Sheltie gets scared when competing

[cavmad]

Hi all,
I am new to this list, but not new to training and trialling dogs. I own a lovely Sheltie (large tri) who is well socialized, 2.5yrs old, entire and often runs off lead and very controllable in a relaxed situation with other people and dogs of different sorts. My issue is that when I compete with him in the agility ring, he sees the steward, the judge and decides that he is unhappy, his ears go back and he is uncompliant. He runs off/freezes and generally stops listening all together at his worst. When he knows the judge he is a little happier but still dodges obstacles as soon as he sees the judge! I have tried getting a "dummy" judge to treat him, rescue remedy (herbal drops) and massage at the beginning of a run. Non of these really seem to assist although possibly the rescue remedy a little (?). I have also trialled him in rally and he is better but because hes close and I can give him loads of praise and keep him close I somewhat get away with his flightiness.
Any suggestions welcome. I am considering desexing and using anti anxiety drugs. Desperate because he shows so much potential away from the competition ring!

 

[Hannah]

Welcome to the forum from another Aussie. Sorry to hear of the issues you're having. I'm very new to agility so can't offer you any advice, but I hope you have some success with whatever you choose to do.

 

[corbinam]

How does he act in training? How did you do your foundation training?

It's a very difficult thing to untrain a ring-wise dog. It would likely be easier if he is just as nervous if you have a stranger stand out in the ring while you practice. If it's something you only see in competition--it's a lot harder to get rid of.

I would concentrate on finding that exact threshold of worry. Does it happen in training? If not, does it happen in training when you have someone stand out in the ring while you practice? Or is it when there is someone out there and you remove the treats (meaning you pretend it's a competition and you can't have treats or toys on you in the ring).

Find that threshold and work JUST under it where he is still happy and confident. If he stresses in training when a stranger is in the ring with you, have someone stand just outside the ring. Maybe start by asking for easy things. What things does your pup really love? For mine, I know that they LOVE the tunnel. Doesn't require much thinking, brings up their confidence and makes them feel successful. If that causes stress or worry, just ask for sits and downs if that's something that your pup is good at and feels comfortable doing. Lots of high energy fun things--don't look at the stranger or interact--just play! If your dog loves a toy, bring the toy out and just throw it. Don't even ask for agility things if he's still showing signs of stress.

Those are my initial thoughts.