Two Stepping..

Not literally of course. Anyone who knows me knows I don't dance. :)

I was waiting until i had some pictures to share to blog about him- but maybe some border collie person or a person with an overly sensitive dog will have some good advice to share....

Davie (the border collie) is having a hard time adjusting. The smallest little thing will send him into a panic and he takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R to recover. Like a whole day it seems. I am okay with this of course as I expected issues. That is of course part of the reason he is at my house and not at the farm.

Day 1 went pretty well. He had a mini melt down going into my house, but once in he settled and walked around. Sniffed the dogs, and picked up a toy! Crate in the kitchen.

Day 2 he was still pretty perfect, and very obedient. I got a tail wag, we did our first little training session, he learned that his name meant good stuff was coming his way. He and Pixel played! Very curious about the TV, but not startled or scared by it. Met my dad- no grumbling but very suspicious.

Day 3 moved the crate into the dog room. I thought he might like the company of the other dogs during the day. played in the yard (i.e actually ran a bit). Slipped on the floor going outside. Met another female dog (Piper) totally loved her. Lots of flirting...Started to learn Sit, and nose touches. tried to go for a walk- had a melt down five houses away. We went home after I got him to nose touch once at the "scary" spot.  He slept in my bed. yes. in the bed. I was going to let him sleep loose in the kitchen but he found my bed...didn't move at all.

Day 4 seemed more nervous. reluctant to come in the house from the yard. had to go out twice to get him. put a leash on to drag around. worked on sit and nose touches again- he gets sit pretty well now. the heat kicked on and he panicked- i wonder if it has been bugging him all along and I didn't notice? wouldn't come into the living room- took him half an hour of sitting alone in kitchen to build up the courage. took him for a walk in the neighborhood- he did awesome. Took cookies. Grumbled at a person across the street, but ignored two others. Curious about the lawn ornaments, and fire hydrants.
Attached a long line to him in the yard as I felt that me moving towards him was making him more nervous. Wouldn't take a cookie at bed, and chose to sleep by the back door.

So that's it so far. I am wondering if I should just let him "be" a bit longer. Do you think I am pushing too hard (with the walks, and little training sessions). He still seems kid of robotic with his emotions- like flat really. It's strange. I was starting to see little glimmers of Dave and some goofiness, and then yesterday he was completely different again....

I will try to get photos today. I should have time. I think.