Thanks so much! I've learned so much from your website.
Replied by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 12/22/2015
Theresa
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
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Hello Sunbeam102177,
A couple things may be going on. Your girl from 8 to 9 months is in a developmental 'fear period' and this may be impacting her behavior at this time. In addition, you have a high energy herding breed that was bred to run for 8+ hours a day - following orders all the while.
I think it is fair to say that in order for you to get your dog to modify her behavior the human must modify their behavior. What this means is: exercise - this dog needs a daily workout, of at least an hour's good, solid, aerobic walk - if not 2-3 such walks per day. It may mean hiring a dog walker mid-day, or extra effort on your part fitting a walk in morning and evening. This will help burn off that puppy energy so your dog will feel less anxious. Additionally training needs to happen - not anything brilliant or new, but what your dog already knows: sit/wait/down/heel. Again this breed was bred to take orders all day long, and if no orders/direction is given your dog is stuck feeling uncertain as to what to do - and yet by nature has no choice but to assume the reins - and since she already feels uncertain this only magnifies her lack of confidence. So start bossing your dog around. Anytime she is out of her kennel-crate/anytime you are home your dog should be 'umbilical corded' - attached to your waist with a 4'-6' lead, following you around the house as you do the dishes or put in the laundry. And at each step you direct - heel, sit, wait as I put in the wash; heel, down/stay at my feet while I do the dishes. This type of activity gives your dog direction, as well as trains her to listen to your commands and to trust your leadership.
Now since your girl is going through a fear period it helps to set her up for success. So have her in a down/stay on a bed across the room [I use a short lead anchored to the floor with an eye bolt to enforce the 'go to your bed' command] when you let guests into your home, and keep the attention off of her until she is calm and settled. Protect her from rude people who rush into her personal space to pet her - let her sit/wait and then allow a stranger to pet her - if she wants petting. During this next month as you work through the fear period avoid putting your dog in situations that require corrections and build on what she does well.
Additional considerations: quality chow - grain free - is important along with treats that are free from chemical treatments and food dyes; these substances can contribute to mental unbalance. It might be helpful to have a nanny-camera over the course of the day to see if there are stresses that occur when you are away.
Again the keys to success here are ongoing exercise and training. You should expect to keep up this intensity for at least a year; this type of guidance will allow your dog to mentally mature into a pet confident in her [your] leadership.
For additional reading on fear periods:
http://ice.ucdavis.edu/~robyn/Korina/BCIdeas/Criticalperiodsinpuppydevelopment.html