He doesn't seem like the same dog :(
He's kind of acting weird like he's never seen his butt before, and he's shaking his ears a lot- do you think he's just itchy and feeling naked? My guess is that he feels kinda prickly- we have him a short bath to get the hair bits off, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's a little dry from having all his hair shaved off. Has anyone else run into this situation? Good news is though he got certified yesterday for having the instinct to herd sheep! It was a very cool event in Genoa City, Wisconsin. Gus is the third dog to run (he still has hair!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6geCLkDUIg8 |
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Very cool video! Congratulations on the passing the instinct testing 
I think the first two dogs were Richard's Basil and Monstermom's Miley. Didn't you love the opportunity to let them all run together in that big field first??!! Don't worry about the naked part. He'll be much happier. Bathing him after a clip goes a long way to getting the short little itchy hairs off, but there are probably a few remaining. Just keep an eye on his ears to make sure nothings brewing there. Kristine |
I shaved Morgan down (mostly - he still has funky leg hair) on Saturday. He also keeps shaking his head - I think the air flow seems odd to him 
COngrats on the Herding Instinct Test - now on to training |
| The first time I had George clipped I wasn't happy. I think it was the owl big eyes that got me the most.
Now I keep him quite short as I'm used to it. I like it best when hes a few inches all over. Recently I took him to a new groomer and they cut him a bit shorter but everyone I meet now loves him and wants to cudlle him. he looks like a teddy bear 
Gus will grow quickly too and you will wonder where it all came from!! Great video!! |
| Good boy Gus! You've got a brain between those ears, not just a brain stem. Hope you go on and become a real herder!
Check for hairs inside the ears, they tickle. Also he can now lift those ears, that's a bit different feeling....and maybe a bit more wind flowing thru. All will be fine in short order. In the mean time you can put a tshirt or sweatshirt on him for nippy temps and the need for an outside pee break. |
| We did put some stuff in his ears to keep them clean, so I don't think he's growing anything special down there. I'm sure the air-flow is quite different now that he's "streamlined!" Poor naked Gus.
I think I'll drag out an old long sleeve shirt to let him wear, he seems a bit cold. He loves being outside, he might not be quite as happy without his fur coat. We'll see. I think you are right that it was Basil and Miley... One of them may have been Simon?? Gus was SO happy running around with all his Sheepie friends before the event started. He had a great time and we could tell he was a happy boy- at least until he figured out I was cutting all his hair off when we got home |
| My guess is he feels great, especially if he was matted before being clipped. Tasker runs around like a pup when he gets a clip. |
| I'm resisting clipping down Tonks and Luna; but the mats are really winning the battles these days, not me!
I loved your video...but really laughed when I saw Gus battling those evil post-it notes!!!! |
| Gus's Mom, you are right. The second dog is Simon, aka chicken dog. We did get some video but I don't think it is as good as yours. Thanks for that!!! |
Simon's Mom wrote: Gus's Mom, you are right. The second dog is Simon, aka chicken dog. We did get some video but I don't think it is as good as yours. Thanks for that!!!
Ooops! Sorry, Pam  You and Becky should compare notes  He did want to work the sheep. But....he also needed to know where you were.
Did Gar even notice you were gone?
Kristine |
| Yep, that was Simon!
How come you guys weren't out there working your dogs?? Get brave and take the plunge.
Thanks for posting the video. |
got sheep wrote: Yep, that was Simon!
How come you guys weren't out there working your dogs?? Get brave and take the plunge. Thanks for posting the video. Shannon didn't give anyone the option. She normally does. I think with the rain coming in she may have wanted to get through them in a timely fashion. Takes much longer when you're talking both the handler and the dog through it. I could probably have pushed the issue, but I wanted to be able to really watch the girls work. Most people were definitely better off with her working them. We had several lambchop seeking dogs  One or two that even Shannon had to really work to keep them from singling out their lunch A few of the sheep were rather heavy for green dogs, which is what Mace and Jax ran into. And then probably a third of the dogs or more put them in a corner and couldn't figure out how to lift them off the fence so she had to step in and help them. The dogs really were better off with her working them. The combination of green dog and green handler isn't always ideal.
There were two dogs I saw who were quite naturally pretty settled and balanced. Kept the sheep well bunched, didn't work too close. Those two would have been easy even for a newbie - but one was Sybil and one was one of Chris' males, so that wasn't much help. Most, even Mace who started out not believing in her own power, quickly got pretty intense and things got pretty hairy. There was more frustration barking then I've seen in the past too. I think overall people got more out of it watching Shannon. I know I did. Kristine |
| wow she worked your dogs and they like left your side? My guys won't do that. they have a bubble within which I need to stay or they freak out. It is getting bigger - but its been slow. hmmm sheep dogs that let someone else work them. sarah will not beliee it since her experience with sheepies is limited to the M&M's. |
kerry wrote: wow she worked your dogs and they like left your side? My guys won't do that. they have a bubble within which I need to stay or they freak out. It is getting bigger - but its been slow. hmmm sheep dogs that let someone else work them. sarah will not beliee it since her experience with sheepies is limited to the M&M's.
I think Pam's Simon and Becky's Miley would agree with your M & Ms and Mace too needed me to come in and tell her it was OK. Sybil was like: OK, what are we doing now? Oh, critters. Critters that move when I move. Cool! Mom, who?
Kristine |
| I think Orlando is Chris's male you're talking about. Orlando is Gus's brother. Chris picked Gus for us out of the litter because we wanted a confident dog that would handle lots of people well since we have a large group of friends and we take Gus everywhere with us. We also told her we wanted a big sheepdog, and boy did she guess that right. She did a great job picking him because Gus is fearless and he takes everything in stride and he's clearly massive. And we used to think he was small- ha.
We were amazed that Gus didn't get whapped with the stick more and for the most part he didn't seem to want to eat the sheep- which was a pleasant surprise. Gus didn't seem to care at all that Shannon took him- I think a stranger could take him away if they had his leash. I'm very glad that Shannon worked Gus- I know I wouldn't have had a clue and I think Gus responded well (considering he had never seen a sheep before) to Shannon's way of stopping him and getting him back on track- at least as well as she could! Gus is definitely a barker- he chases dogs around the dog park barking too- I guess that's just his personality- large and in charge. It was fun to meet some of these dogs and owners I see on here- you guys are all so knowledgable about Sheepies- thank goodness Gus thanks you too, it keeps him from his Mama being TOO over protective. |
Gus's Mama wrote: I think Orlando is Chris's male you're talking about. Orlando is Gus's brother.
Yes, and she also tested their sister Izzy. All three from that litter did exceptionally well. Chris was partial to Izzy, but I think both Shannon and I fell in love with Orlando for his quiet confidence and ability to read the sheep. Well, I know I did.  That and his not too tall, but dark and handsome fuzziness in my case  It's a personal preference thing, that's all.
Chris has nice dogs, period. You were in good hands when you got Gus from her
Did you tell her about His Royal Baldness' new 'do?
Kristine |
| Orlando turned into quite the dashing dog! I remember seeing the litter and he had such distinct markings, Chris mentioned she was curious how he'd show. I was joking that Orlando has a much more intelligent look than Gus- Gus somehow looks like a trouble-making cartoon character all the time.
Izzy is such a cutie, I hadn't seen her since she was a baby. I secretly hoped that Gilda wouldn't turn out to be a breeding dog so I could have her, but judging by how badly I keep up with Gus's hair it's best if I stick to one dog for now! Ha! I did send Chris a picture of Gus's new do- I had to prove I'm a worthy owner I feel a little better after reading a ton that I do think this was Gus blowing his puppy hair and it doesn't mean I'm totally incompetant at brushing. I am beginning to think that Gus may sit in his crate all day and rat his hair into mats. |
| Yep, Yep, Yep, I had to go in to give Simon the ok to chase sheep. Once he got the idea it was ok he wasn't sooooo bad.
Now Gar was a whole different story. At first he didn't know what to do. I had to go in and show him. The race was onnnnn, Shannon HAD to let him know that sheep weren't on the dinner menu, then he was back to confused. Thats Garfunkel. He was pawing at the gate to get back in once he was done though. I think I want to get him into lessons though to get him more focused. He' got this kind of "duh" thing going. |
Simon's Mom wrote: The race was onnnnn, Shannon HAD to let him know that sheep weren't on the dinner menu, then he was back to confused. Thats Garfunkel.
Funny how he only seems to get "confused" when the human tells him nice try, now do it MY way He was pawing at the gate to get back in once he was done though. I think I want to get him into lessons though to get him more focused. He' got this kind of "duh" thing going. Ya think? He's a funny boy.
Chris reportedly also wanted to start lessons. I wonder how hard it would be to schedule them together so we could all watch each other's dogs. Shannon always encouraged me to come early and watch other people work their dogs, in the hopes that I'd have a "duh" moment is my guess. Truth is, I never got much out of watching the advanced border collies. 
Kristine |
| Chewie is a barker when he is herding other dogs. Imagine my surprise when he tested - totally silent. I even have it marked on my sheet as proof - and I did need to show it to those who were skeptical because they have seen and heard him in action!
I do understand why the handlers weren't in the ring - it was meant as an incentive dig. It just didn't come out that way in type, apparently...  |
| Yeah, I'm back to being overprotective.
So Gus was shaved Sunday, and he has been itchy and twitchy ever since!! When I let him out of his crate after work he was barely walking 3 steps before he'd practically knock himself down trying to scratch at himself. He seems to be particularly itchy "down there" and I noticed that I seem to have nicked him a little along his nipples (or whatever the heck you'd consider them, you barely see them!). He also has a little spot on his hind leg where it looks like he's been biting and licking a lot- I put some K9 liquid bandaid on it to help sooth it and keep him from licking it, which has helped so far. What can I do to help this poor dog??? He's currently sitting on the love seat with his head on the arm and is looking absolutely pitiful and its breaking my heart. Of course, he was due for Frontline so that was JUST put on this morning by my husband who didn't think about the no-bathing thing. Should I worry about the spot on his leg? It's no where near what hot spots look like (judging from the pictures on the forum) and I think he's probably just irritating his skin, or perhaps it was already irritated and we just couldn't see it prior to shaving him. He lets me touch it and it doesn't even seem to phase him. My poor baby! He's totally not himself and you can tell he's anxious due to the itching and being uncomfortable. I hope this will pass sooner than later so I can get my happy puppy back. Maybe he's allergic to sheep?
Help! |
| Thanks for the video of Miley chasing Gus! She loves to chase - maybe not sheep but dogs!!
Yes - I was glad Shannon worked with Miley. When Miley was being her stuborn sheepie self with Shannon it made me feel better. When the Rally instructor demonstrates with Miley, Miley always does the task without fuss. Granted the sheep probably had her more scared than Shannon but at least I feel like it is not always me. I am really glad we went. It was a fun day. |
Gus's Mama wrote: Maybe he's allergic to sheep?
Help! I'm thinking no...
You may have nicked him a little here and there without noticing it/the blade may have run a bit hot. Even professional groomers sometimes do these things. And though you gave him a bath after, those leftover little hairs cut hairs that come out of the blade can itch like crazy. I'd be giving him a nice oatmeal shampoo soak, but since he just had frontline put on....hm. Wait a few days and seeing if the itchy-twitchiness subsides? Just watch the spot on his leg and if he doesn't bother it further it should be OK. Or you can just call Chris, tell her your woes and see what voodoo she has up her sleeve.
Kristine |
| After 24 hours it says you can get Frontline wet, so by the time I get home it will be 36 hours so I'm going for it if I need to!!
I called the vet to see what they thought, they recommended benedryl and a bath, and I'm going to see if they have any anti-itch spray/conditioner to see if I can go that route first instead of bathing him. I eventually put one of my long sleeve t-shirts on him last night which seemed to bug him, but kept him from chewing on his front legs. I seriously contemplated putting a pair of windpants on him too as his butt and legs are the major areas he's chewing on! The poor dude is so irritated that he's also be expressing his anal glands- dear god that smells terrible... I'm hoping he won't be raw and red by the time I get home tonight! Oddly enough, if I can just break him from scratching long enough and distract him, he usually stops for quite a while and chews on a bone or something. It's almost like a mosquito bite- if you can just get yourself to stop scratching long enough, it begins to feel better. His big eyes are killing me- I'm not used to seeing them!! He's also still shaking his ears- I think he's kinda weirded out by being naked. I can't tell Chris I gave my puppy razor burn or she'll think I'm even more inept at grooming than she already does I told Gus I make up for my inferior grooming with my superior love and affection, there can't be a more loved sheepie than Gus Gus. He just looked at me and started scratching, he didn't buy it. |
Gus's Mama wrote: I can't tell Chris I gave my puppy razor burn or she'll think I'm even more inept at grooming than she already does
I told Gus I make up for my inferior grooming with my superior love and affection, there can't be a more loved sheepie than Gus Gus. He just looked at me and started scratching, he didn't buy it.Yeah, you can. It's not like she popped into the breed perfect. We've all learned some of these things the - hm - hard way. Some of us more than others (sorry, Che )
Your vet makes good sense though. Take him for some long walks or get him to run till he tires himself out and maybe that will help him forget about his nakedness as well.
Kristine |
| I agree that if we tire him out he may forget he's naked. Strangely enough- I actually think he likes wearing clothes... I always make him wear t-shirts when we tailgate or go to events (like Ironman) - he looks quite dapper!
I see the dog park in our future tonight. He'll get a new lease on life there because no one will recognize him as the dog that pins their dog in the corner after he chases them down! His incessant barking while running will likely give him away though. Thanks for the moral support- I'm feeling pretty bad about my grooming/owner skills this week! |
| I have always found the spray anti itch stuff really good. It soothes and has got a nasty taste so the dogs wont lick it. I usually spray it on lint though and sort of squeeze it on the sore spot, as neither of my dogs like sprays.... |
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