Nervous sheltie

Question
I have really enjoyed reading your other posts and would like your opinion on two matters. First our Sheltie, Rosie is just over a year and we got her when she was 8 weeks old. She is a great dog, but still pretty nervous. She cowers (we have never hit her)to approach people, and barks at almost every movement or sound in the house. We have three kids 11-17 so our house if fairly active, but not unruly. We play and exercise her several times a day, but she still seems to have excess energy. I don't remember this with our previous Sheltie(lost her last fall at 14+ yrs.)I feel like this is because she grew up with my kids and had constant playmates all day. We are considering getting a second puppy. Do you have any opinion, suggestions on bringing in a new puppy? Second, Rosie gets in a puppy-mode (very hyper running/herding/jumping) but it also includes biting. She bites at the air, and sometimes gets our back, shoulder, whatever is in the way. She looks like she doesn't want to bite, but it seems like an uncontrollable urge. Any suggestions to help her quit with the biting?Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Anita,

Thank you for your kind words.  That's the only payment we get for being volunteers and is always nice to hear.

First: anyone who has a Sheltie puppy knows the reason for "you must have two" is because they play together.  We totally endorse this idea.  It's easy to forget how MUCH energy the puppies have when you have an older Sheltie.  Because your new Sheltie is still so young, make sure to take Rosie with you when picking out a new puppy.  Give her a chance to see who she gets along with and how she does with the litter.  The additional benefit is to also have them meet on neutral territory- anywhere but the house.

Dog think: keep the pack order, give all adoration and attention to the older one first then to the new puppy.  This is very difficult but you can do your best.  This will help Rosie adjust to the new situation.

As for nipping, if you are bitten you will know it.  Nipping is a pinch with teeth and not the same thing.  She needs to hear you exclaim OUCH loud and cry out when she nips to know it is bad.  Rosie's instincts are very strong so give her an alternative to herd such as a fetch toy or a large ball that she can push around.  Assuming that you don't have sheep or ducks and a large farm?

The first few times I would follow up the ouch with a punishment growl and put her down to the floor with a "DONT BITE" command.  Follow up later with just the "DONT BITE" and see if she understands that.

I hope that helps!

Dave