Hi Angie and Sarah,
All of your ideas sound very good, and we have started implementing them.
When Shoobie starts with the growley sound, we quickly have him sit on command and step ahead of him...it has been working, but still occurring occasionally. We are much quicker to address it, thank you for your help...we'll keep at it and let you know how it goes.
Shoobie is doing well at my shop. I have some customers say hello to him, and several folks that work for me have been able to sit and pet him and give him treats. He is much more comfortable with the "shop noises".
He has a new friend that he LOVES. Sophie is a 3 year Springer spaniel who is trained as a service dog. She has been a good influence and is very patient with him. We go over to visit her at lunch time and they get to play in a very large enclosed yard. Last night there were four of us and the two dogs that went to the nearby park for a walk in the woods. He did great.
Walked nicely next to Sophie and was not bothered much by Emma and Diane and all of our conversing...
I have been asking around about trainer/behaviorists...have some leads. I think I will start with an obedience class before agility, just to get him used to commands with distractions...but, boy, will this dog love agility!
Dave and I have been amazed at his focus and physical abilities. He is very impressive with the frisbee now. I know it's all part of being a border collie, still amazing to watch!
Around the house he is very good, almost a "normal" dog...but still gets spooked so easily by noises, empting the ice cube tray, etc. We now have his crate in the dining room, close enough to the kitchen that he hears the clattering but far enough to keep from him panicking.
He loves his "playtime" with Dave every morning and night on the floor with his rope. Sort of quiet play. Outside we play ball, frisbee, chase and tug.
On these hot days I put the sprinkler on and he runs right through keeping cool...doesn't seem to mind.
Dave hasn't been doing the morning runs in the neighborhood, he is just to overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and people. We will push him on this a little later. We have started walking him in the neighborhood late at night when it is quieter...I think this may help.
Shoobie has quickly become "our dog", we will do everything we can to help him be a happy, well adjusted canine!
Lorrie & Dave
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