Thanks for the welcome

jrich · 12-31-2004, 10:14 PM

undefinedundefined
I adopted a 1-1/2 y/o tri-color border collie 3 months ago and love him to death. But he is soooo nervous and scared. He hides behind anything he can in the house and shakes when he is unsure of what is coming next. I am thinking of cutting off his hiding spots and forcing him to see that there is nothing to fear. Any other suggestions?
John

milo · 01-01-2005, 07:33 AM

Ahhh bless him!!Yer that might be good but on the other hand he might get even more scared!!i would take him to some dog classes to get to know people and other dogs or just invite a mate round to pet the dog then he might get to know people a bit better when he has done the people part then get him to know other dogs like a mates dog who is fine with nervouse dogs!!
Good luck!!!

sheltiepups · 01-01-2005, 07:52 AM

what is he scared of? Introduce him to what he's scared of little by little, one thing at a time.. if he’s scared of the door opening, put a leash on him, have him sit with you so that he can see the door and have some one open it, praise and reward and then go move on like its no big deal, and do it again the next day until he’s doesn’t freak out, then do it a couple of times a day and until he’s use to it, and looks forward to the door opening? (I’m just using the door as a example). Good luck, and if I didn’t say it before welcome to the forums! also, classes would be great for him... and you

***Carrie*** · 01-01-2005, 10:03 AM

I wouldn't force him into ANYTHING. Cutting off his hiding spots will only make him more insecure and terrified. You can't force him to see things "logically." That isn't going to happen. Who knows what happened to him in his past. He either wasn't socialized or he was abused. Let him get comfortable in his own time. I wouldn't throw him into classes yet myself. Don't overwhelm him. You'll need to go slowly and get him use to your living room first. Don't make a fuss over him when he's cowering. Try to igore that and when he shows a little calm or a little bravery about something, then praise and give him attention/treats. Just go slowly. Then when he's comfortable with his immediate surroundings, take him to the next level, just a little bit out of his comfort zone, not too much. Avoid leaping to the next phase until he's Ok with the last. He'll need socializing and pleasant experiences but don't overwhelm him. That's my .02. Good luck and welcome.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 01-01-2005, 10:42 AM

Welcome John

You've already been given some great advice and I can't think of anything right now to add other than be patient and take things very slowly.

Best of luck to you.

oc_spirit · 01-01-2005, 04:18 PM

Hello and welcome John! I don't have much to add but would like to restate that you must take things very slow with a nervous dog. Never try to rush because if you do he might become even more scared and turn into a fear biter.

Cheers!

boxerlover · 01-01-2005, 04:52 PM

Please Please Please buy this dog a crate with a nice bed in it...you can put it in the main living area and he will feel safe and secure inside of it meanwhile he can see everyone and everything. You can use a leash to take him outside and then back to the crate again. Dogs view a crates as their den...a safe place. He will be able to learn all the new smells and sounds in his new home....after a week or 2 you can leave the door open and he can come out when he is ready.

GreenleafGreyhound · 01-01-2005, 04:58 PM

All hail GT *bows ceremoniously*

Spooks:
Spook Stories

Spook tips and advice

More tips and advice
The above are fairly long threads, but jam packed with info. My suggestions are keep a routine, make sure your spook has a safe haven (crate), and lots of TLC.

12-31-2004, 10:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
jrich Tricolor bc Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Strongsville, OH Posts: 1 Rep Power: 74	Thanks for the welcome undefinedundefined I adopted a 1-1/2 y/o tri-color border collie 3 months ago and love him to death. But he is soooo nervous and scared. He hides behind anything he can in the house and shakes when he is unsure of what is coming next. I am thinking of cutting off his hiding spots and forcing him to see that there is nothing to fear. Any other suggestions? John

01-01-2005, 07:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
milo Labrador lover!!!! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: England, Portsmouth Posts: 858 Rep Power: 98	Ahhh bless him!!Yer that might be good but on the other hand he might get even more scared!!i would take him to some dog classes to get to know people and other dogs or just invite a mate round to pet the dog then he might get to know people a bit better when he has done the people part then get him to know other dogs like a mates dog who is fine with nervouse dogs!! Good luck!!!
	__________________ My Babies!!! Black lab-Milo Goldern/yellow lab-Lucky Grey cat-Misty LOVE ME LOVE MY DOGS

01-01-2005, 07:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
sheltiepups Semper Fidelis - Marines Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: somewhere Posts: 2,438 Rep Power: 132	what is he scared of? Introduce him to what he's scared of little by little, one thing at a time.. if he’s scared of the door opening, put a leash on him, have him sit with you so that he can see the door and have some one open it, praise and reward and then go move on like its no big deal, and do it again the next day until he’s doesn’t freak out, then do it a couple of times a day and until he’s use to it, and looks forward to the door opening? (I’m just using the door as a example). Good luck, and if I didn’t say it before welcome to the forums! also, classes would be great for him... and you
	__________________ Breezy & her shelties Thank you Dawn, for a wonderful siggy :) 2cutepups

01-01-2005, 10:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	I wouldn't force him into ANYTHING. Cutting off his hiding spots will only make him more insecure and terrified. You can't force him to see things "logically." That isn't going to happen. Who knows what happened to him in his past. He either wasn't socialized or he was abused. Let him get comfortable in his own time. I wouldn't throw him into classes yet myself. Don't overwhelm him. You'll need to go slowly and get him use to your living room first. Don't make a fuss over him when he's cowering. Try to igore that and when he shows a little calm or a little bravery about something, then praise and give him attention/treats. Just go slowly. Then when he's comfortable with his immediate surroundings, take him to the next level, just a little bit out of his comfort zone, not too much. Avoid leaping to the next phase until he's Ok with the last. He'll need socializing and pleasant experiences but don't overwhelm him. That's my .02. Good luck and welcome.
	Last edited by Carrie : 01-01-2005 at 12:01 PM.

01-01-2005, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 287	Welcome John You've already been given some great advice and I can't think of anything right now to add other than be patient and take things very slowly. Best of luck to you.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

01-01-2005, 04:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,621 Rep Power: 146	Hello and welcome John! I don't have much to add but would like to restate that you must take things very slow with a nervous dog. Never try to rush because if you do he might become even more scared and turn into a fear biter. Cheers!
	__________________ NORTHERN BLACKOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES AND CUSTOM LEATHER LEASHES Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

01-01-2005, 04:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
boxerlover Dawn Join Date: May 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 304 Rep Power: 91	Please Please Please buy this dog a crate with a nice bed in it...you can put it in the main living area and he will feel safe and secure inside of it meanwhile he can see everyone and everything. You can use a leash to take him outside and then back to the crate again. Dogs view a crates as their den...a safe place. He will be able to learn all the new smells and sounds in his new home....after a week or 2 you can leave the door open and he can come out when he is ready.
	__________________

01-01-2005, 04:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
GreenleafGreyhound Good Dog - Greyt Peke Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern CA Posts: 736 Rep Power: 105	All hail GT bows ceremoniously Spooks: Spook Stories Spook tips and advice More tips and advice The above are fairly long threads, but jam packed with info. My suggestions are keep a routine, make sure your spook has a safe haven (crate), and lots of TLC.
	__________________ ~~Amazing Greys Retired Racers~~ [size=3][color=#0F2085] size]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)