Tales from The Shire

I have been getting used to having a dog It may take some time

He is a Border Collie type from a rescue centre who has had to cope with a lot of changes in homes and circumstances. This has made him very anxious and I have had to learn quickly how to work with him so I don't exasperate the situation.

Pros -

He:

• doesn't know any commands but is clever and a fast learner
• seems gentle and keen to please
• sleeps through the night without a sound and stays clean
• is not a barker
• loves his walks
• is giving me some structure and discipline in the day so I am up and about and productive much earlier
• is making me more active and getting me out of the house at least twice a day
• loves treats

Cons -

He

• had some house training issues the day we brought him home and further accidents one afternoon which I think were anxiety related.
• he paces around the kitchen island when he gets anxious and he can keep this up for ages
• he is scared of new people
• he likes chemical smells - fuel, fire lighters, weed killer. Obviously could be dangerous for him so I'm already training him to ignore
• is showing an interest in the cows and sheep next door :eek:
• it's not possible to train him or get him to respond when he is anxious
• stinks and we can't bath him yet because of the anxiety
• is shedding quite badly at the moment which could be stress or a normal autumn moult
• isn't interested in toys

It's probable that he started life as a farm dog. He is much happier outside and becomes anxious in the house. However if we tether him in the house he immediately calms down and relaxes. It may be that he has spent quite a lot of time chained up previously.

He has made huge steps already. As I type he is not tethered and sleeping on a blanket in the living room with me. So we are getting there. My main concern is his interest in the livestock and I've been trying to research the right training technique for this without much success. Everything online usually says - yes it can be done but we're not going to tell you how to do it unless you pay us :eek: Anyone advice from dog owners/trainers on that would be very appreciated.

I know it isn't a great MS move getting a dog at this stage - there are unlikely to be any savings or OPs this month. However, Mr F has waited so long to have a dog again and I think he'll be good for me too. There are going to be some costs getting us both settled. My needs have already extended to a second Dy$0n Fluffy - ridiculous I know but he's so smelly right now and I don't want to transfer the smell upstairs. I realise this is borderline OCD but I feel much more relaxed about things as a result.

It's going to fine... isn't it?

Fortune x