Dog Community

Rescued Sheltie

Posted : 3/27/2006 11:41:52 PM

Hi,
I just got a male 3yr old sheltie that was left outside his whole life. He is fear aggrassive as I found out the hard way. When he would back into a corner and you where trying to get him he would bite and snarl. Or if you had him by the collar to take him out he would turn and bite. I also have a 1yr old Yorkie that he has so far gotten along with.
I did not want to get rid of him and since I have little kids the only resource we could find was to use a muzzle. He is crated at nights and off and on during the day. Since I have been working with him I make both dogs sit at a certain wall for about thirty minutes and not allowed to run around the house. Then I let them back out in the yard. He also had not tried to bite since the muzzle has been on.
Will I always have to use a muzzle or can I train him out of it so he will not bite the kids?
Thank
April

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/28/2006 5:24:50 PM

I would love to give you better news, but if the dog has been completely unsocialized, and is willing to use his teeth to keep you at bay, it is safest to keep him muzzled at this point. Fear biters are not dogs that should be in households with children, IMO, but if you are intent on keeping him, you need to insure your childrens' safety. I'm not sure you are doing the dog any favors, though. My advice would be to consult with an experienced behaviorist.

Diane Gilby

Posted : 3/29/2006 10:10:17 AM

Shelties can be very timid dogs - and you need to handle him differently - cornering a dog and going in to get him is dangerous - call him to you! Also, taking a dog by the collar can be very frightening for a dog not used to being handled - put a leash on him to take him anywhere. Shelties don't usually bite - but they are fearful. I suggest you find a trainer/behaviorist to help you work with this dog, if you want to keep it. Do you have a Shetland Sheepdog Club in your area - they could be helpful. Why would you put a dog on a 30 minute sit - that is cruel - and serves no purpose.

Your children's safety comes first - so I suggest you find someone in your area with some expertise with shy dogs or find another home for the little pooch - before something bad happens.

dianeg

Mic

Posted : 3/29/2006 3:37:32 PM

Feel free to email me and I will send you a behavioral questionnaire. I can then give you a more specific protocol to help you remedy the situation.

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/30/2006 7:35:36 AM

Take this advice - Mic is a behaviorist in the Cincinnati area, and can help you.