behavior problems?

Question
Hello.  I recently bought a beautiful Shetland sheepdog puppy.  I absolutely LOVE him to death but I am a little concerned about his behavior and am wondering if it is normal.  I had expected him to be sweet and loving but at this point he only wants to chew and bite on me any time I touch him.  Sometimes he evens backs away from me when I approach him.  I know he likes me because he follows me everywhere, but doesn't like me touching him it seems. He doesn't act like he gets any joy out of me petting him or cuddling with him.  He is also VERY hyper.  Unless he is tired and laying down, he is constantly chewing on anything and everything he can fit his mouth on.  (His teeth are painfully sharp) What concerns me most, however, is that he seems to get little angry fits.  Three or four times he has bared his teeth, growling, and has snapped at me.  It has happened mainly when I mess with his collar by either putting it on or attaching a leash.  He immediately quits when I tell him "no" and get the rolled up newspaper out. From what I have read about this breed this seems uncharacteristic but perhaps its just him being a puppy.  Do you think so?  Do you think that one day he will become a little more sociable and loving?  Regardless of whether or not he changes I will love him always, but I am just curious if this is a phase or maybe a bad sign.  
     Thank you so much for any help you can give,
                    Monica

Answer
Hi Monica,

You might be surprised that virtually nothing in your letter surprised me.  Maybe a little surprised at the teeth to you, but not entirely.

First, he's a puppy.  Puppies need lots and lots of chewies.  We are big fans of pigs ears.  If you can find a brand of rawhide that doesn't make him sick to his tummy we also bought a lot of those.  He will teeth until he is 2 and the chewing is very therapeutic for the discomfort and frustrations.

Second, he's a Sheltie.  They are bred to be spirited dogs.  Do not expect him to be a cuddle dog right now.  You should leash and walk him and make sure to socialize him as much as possible.  Do take him to the bank/post office trip.  Do take him to the pet store.  Do take him to the dog park and grandma's house.  Get him used to people and dogs as much as possible now.

Also get him used to the brushing now.  Use treats to help coax him to be patient with you while you train him to these things.

What to do when he bites/nips/chews.  When he puts his mouth around your hand force your hand into his throat until he backs off and say "DON'T BITE".  He'll get the message.  When he growls AND shows his teeth at you it is a challenge, jump on him and grab his neck and push him down and growl back loud and scary "NO".  You are the momma dog and he should not disrespect you.  Love on him after you disipline him.

Never use his name for discipline, use a nickname like DOG or PUPPY.

The good news is that as your relationship grows he will become more receptive to being a lap dog.  My first, Possum, was a bundle of wild energy with no desire to get pet on.  Now he still doesn't really snuggle my lap but he does like to have his ears rubbed and his neck scratched under the collar.  If we are on the couch or bed he'll lay next to us. He demands to be petted on in the mornings before we can take him off the bed to go out by laying down and "pitty pawing" at us.

Possum is also a dedicated fetch dog.  He loves to work.  Perhaps your Sheltie will find fulfillment in working for you bringing back toys.  That helps vent that testosterone.  Of course we recommend fixing your pup too unless you are a real breeding expert and have spent a lot more than $350 on a certified perfect Sheltie.

I hope that helps!

Dave