way she reacts to people and dogs, it sounds like she would scare people away and aggravate other dogs. It could be different if there was lots of people around and up close, but I'm not sure. All I know is that she should see these things at least everyday, that's why I take her on walks to the park. Is it still too early for training classes?
. And I will see how she is at pet smart. I might bring my sister along with me. She does a little better and more protected when we walk as a "pack"
Today I tired to keep an upbeat happy mood, which I think helped a lot. I did this by having a song in my head, and just talking to Christy, which calms both of our nerves.
. We went to the Davis farmer's market early in the morning, and it was pretty crowded. There were lots of people, kids, and musicians. Thankfully not a whole lot of dogs. We stayed there for about 10-20 minutes. We walked her through some crowds and then we went to a grass area and ate. The only times she barked/growled was when kids got too close, which was about 2 times, and when she was in the car watching pedestrians (at first). We actually got her to focus on me for a few seconds and do sit/lie down near a gated playground. She did seem to be a little nervous and stimulated, but not cowering with her tail tucked. She was still curious and sniffed some passing people. It probably helped when we were all there to support her. If given the chance to fixate on a person, that's when she barks/growls. So we then redirect her on something like a treat, or just keep moving. I realize she isn't as bad as I thought she was, so it gives me more confidence to take her out more often.