Help Big Time!!!
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| First...have the vet check him out to make sure it isn't something medical.
Second...how much exercise is he getting? Most of us have experienced less than angelic  sheepies when they have energy they aren't getting out the proper way. Perhaps he just needs a couple long walks or play sessions.
Other will pipe in with more suggestions I am sure. |
Congrats on rescuing an older OES! Sounds like he's got some excess energy to burn! A few of my suggestions are to always have some type of toy around that you can exchange when he starts to nip. My Annie doesn't mean to nip, but she will if there isn't a soft toy around to grab. Sometimes that other toy is our puppy. How does he do with other dogs? Maybe he can have a play date every day in the yard. They tend to play with their mouths with other pups. Your guy may just be so excited he doesn't know what to do with himself  |
| Your situation sounds very similar to a dog that another forum member adopted a couple of years ago. A very controlling, my way or the highway kind of dog. She has worked intensely with him to get this behavior under control and it has taken a lot of consistency and patience but he is a better dog for it today. Do you know anything about where he came from?
Exercise is always a good way to start. Other than that, I think you need to start treating him like you're training a new puppy because that's essentially what you have-- an adult dog that never learned what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Though I know it's hard not to, try not to get mad at him and picture him as a little guy just learning not to nip or act out. Enroll him in an obedience class to put some structure in his life and then you can use the commands that you learn in helping curb some of the other bad behaviors. Like if he goes to lunge, you can put him in a down and reward him for that behavior. I think you're really going to have to commit to this dog. I wouldn't say this is "normal" OES behavior but it's normal for a dog that may have spent his life in a crate or unsocialized. At that point, breed makes no difference because without the right structure and rules, any dog can turn into a maniac. |
lcd wrote: My problem is this dog can be very sweet and then he gets agressive by jumping and lunging at you and "play biting". He also has a nasty habit of nipping or pinching while you try to pet him. When he is in his rage I'll let him out in the yard and he runs around in circles at top speed.
I am not sure that I understand what is happening here. In the same sentence, and for the same behavior, you mention "agressive" and "play biting"...  Two opposite ends of the spectrum. Agressive would be unprovoked desire to do harm, and play biting is, well, playing..
I can relate to the nipping and pinching when excited and in play....Yup, got one of those.... What you might want to do is get him used to being touched in a pleasant manner. At some point when he is relaxed, do a massage, from head to toe, very slowly and very gently. Take your time, and extend it to 5 or 10 minutes. Do this as many times a day as you can. What you want to do is have your touching him create a calming affect on him.
As for the jumping and biting...when he does this just look up, cross your arms, and if you have to, turn your body around. Be like stone. He is trying to get a reaction, so don't give it to him. He needs to learn how to get attention in a positive way. Have him play with a special toy, with you....and get him into a solid sit. Sit for treats,for outside time,for meals , for pats for everything. This will be a good starting point for control. I would also recommend getting onto a postive obedience class with him...Make training and learning a fun experience,so you can channel that energy. And excercise, excersie, and more excercise. A tired dog is a good dog. But please make up your mind on whether you are willing to go the distance with him. He will be work, lots or work..Are you ready and prepared with the time and patience he needs to develope? And please don't put any expectations on him, so that he does not disappoint you. He needs someone who will accept him for what he is and work with him. Between the two of you something wonderful can happen, if you give him the chance! Good luck! |
| If you read the posting in behavior about "Crazy legs" you'll see many of us have the running like a madman behavior! My first OES did it too. Not sure if other breds do it - only have had sheepies.
If the dog is hyper - check the food you are feeding him. SOme foods have alot of sugar which can mke the dog hyper. Also, remember, he is a rescue. He may need time to adjust to his new family. Perhaps an obedience course would help as well. Good luck with him. You did a terrific thing in adopting a rescue. Give it some time. |
Ashley wrote: If you read the posting in behavior about "Crazy legs" you'll see many of us have the running like a madman behavior! My first OES did it too. Not sure if other breds do it - only have had sheepies.
Combined with the other issues, this sounds more like an obsessive behavior than just a few playful laps. |
Obsessive behavior? Umm, maybe you're right. Especially if its a rescue when one may not know what the dog went through before coming home...What does one do for a dog with obsessive behavior? Training?  |
| Jil hasn't posted in a long time, but this sounds a lot like the behaviors that her Bentley exhibited when she first got him. He had spent a lot of his life in a crate until she got him and she's done a great job with him-- he's really come a long way. She worked with a behaviorist for a long time and explored different methods in both obedience and behavior "modification." Jil could explain it better as I'm only the bystander. I wasn't there to see a lot of the bad behavior that went on in the house with her. I know she went through hell and back with Bentley but she has been consistent and diligent in making him a better dog to be around, not only for her but others that come in contact with him. If this guest posts again, and is interested, I'll e-mail Jil to see if she'll talk about some of the things that she did with Bentley.
Hopefully, I read too much into what the guest posted. I hope I'm wrong in seeing the similarities because, if I am right, it could be a lot of work and commitment on the part of her and her family. |
| Excellent advice from the posts above on behavior.
For medical, have the vet check the anal glands. Full glands can be a source of discomfort for a dog. If its a problem, the vet will express the glands. This may need to be done from time to time by the vet. Please give us an update when you can. |
| I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. I am new at this (with a sheepie) and am still learning just how special they are. To answer Bosley's Mom I say agressive because nothing is done to provoke his behavior, its almost like he gets "wild" for no reason. He has never bit to draw blood but when he is jumping he will bite at my arms and hands and will not let go. Last night I tried to play with him in the yard and he bit on to my shirt sleeve , would not let go and actually put a hole in it. It was almost like a tug of war. Forgot to mention he also growls when he is doing this but I still believe it is some sort of rough play, and he just dosn't know how strong he is. I don't know anything about his background other than an elderly lady had him and turned him into the dog pound because she could no longer handle him. I think she was the original owner because she turned in his papers. I know he spent 21 days at the pound (mandatory in case owner wants to reclaim) doing what I would call hard time and was on his last day before being euthanized when I rescued him. Also vet check proved out to be that he is healthy but I don't believe anal glands were checked. I am just so greatful that I have found this site for support. Thanks again. |
| They are very wilfull dogs - Ollie will have a "mado" (jumping at me like he's on springs, going for my arm, but not aggresive, running away when I go to stroke him or calm him down) Its almost like a call for attention - when I go after him, he runs and jumps up on the sofa, almost knocking it over. I have to sit with him, talk softly and calmly, just stroking his ear and tell him to calm down and that he's a good boy - this works, but every now and again he does his mado - I thought it was just a wilfull sheepie - not sure if thats much help to know its not just you. But definately agree with the others - training and consistency - good luck |
| Hi,
Thanks for rescuing a sheepie! You are his lifesaver and an angel for stepping up and trying to provide a forever home. Reading your post I couldn't help but think this is one dog that probably is experiencing that must needed release of pent up energy. You mentioned he lived with a previous elderly owner and thus may have had limited excercise. Sounds like a sheepie that is going through testing and also experiencing "cabin fever" release. Those that mentioned excercise and obedience is what I would highly recommend. With training and a sit or stay command he wouldn't be jumping up on you and nipping. I'm also curious as to what kind of play you do as since he doesn't appear to have himself under control that I would avoid any excitable play with him until he's better behaved. Tug a war is a no no with any recue dog as they test to see who is "alpha" , (the boss) amongst themselves and with an upright if they win. I also understand from your post you may not necessarily be doing this on purpose as he appears to be grabbing your clothing. Nipping can be stopped by a firm NO! However, it's not enough to tell them what you don't want them to do but give them an ALTERNATIVE that is ACCEPTABLE. Next time have a chewie toy close by (in your pocket perhaps?) As soon as he tries to nip , NO, give him toy as replacement and lots of praise...Good Boy!!! He will eventually get it. Another recommendation is to ignore him and walk away if he is displaying undersirable behavior. Sheepdogs are called the clowns of the dog world and this particular breed will always have a certain affectionate goofiness throughout life, yet they do slow down somewhat around age three. How old is he? Is he neutered and what's his name? I would take him out for walks in order for him to spend time and bond with you - but you have him under control via leash. Allowing him to calm down a bit and if you allow him to run around your yard either stand or sit (remember that toy!) but don't run around with him as his herding instinct appears to come out. He hasn't yet had the opportunity to have learned the self control..aka nipping and over exhuberance. Call around and see if you can enroll him in obedience classes but try to focus on a trainer that is more praise oriented. You'll find others that have the same interest as yourself and the trainer can give you lots of handy hints. Trust me, all of us on here are here to help and please remember that sometimes it doesn't happen overnight. Once however with patience and consistency you've overcome those problems you'll have the most wonderful dog a person can ask for. Imagine from the dogs perspective that he's gone from elderly owner, shelter and now to your home..he's still making adjustments and doesn't know what's expected of him. You as his new mom will teach him through love and guidance as he can't know for himself what YOUR rules are. Keep us posted and feel free to ask anything about what we've posted or problems you may have. Marianne (couldn't log in due to computer problems) |
| Hi,
I reread your post and you did answer that he was neutered 2 wks ago. Missed that the first time! It always takes a few weeks for the hormones to dissipate from their body after neutering, so that will also be noticable regarding calming down. Marianne |
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