Mr. Sheepie is now Dr. Jackal!
His background; 1. Healthy 2.5 years old 2. Not neutered (appointment for next month) 3. Adopted from a breeder Nov 24 2006 4. Show ring experience (4 points) Handled well, not nervous 5. Raised with 5-6 dogs in home 6. Exposure to children without incident or reaction When we met Buff at his breeders home, he was the typical, bum wiggling, happy go lucky, 2 year old Sheepie. Our little girl, Miss Ellie, loved him at first meeting and they began to romp and chase through the living room. He came to my husband and me without hesitation, offering cheerful face licks. We returned the next morning to see him again and he greeted us at the door with twist and turn wiggles. We decided to make him part of the family and started our 7 hour drive home. He was very tense, panting, and unwilling to lie in one spot for any length of time. I thought it was a normal reaction to being ripped away from everything he had known. When we arrived home Buff began to show signs of timidity, hiding and fearful. I thought it was a normal reaction to being uprooted and thrown into a completely different lifestyle. He still played with Miss Ellie and enjoyed being close to her. As for the human interaction, he was/is my industrial strength Velcro dog. My husband is a very acceptable second if I’m not around. However, my two adult sons are another story. He will run and hide behind a chair anytime they enter the room. Both boys were raised by a Sheepie, and Miss Ellie thinks they are great. When we are in public, out for our daily walk, etc, he avoids people and children scare him, other dogs are no problem. He’s not aggressive in any way, just crippled by his timidity. We had difficulty with potty issues for a short time after he arrived, mostly in the area where the boys spend time. We figured it was a small issue to address, that we just needed to learn his schedule and signs. We strive to keep him out and about so that he can overcome his current inability to cope with social situations. The boys have gone above and beyond the call to make him comfortable. This past week, we had an unusual situation where my husband and I had to be out of town at the same time. My dogs stay home when I travel and are well cared for (spoiled is probably a better description). My son took great pains to work with Buff before we left, trying to make it easier for all. I received a couple calls each day from my frantic son asking how to cope with Buff. Each day was an adventure in dog psychology. He was no longer the gentle, sweet, shy, responsive Mr.Sheepie, had surpassed “acting out” and become Dr. Jackal, wild crazy dog! He would not come out from his hiding place to go outside. When Ian tried to put his lead on, Buff ran to my bedroom, jumped on the bed, started throwing pillows, and let loose, poop and pee on everything! By the time I returned home, Buff was hiding in the basement and had refuse to go out to potty all day. Now that I’m home, he’s back to poops in the great outdoors, but his level of anxiety is still very noticeable. I work outside a lot and my dogs are generally with me, off leash. Buff has learned his boundries, responded to commands and has been allowed to join Ellie and me outside. Yesterday we were shoveling snow when he decided to walk up the block on his own. When I called to him, he looked over his shoulder and took off around the corner. I went after him, brought him back and reminded him of boundries, but the look in his eyes didn't make me feel confident that he wouldn't try to leave again. Poor Ellie tries to coax him into play, but for the most part, he ignores her and comes to me for attention. He will “play” with her when they get free run at the field. But he has become so rough with her, I have to cut free time short as I’m concerned he will hurt her. Little Ellie is such a sweetie and loves her Buff, she still tries to get him to play when they return to the house. I spoke with Buff’s breeder several times since he joined the family and she was shocked by his behavior. His actions are completely opposite from his life before. I’m thinking of starting from scratch and dragging out the crate. So I’m looking for advice on how to turn my Jackal back into a sweet Sheepie. |
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| I'm so sorry you are having a difficult time!! You've only had him for 6 weeks, and part of that time was over the holidays. I don't know if there is a heightened stress/energy level in your house over the holidays but in most homes, even without young children there is.
He may just be responding to multiple changes and new people and feeling your anxiety level. He is trying to establish himself in your pack. I think the best approach is a calm take charge attitude with an environment that changes as little as possible. You didn't mention if your sons live with you, but it may be a good idea to let them feed and walk him, thus establishing their role in the hierarchy. I would try to keep to a routine that doesn't vary and if he is crate trained it may be a very good idea to haul out the crate, giving him a place to feel secure. Time and patience!! Good Luck. |
Hi Derva, I know your into the Holistic side of things. 
Have you tried "Bach Flower Essences" you can have them mixed for specific problems.  Resuce Remedy is one, but they come in a multitude of specific mixes for different problems.
Might be worth a go to help |
Sheeps over Aces wrote: I’m thinking of starting from scratch and dragging out the crate.
So I’m looking for advice on how to turn my Jackal back into a sweet Sheepie. I don't have any experience with the level of anxiety you are describing, but in general I am a huge fan of the crate to provide a comfortable secure place for a dog as s/he becomes accustomed to a new home. Maggie was a very nervous dog when I got her (although not as extreme as yours sounds). I was told she hated the crate but actually, it helped tremendously in keeping her secure and comfortable as she got used to her new environment. I think that is a great place to start and would not hesitate to try it. Don't feel bad about it! You might also consult a behaviorist to see if there are other strategies that could help. Also, just fyi, Dr. Jekyll was the good one. Mr. Hyde is the evil misanthrope. I am not really sure what the personality of a jackal is. . . |
Quote: I think that is a great place to start and would not hesitate to try it. Don't feel bad about it! You might also consult a behaviorist to see if there are other strategies that could help. Thanks, I'm going to get the crate out of the garage tomorrow and clean it up for habitation. Buff is such a good baby, I have to do whatever it takes to make his transition easier. Quote: Also, just fyi, Dr. Jekyll was the good one. Mr. Hyde is the evil misanthrope. I am not really sure what the personality of a jackal is. . .
Note to self; too many bright folks on this sight. Don't play loose with literary license.  |
lisaoes wrote: Hi Derva, I know your into the Holistic side of things.
Have you tried "Bach Flower Essences" you can have them mixed for specific problems. Resuce Remedy is one, but they come in a multitude of specific mixes for different problems. Might be worth a go to help I looked at the "BFE" site and read everything offered. It seems logical, but I'd like to hear feedback from someone that has experience with "BFE". Have you had the opportunity to use this product with your dogs  |
| Poor Boy.
I also agree the crate is the first step, a place he can relax and feel secure. Bach's is fine or the Comfort thingy spray or the plug in for the wall. It sends out soothing pheromones for the animal.......maybe put that near his crate when he's in residence. Make it a point to take Buffet and Miss Ellie out for walks together. Your husband should also come. Then trade off dogs so Buffet learns that you and the other upright are in charge and he and Miss Ellie are part of the pack. The longer and more strenuous the walks the better. Avoid other dogs initially until Buffet learns you and your husband are in charge and he does not have to worry about pack control. Remember, you are large, in charge and always calm. When Buffet his calm with your husband, do the same with your son's. Buffet is confused as to his position in this new pack. Set up a routine, always be calm but assertive (do I hear Cesar here??). This too will pass............... |
Ooops I just realised I spelt your name wrong, must be that sort of day 
Yes have used them over the years and with differing results, mostly all good and complimentry. 
Maybe combining that with taking him back to the basic steps and restarting again. I think both ways would compliment each other to help. |
Sheeps over Aces wrote: 3. Adopted from a breeder Nov 24 2006 4. Show ring experience (4 points) Handled well, not nervous 5. Raised with 5-6 dogs in home 6. Exposure to children without incident or reaction Questions: Did you adopt him as a rescue dog or did you purchase him from his breeder? Were the dogs all house-dogs or did they spend a lot of time in a kennel? Was the property in the country or in the city? What kind of exposure to children and strangers did he get? Did he live with children? Sheeps over Aces wrote: When we arrived home Buff began to show signs of timidity, hiding and fearful. I thought it was a normal reaction to being uprooted and thrown into a completely different lifestyle. .... I spoke with Buff’s breeder several times since he joined the family and she was shocked by his behavior. His actions are completely opposite from his life before. What was his lifestyle like before and what is so very different now? Sheeps over Aces wrote: He was very tense, panting, and unwilling to lie in one spot for any length of time. I thought it was a normal reaction to being ripped away from everything he had known. I received a couple calls each day from my frantic son asking how to cope with Buff. He would not come out from his hiding place to go outside. When Ian tried to put his lead on, Buff ran to my bedroom, jumped on the bed, started throwing pillows, and let loose, poop and pee on everything! By the time I returned home, Buff was hiding in the basement and had refuse to go out to potty all day. All this is stressful, frantic and fearful behavior. His world had drastically changed, and then when you left it changed again and he couldn't cope. It sounds to me that he was shutting down emotionally. He had recognized that you were in charge, and then you left him to fend for himself. Dogs thrive on routine, and when they know their place in their world it makes life so much easier for them as it is predictable. Big changes cause major stress. If he was not used to major changes before then he may not have been able to handle it. Sheeps over Aces wrote: However, my two adult sons are another story. He will run and hide behind a chair anytime they enter the room. When we are in public, out for our daily walk, etc, he avoids people and children scare him, other dogs are no problem. He’s not aggressive in any way, just crippled by his timidity. Now that I’m home, he’s back to poops in the great outdoors, but his level of anxiety is still very noticeable. This dear is suffering from lack of socialization when he was young. It is all re-habilitation from here on. You will need to take this very slow, and don't rush him. Take many steps backwards and start to introduce him to things veyr slowly, and at HIS pace. You need to expose him to frightening things below his threshold of fear....And increase it in small increments as he accepts. Sheeps over Aces wrote: Buff has learned his boundries, responded to commands and has been allowed to join Ellie and me outside. Yesterday we were shoveling snow when he decided to walk up the block on his own. When I called to him, he looked over his shoulder and took off around the corner. I went after him, brought him back and reminded him of boundries, but the look in his eyes didn't make me feel confident that he wouldn't try to leave again. I’m thinking of starting from scratch and dragging out the crate. So I’m looking for advice on how to turn my Jackal back into a sweet Sheepie. This boy is far too unstable to leave free to roam. He needs to be kept fenced or on lead at all times. It has only been a couple of months, and he knows you feed and care for him but bonding takes a lot longer than that with an adult. Until he is trained on recall 99% relaible, he should not be left off leash unless in a fenced area. I have had Dixie with me for almost a year, and I would never dream of letting her off leash out of my yard. She would either be gone to explore or to have fun. Even though her and I have a strong bond and her recall is coming along very well she could not be trusted. Yes, take out the crate, give him a space to call his own and start from scratch. Don't force your children on him. They are adults so they fall into the category of "strangers" not kids...Let him get used to them and solicite attention etc on his terms, when he is ready. It is obvious that he is not able to handle it right now. It is not that he doesn't want to, but that he is unable to... Hope this makes sense. |
| Good luck! I hope some of the suggestions above will work for you, especially the crate as he should be used to that from showing. Does he have any kind of special toy that he could cart around? |
| Something else you might add to help with his anxiety is a DAP (Dog Appeasing Phermone) plug in from Comfort Zone. Petsmart has them. They have helped a couple of my furkids with anxiety related issues.
Hope Buffy settles in soon. Susan |
Mop lover wrote: Good luck! I hope some of the suggestions above will work for you, especially the crate as he should be used to that from showing. Does he have any kind of special toy that he could cart around?
We took Buff to PetSmart for a shopping spree when he arrived. Our goal was for him to pick out his own, comfort toy. Blue dog has become an emotional barometer. When Buff has him in mouth, I know it's time for a little extra attention. 
Emily, did I read correctly that Bingly is a Bizzeboots boy? You are very lucky, he's a beauty. My boy Ollie was a Bizzeboots and there was no better. |
| Ginny- Thanks for thinking about our Buff. We had planned and achieved a wonderfully calm holiday season. Other than the tree in the living room (which Buff loved sleeping under) not much changed. Wish I could figure out how we pulled it off, I'd like to do it every year.
lisaoes-Thanks for the BFE 411 and the results using it with your fluffy's. No worries on the name.
SheepieBoss & Hannahrose- Good info on the DAP "thingy" . It has been added to my anxiety recovery tool box.
Bosley's Mom- Thanks for taking so much time to consider Buffs predicament. My understanding was Buff spent most of his time between the house and yard. The breeder’s yard had 3 fenced sections, but not "official" kennels. The dogs rotated and were all in the house for the evening. He had exposure to people everyday as they had a grooming business. I really appreciate all of the information contained in everyone's post. I was ready to handle a transition and anxiety, but didn't expect it to be this extensive. The crate is in place, much to Buffs chagrin. The DAP is plugged in and BFE is in the water. He's already on a schedule and he has accepted my husband and me as alpha. So now, I'm going to be patient and love that boy. My real concern is Ellie. She is so mellow that I'm afraid between the DAP and BFE calming effects I'm going to come home to Ellie rummaging through old albums so she can play "Smoke on the Water" while lapping up a fresh bowl of BFE water.  |
Sheeps over Aces wrote: So now, I'm going to be patient and love that boy.
My real concern is Ellie. She is so mellow that I'm afraid between the DAP and BFE calming effects I'm going to come home to Ellie rummaging through old albums so she can play "Smoke on the Water" while lapping up a fresh bowl of BFE water. So Ellie is just going to be a mega super over relaxed sheepie girl now.
Best wishes too for Buff, I love his Blue dog, Hey don't forget to pop that in with him also. It will work out all wonderful, he has such special, patient and loving folks. Make sure you post too how everything is progressing with him, All Good too I am sure of that. |
| When we adopted our last sheepie, she arrived with severe separation anxiety. It's believed that she had been crated too long during her first 10 months of life... she spent a month at a Humane Society and has been in 3 homes. Her problem wasn't fear of people, she adores people... her fear was separation from them or being left again.
We tried everything we could think of to help Panda overcome her problem. A crate is a great idea as long as it's used properly. It gives the dog a safe place they can call their own. We had two of the DAP wall plug-ins and also tried Bach's Rescue Remedy but they didn't offer much relief. But again, this was a severe case. This poor girl would howl, drool excessively so her beard was always wet (she had done this for a long time... her beard was stained brown when she arrived- http://www.oesusa.com/Page30.htm), she'd follow us from room to room, etc. For Panda, it was simply a closed door between her and her human that set her off with pooping/peeing in inappropriate places or destructive behavior (she even demolished a yet-to-be-installed car starter). You might try backing off on the interaction with the kids for a while and instead encourage HIM to make the contact with them. Make sure the kids know that this has nothing to do with them... it's just that he came to you with some baggage you all need to work through. You might try this one-on-one if the dog is truly of no threat to your children... Instead of the kids approaching him, have them sit quietly in a chair with a hand full of fabulous small-size treats. Instruct them to make no eye contact with him and make no attempts to touch him. Have them toss out the treats to him in a non-threatening way starting at a distance that he's comfortable with even it it's several feet away. Throw a treat and wait for him to pick it up... then throw another. The idea is to build his confidence and his trust in them. You want him to think that, "When the kids are present, nice things happen me." After each session, have the kids simply stand up in a relaxed manner, turn away from him and leave the room. He may eventually follow them to see if they have any more good things to share with him. Over the weeks/month of training and as he gets used to this game, they bring the treats in closer, always watching for signs of stress and backing off when needed, until they have him taking the treat out of their hand. Depending on the age of the kids, you might supervise at a distance but make no eye or physical contact with him... you don't want to reward him for any negative or fearful behavior during the training with the kids. Finally, don't be afraid to try a medication like Clomicalm if you find it's a severe case of anxiety (if your vet feels it's appropriate). In severe cases, the dog is truly suffering and may simply need a little something to get them past this initial fear so they can learn to trust. Panda was on Clomicalm for just over a year before we found we could discontinue it. Quote: I work outside a lot and my dogs are generally with me, off leash. Buff has learned his boundries, responded to commands and has been allowed to join Ellie and me outside. Yesterday we were shoveling snow when he decided to walk up the block on his own. When I called to him, he looked over his shoulder and took off around the corner. I went after him, brought him back and reminded him of boundries, but the look in his eyes didn't make me feel confident that he wouldn't try to leave again.
No dog is 100% reliable off-leash. All it takes is that one time that you fail to have a reliable recall to have a tragic result. Our trainer had two professional trainer friends out East that lost their wonderfully trained dogs to cars within 3 weeks of each other. When you bring a new dog in, it's all about building trust. Once he's used to the family, you'll start working with him in public (using different techniques.) Just take it slow and don't push too hard, too fast. Jaci |
It's been a week, and we are making headway.
Buff is improving, little steps every day. At least we see an occasional smile. On the other hand, Miss Ellie has gotten goofier. I think she may be addicted to the BFE water. |
| I'm glad to hear he's doing better. What a handsome, goodlooking boy he is! |
| Awww thats wonderful, remember little steps, one step forward and occassionally two steps back and the gain then is progress.
So glad for you, he sure is a handsome man. Is he still into Blue dog? Ellie, well just a typical sheepie goof ball. Glad she is enjoying the BFE too. |
lisaoes wrote: So glad for you, he sure is a handsome man. Is he still into Blue dog?
There is no more loyal stuffie, than Blue dog. He has been a constant, calming companion for Buff. |
| He is very cute!! |
| What a nice smile! |
| That is such a great pic. I'm glad to hear things are going better. |
| He has a great smile. And my mental image of Miss Ellie drinking the BFE water while playing Smoke On The Water had me laughing. |
Big steps this week  I had to be in Playas New Mexico, participating in a proof of concept for the Border Patrol. The inversion (local denial name for smog) in Salt Lake City has been sooooo bad, many of the commuter planes were rerouted to other destinations as they aren't instrument rated for the poor visibility. Rather than being stranded at the SLC airport, I packed up the dynamic duo (ellie&buff) and we drove 950 miles to our desolate destination. Miles and miles of sagebrush, tumbleweeds, bobcats, snakes, fire ants, cactus, and illegal aliens crossing the border. 
Buff has thoroughly enjoyed our adventure! He traveled well and even slept the entire night at the hotel. Both have been the center of attention at the event site, netting almost constant ear scratches. Buff surprises me each day as he is willing to allow strangers into his space without going ballistic. All of this with just minor application of DAP and BFE. The only things they haven't liked are the burr's that get caught in their coats and lodge painfully in paws. No matter how careful we are, seems we can’t avoid burrs as most of the local plants shed their own special variety. Last night as I started into my 13th hour in the command center, Buff and Ellie joined me to monitor the infrared feeds. Ellie was standing next to me looking at a monitor when she let loose with a loud bark, scared me out of my stupor. Now, I don’t know if she was barking at the motion on the monitor or a noise outside, but when I looked up, I could see 8 figures running through the brush. Turned out the figures were illegals crossing over. Apparently, they weren’t expecting to run into our exercise. Anyway, Border Patrol was called and they were detained. I think Ellie should get a “McGruff” award, or at least a hall monitor sash. Buff snoozed through the whole incident. Our reward for a week in isolation is Saturday and Sunday in Phoenix. Hoping the temperature will be a bit warmer than the past few weeks. I just need to find out where the best dog parks are located.  |
| Devra, what part of phx will you be in? there are 7ral dog parks.....Indian Steel park...brand new(dont know if they have water hook up yet for dogs)
there is one on maryland and 20 ave....i usually go to that one one right off of chandler blvd and 40st....sue and i have taken the dogs there... and the one by sues house in gilbert is AWESOME...dog lake and all...... |
| Darcy,
I'll make reservations tonight and let you know where so we can get the kids out for a very well deserved romp. Thanks for the info! |
| He looks exactly like my Chauncey, of course I think he's adorable
It's wonderful that they could go with you. I'd definitely put him in for the McGruff.......Kathy |
| Woo Hoo! More steps forward for Buff! We had a great weekend stop in Phoenix (thanks Darcy for the dog park locations) after our frozen week in New Mexico. The gang enjoyed all the ear rubs in New Mexico, but were ready for 75 degrees and off leash play.
Leaving New Mexico behind. 
Phoenix was Buff's first time to enjoy a dog park. He was a little unsure of the concept but ran out to see what the other dogs were doing. I'm sure next time, he will join in for a little hijinx. Sunday we spent the day at a cousin's ranch north of Phoenix. First visit to "large animals" for Buff and Ellie. Buff was GREAT with all the horses. Ellie was another story, barking and nipping. I picked her up and held her before one of the horses gave her a kick. Just as I turned around to carry her away from the barn, the mule walked up and literaly scared the pee out of her. Thank goodness it was a warm day and my jeans dried quickly. 
I got a treat and was taught how to "drive" 
(Darcy, I doubt you can recognize the woman in the photo with me, but you have seen her on Phoenix tv lately. She's defending the local tv weather person) No BFE or ADP for Buff after a day on the ranch 
We returned home Tuesday night. Buff has been willing to take a cookie from my oldest son and doesn't break his neck to hide from my youngest son. We haven't used the ADP since getting home, and only one dish of BFE in the morning. So with Buff gaining ground, I figured things would become a bit easier. But, now I have an issue with Miss Ellie. Through all of this she has developed dog aggression. She had always been protective of her boy Ollie, but now it's gone over the top with Buffett. What's life without a project, Ellie is off to training.  |
| Your pictures are great!
It sounds like you had alot of fun on your trip. The dogs look like they had fun too . Good luck with Ellie and getting her back on track. |
It looks like everyone had a great time! I am sooo sorry that I couldnt meet you  This house thing and my father in law should both be on their way to recovery soon.....just dont forget to call me when you get back in town!!! |
| Loved your pictures. Your sheepies are really cute. Glad Buff is doing better and hopefully Miss Ellie too. |
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