New dog is timid - how can I help her? Update Jan 15

[ruffles]

Ok, apologize did not realize that the two dogs did not get along. You are right in not leaving them together when you are not home.

For the older dog she is an interloper, also, most collies I have met are not like a lab, just bubbling over, personally I like the collie personality.

Also, both dogs are giving off subliminal messages to each other, both dogs are to blame.

 

[ChickenfootDuckbutt]

Well, theres your problem right there!

she's a collie, AND a show dog.

if you yelled she was probalby thinking

"why you little- I ma'am am a distinguished award winning show dog, and I will NOT be barked at in that tone! *snubnose*"

:3

she probably was a little startled, being in a new home, and if she's not used to being yelled at, both of those could cause her to act a little more cautious and nervious

"big scarey strangers yelling at meh D'="

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Just think about how YOU would react in a totally new home if someone yelled at YOU We have had only two rescue dogs but both of them took at least a month to even begin to relax in our home and I would say 3-5 months to feel at home.
I'd say the new dog will take her cue from the other female's behavior towards you. Animals talk to each other and if the one trusts you, the other eventually will too. I just think making evaluations on an older dog after a week is a bit premature.

 

[Mountain Man Jim]

We are currently adapting a new rescue dog to our home too and we are the 2 week mark as well. The new dog Bella is very sweet but has a sort of separation anxiety. Every day she come more out of her shell and becomes more confident. She is now finding comfort with our little pack; 4 dogs total.

Similar to much of the advice her, I think the best thing you can do is to be a consistent, calm and a positive leader of your pack. The rivalry between the dogs will need to be sorted out but, not by you. The dogs need to figure out where everyone fits in the pecking order. It would be best for you to not to pick favorites and not, actually, not to treat everyone fairly. The dog on the bottom of pack may actually benefit from you not lavishing her with a lot of affection in front of the higher ranking dogs. It just causes the other dogs to pick on the subordinate.

Eventually the pack dynamics will stabilize, everyone will find their place in the pack and everything will be peaceful; except for the occasional correction of the lower ranking dog by the higher ranked dogs but, that usually only lasts for a second. My guess is that your new dog will relax once they and she figure everything out.

Jim

 

[True Grit]

Thanks for the suggestions. The breeder did give me the same suggestion about tethering but I am a little concerned that will trigger jealousy in my other collie who is a very confident girl and definitely bonded with me by the way. The two collies get along great.

There was no physical component other than my pulling her off my terrier, which was pretty much unavoidable. I did clumsily stumble into and knock over an open baby gate too which I'm sure frightened her. I know I shouldn't have yelled but it was reflex, trying to distract her from my jrt.

I only treat her when she sits or comes when I call. I really am beginning to think she is a very sensitive and actually very very bright dog. She had never been taught to sit since show dogs aren't supposed to but on her second night here she sat for her supper before I asked her. We do walk and have also been to the dog park 3 times where she does great too. I'm beginning to think it might be the newness of being in the house all the time.

So - I can't figure out if tethering would be too much for her and she just needs time left alone to come around or not. I think that otherwise she is a great fit for the household but I want her to be happy as well.

Thanks everybody, I'll let you know how we progress..

 

[watchdogps]

Patricia McConnell wrote a series of booklets on various behavior issues. One was specifically for fearful dogs. Its very good, vary along the lines of Karen Pryor stuff. I can't recall the exact name of it, but google patricia mcconnell and dog training and it should be easy to find.

 

[True Grit]

Quote:
That sounds good, thanks. I just started reading one along those lines called The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller. It's funny but back in the early 80's I had a sheltie and we went to an obedience class. They used choke chains and I just figured that was the way you did it but it was clear to me that she didn't enjoy it and neither did I. We never went back and I just told people, "it wasn't for us." I didn't know why. I only recently realized why. My last two collies and I have always had fun at obedience since positive training got popular. I have never clicker trained though but I think it might be the right thing for my new girl.

 

[Windrider]

The collie in my avatar was just like your new girl, a show dog raised in a kennel situation. I got her a 1 1/2 years old. She was extremely well socialized with other dogs - the breeder let the whole pack of 12 collies run together when not in heat and the breed is famous for getting along in conditions like that. But she hadn't hardly been anywhere and was very timid in new situations. She'd hardly ever been in a car, never been taken for walks or even been in the house. I'd open a cupboard or refrigerator door and she'd spook like "Yikes, what is going to jump out of THERE?!"

Just give her time and treat her gently. A well bred collie has a stable and gentle temperament and she just needs to adjust. It took mine about 6 months to really love going to all the new places I took her and have confidence there. My collie eventually earned her Excellent Agility and Obedience titles and is a therapy dog the seniors especially love to see coming (Lassie!)

My experience working with our local collie rescue is that there is likely no other breed with as soft a temperament (on average, of course). My collie, yelling at her would just crush her. She would go cringing around for quite a while if she thought she was going to get yelled at again. I know this because I made the mistake of yelling at her for barking, but have learned it is best to redirect instead.

As others have recommended, positive training is the way to go for this breed.

 

[True Grit]

Quote:
Hi, I've noticed your pretty girl before. Nice to hear about your collie and that she did adjust. I think mine would be wonderful at obedience and as a therapy dog. IMy older male collie was very sensitive too and couldn't be yelled at. There was no need anyway as he was perfect.

Will see what the week brings. Thanks

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I would do some one on one obedience work with her every day and use enthusiastic praise when she does well. She just needs to know what's expected of her and how to please you, to feel more relaxed around you. A good basic routine, giving simple commands around the house and always praising when they do what they're told helps a dog to feel more comfortable, too.

I can see where she was disturbed by your screaming like a banshee. Trying to break up an unexpected fight that's getting started, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. She'll get over it. She just needs to figure out that you don't usually do that. As more time goes on without that happening again, she'll let it go. Until then, she'll just keep an eye on you. Doing obedience work with her will speed up that process. Other than that, I would behave normally around her.