QuestionI recently purchased a 4.5 yr old blue merle male sheltie his lineage is top notch but i am concerned about him he does not bark, whine, growl or make any noise at all he is scared of everything and he does not know his own name HELP! I want to teach this special boy to be a normal dog and accept a loving family as he was a kennel dog but how do i train him when he does not know basic commands,he doesnot sit, stay,come, or anything so i need to start from the beginning I know this is an intelligent breed so i am confident i can with patience please give me some much needed assistance.
AnswerHi Charity,
Show dogs are not usually brought up to be playful friends. They are taught to be quiet and obedient. That's about it.
First, get a new name. Sit down with him and run through names you can think of until you get a response.
Next, give him time. It will be a while before he adjusts to your style of living.
Third: play. When he is well rested and fed get down on the floor with him and a toy. On all fours stretch your arms away from you on the floor while looking at him- this is called a "play bow" and is dog talk for let's play. If he resists you, playfully grab at his hind end and then turn away while looking at him over your shoulder. I promise you will get a response. We are looking for sneezes and nice barking. If we get lots of snarling teeth quit and come back to it later. (If you get a little snarling with a play bow that is good. Just the barking and teeth is bad.)
Work on fetch with him. Close the doors in a hallway, sit at the open end with a ball and treats ready. Roll the ball in the hall. Anytime he makes motions close to getting the ball and beginning to retrieve it give a treat and a "good boy". The closer he gets, the higher the standard for a treat. Work from grabbing and dropping the ball to dropping the ball at your feet or hand.
Let me know how it goes!
Dave
