security

Question
Dear Dave,
Two weeks ago we rescued 'Charlie' an 8 year old Sheltie.
Apart from some early nervousness and toilet accidents, he seems to be a
gentle, friendly, well trained and behaved dog.
Our main concern is our border security.
We live on 9 acres, with several nice fields. But there is not much fencing
around the property. It's kind of 'open plan'.
Our neighbour is a dairy farmer. He uses a motorbike to herd the cows and
also drives a tractor of course.
I would love to have Charlie running in the fields, off his lead, but I'm terrified
he'll run off to herd the dairy cows. He has reacted very excitedly to the
sound of the motorbike and also jumps up strongly on his lead when we are
out walking and a tractor drives past. He often tries to run towards cattle and
horses in other fields in our area.
We could put large fences around a couple of the fields, but they aren't really
next to the house and I'd prefer Charlie to wander at will, rather than at set
exercise times only.
Also, I notice that you said your dogs sleep while you are out at work.
I work from home and can keep Charlie company, but if I have to go out for
whatever reason, Charlie seems to get very stressed.
How and where can I leave him on his own? We have an evening dinner date
coming up!
Thanks for any help,
Chris.

Answer
Hi Chris,

Charlie sounds like a very lucky Sheltie.  Thank you for adopting.

What can I say?  Cows are excellent toys for Shelties to bark at.  That's everything their genes strive for: livestock to herd!  Motorcycles-a threat to the herd if ever you saw it!  DEFEND THE HERD, GET THAT BIKE! You have an interesting problem.

I would start by making time with the neighbor to "introduce" Charlie to the cows, horses and motorcycles in his life.  Show him these aren't to be chased nor are they wolves.

Next I would leash him and walk the border of the area that is "his" to roam.  Make him heel and walk him around the perimeter.  Be firm when he launches away and snatch him back in.  Lots of atta boys while he walks without pulling away.  I'd do this daily, twice a day when possible.  See if he gets the hint.

He's 8 years old and sounds smart.  He also sounds like he was trained and and is obedient.  It will take a lot for him to battle his instincts in his new surroundings.   

As for the last part; Charlie is also having some separation anxiety.  He doesn't understand what he has already been through and is afraid you will leave him too.  If you could crate (yes, it really works; it really is that easy) him with a shirt or towel that smells like you that would help.  Go ahead and get him used to a crate with the methods I've mentioned (give him a treat from inside the crate). If he is still extremely upset, you may consider a pharmacological answer from your vet for anxiety.  At least until he gets to be comfortable at your home.

Just so you know, our rescue Jinx was in an abusive situation and it took about a year for her to really relax in our house.

I hope that helps!

Dave