Using medication for a fearful dog

[Traci]

Karen, good catch, on all accounts, the changes and noise factors are good things to be mindful of.

Joy, I believe you are doing everything right. It may be a long shot, but if Angus is pretty shy, it may not be solely due to his previous environment, but genetics....although in this case, I would continue doing as your doing, remain patient and as he gets accustomed to his home, family, yard, etc, he has a great chance of overcoming his fears.

The part where you try to put the leash on him while you're in the yard, may, at this point at least, be slightly counterproductive, in that, he may be associating that situation with his prior environment - if he is indeed a 100% abused BYB puppy, the leash itself could be a feared item - BYBreeders often use leashes to capture, control, drag around, intimidate etc, so keep this in mind.

I understand however, if you release his leash when he goes out to exercise, potty, etc, and need it to get him back into the house, but try to determine if he has a bad association with the leash.

How does he react to your other dogs when they go outside? Does Angus interact and play with them in the yard?

[oconnorjoy]

Angus does love to hang out with Pebbles and Buddy in the yard...once he stops his circling. He doesn't play much...but follows them around and sits/lays with them. One time when he was frightened by a child's screaming, he ran to them (they always hang together) and sat on Buddy for protection...Buddy is so good with him...Pebbles too. I will try and be more aware of how I| use the leash with him. I'm on my way into town right now to get some liver treats....time to add them to the reinforcement schedule ...ps...Angus is a very typical to most shelties in that he is an absolute food hound!

[Traci]

Well, yes, and as Karen stated before, lots of praise is important, for the reinforcement, etc even if he just makes one step toward or out the door, allows the leash on, etc, praise praise praise

[k9Karen]

It definitely sounds like you're making progress, shich means you're probably on the right track. I'm curious what the sheltie rescue group will suggest, would you please post it when you can? .

[oconnorjoy]

For sure...I will post when I receive a reply from them!
Here is a pic of Angus with my granddaughter. He is wearing his Thundershirt...not sure if it is helping, but it certainly isn't hurting :

[Traci]

Awwwww, what a precious picture!!

[oconnorjoy]

I got a reply from the Alberta Sheltie Rescue...I am so glad you suggested contacting them.

"Interesting sheltie you have there Joy. We have been watching the dogs at CARES. They have had some very shy ones there this summer. We have a volunteer who has done a lot of work with a very shy Sheltie. I am going to contact her and see if she will pass on her information. Do go with the medication that your vet is recommending. It can make a world of difference to a shy dog. I can't remember what she had Silver on but it really helped him. The Thunder shirts seem to work really well so long as you remember that they have to be put on the dog when it is in a calm state of mind. They will not help if the dog is already in panic mode. So if you are having company over put it on well before they come. Same if you are going out. Put it on first, well in advance of going out. Could you send me your email address please and I will pass it on to Norma to see if she can help.
Helen"

I am looking forward to connecting with Norma...I am sure she will have many suggestions

[Traci]

Regarding the medication, I would caution that you shouldn't take advice from someone not qualified to make that judgement call. I too, hate putting dogs and cats on meds when behavioral modification can work just as well (unless the case is extreme, in which a temporary course of calming meds combined with behavioral modification may be helpful).

That said, no harm in hearing what she has to say, just ensure you talk it over with your vet.

Also, the thundershirts, there is no evidence beyond anecdotes they are useful. Doesn't mean you can't use it on Angus, and if you see improvement, then no harm done.

[k9Karen]

As for the thundershirt - if it works, why not use it? I love the picture of Angus with your granddaughter - he's just lovely and so is she! I've loved shelties for years, and, no matter how bad his start in life was, or how badly the genes were combined to create him, I'm convinced the inner sheltie will win out and, in time, he will be a wonderful member of your household. Hang in there and let him love you and feel safe.