I'm at a total loss why she's doing this? (new Sheltie story)

[Crankyshank]

Since Saturday she has done some little things that make me feel that she is getting more comfortable with us and her new home. She has started rolling onto her back for us to rub her belly and, when we take her out and she sees our horse or the cattle next to us, she will bark at them. It's probably silly to read much into this, but it makes me feel that she's becoming more comfortable.

I really do appreciate all of the help you guys have offered. I knew I could count on you!!

That is a really good sign! By laying on her back she's exposing her throat and her sensitive spots. If she's laying on her back around you it's showing an amount of trust and comfort in her surroundings.

 

[beckmrk04]

My daughter and I have sat down on the floor a couple of times with a ball and rolled/tossed it back and forth hoping Scarlet would jump in - she hasn't yet. She will sit and watch the ball for a while, and then go do something else.

OUr dog wasn't too much on playing for a while- until we got her a KONG. It is absolutely her favorite toy. Sometimes we use it as a doggy pacifier (stuff it with treats or a bit of peanut butter) and sometimes we use it like a ball, and she is a PRO at playing catch now. I think it worked so well teaching her toplay because she was always excited to see it, and curious to see if there was food in there!

Every night lately, around 9 pm, Jules runs and gets her Kong, and drops it in my lap, usually while I'm watching TV or DISing, and looks at me so expectantly, so apparently 9pm is her "catch" time!! She is too funny.

I would say just give her some time.. The longer she's with you the more she will trust you and loosen up. And then, maybe you'll have 9 o'clock "catch time" too!

 

[ceiligh1]

I grew up with shelties. I think they are the best dog for a family, so loving and fun to be around. Your dog brings back a lot of memories. My shelties used to love to play with empty milk jugs, they would toss them up into the air and then catch them running all around the yard until nothing was left but little bits of plastic. It was the cheapest dog toy I ever got.

I wanted to mention this as my DH adopted a severly abused rescue dog. Talk to your vet or read up on sepeartion anxiety as her reaction to you specifically seems to mimic what chyenne does for my husband. Keep on with the ignoring her when you come home. Sometimes when you make too big a deal about returning and spending time with her the dog can develop seperation anxiety and then you will have a whole new set of problems. I know it is hard to do. Enjoy your beautiful dog.

 

[Magickndm]

Did you get any concrete reasons from your vet?

 

[lacy1101]

Did you get any concrete reasons from your vet?

Not really. He did suggest though that I not pay alot of attention to her when I first come in (that's what I've been doing for the last several days and it seems to work pretty well). He added that you have to be careful about fussing over your dog when you first come home as it can cause separation anxiety (I think someone mentioned that on this thread). I just talk to her as I walk through the house, and then after a few minutes I'll sit down on the couch and she'll jump up there with me and I can pet her all I want.

Everything else checked out just fine with the vet. He said she appeared very healthy. We've just got to work on slimming down a bit! Thanks for asking!

 

[Webbie]

Not really. He did suggest though that I not pay alot of attention to her when I first come in (that's what I've been doing for the last several days and it seems to work pretty well). He added that you have to be careful about fussing over your dog when you first come home as it can cause separation anxiety (I think someone mentioned that on this thread). I just talk to her as I walk through the house, and then after a few minutes I'll sit down on the couch and she'll jump up there with me and I can pet her all I want.

Everything else checked out just fine with the vet. He said she appeared very healthy. We've just got to work on slimming down a bit! Thanks for asking!

First off...she is beautiful. I had a sheltie and think they are so special.
I also have a rescue who was abused and has major seperation anxiety issues. IMHO seperation problems are more when you are leaving and not when you are returning. I think rescues attach to one person even if they love the whole family.

Thank you for rescuing this girl and giving her a new forever home and family! She may never outgrow her little quirks but that is Ok too.

 

[Magickndm]

Not really. He did suggest though that I not pay alot of attention to her when I first come in (that's what I've been doing for the last several days and it seems to work pretty well).

We have to do that with our grey, and we've had him for over 2 years. If we do make a big deal, petting him, talking to him, whatever, he blocks the doorway and we can't get in the house. We've found the best thing is to just walk in, not say anything to him, then after we've done whatever we have to do, put away keys, groceries, etc., THEN give him a quick pat.

I'm glad it wasn't anything physically wrong with your pup.

 

[lacy1101]

Great news! Tonight, Scarlet started fetching a ball with my daughter! I think we make a little more progress every day.

 

[ceiligh1]

I am glad things are working out for you all.

 

[Rain4Sasha]

I've grown up with shelties my whole life. They're sweet dogs but very "talkative." One of the two we have now, Susie, does the same thing you mentioned. She'll be so happy to see you but when you make a move to pet her she'll yelp and run away, but then run right back to you only moments later. We've had her her whole life and she's never been abused in anyway. Its just her way of talking and being a little bit of a brat who's trying to be in control. So it could just be something simple and not abuse related, though you're probably smart to check it out.

Scarlet is such a pretty name, btw! And the pictures are adorable.