lori Posted August 31, 1999 Report Share Posted August 31, 1999 My husband and I just moved from Pennsylvania to Chicago with our nearly 2 yr. old BC and our two cats. I was sure the cats would be tramatized by the move, but it turns out that the dog seems to be more upset than they are. His personality has really changed in that he is much more agressive toward strangers and toward the cats. He has strayed from his commands and is more distracted than he used to be making training much more challenging. He is extra "barky", too, which has really disturbed our new neighbors. We thought he might not be getting enough exercise, so we started taking him out more frequently. I'd like to have a sitter come by daily to walk him, but I'm afraid he'll bite someone. Things have physically changed in his environment like the new yard is much smaller and in a city rather than a rural area like PA; the yard has a chain link fence rather than the invisible fence; there is more traffic in the alley way and on the front street than in our old house and there are is a lot of air traffic as we are very near to O'Hare. Could these be causing him stress? Could the fact that we don't have family or friends in the area visiting often be causing him to be intimidated by strangers? We have had family and friends from back home visit and he seems much more relaxed and happy when they are around. I'd like to get him into some training and eventually into a more social setting, ie. with other dogs, but I'm afraid of him biting someone along the way. Any suggestions on books or Chicago area trainers? I'm not feeling desperate, but we really do love this dog and hate to see him upset. What should we do? Thanx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BARTASBORDERS Posted August 31, 1999 Report Share Posted August 31, 1999 How long have you beenliving there in Chicago? Yes I personally think your "young" pup is traumatized right now.Borders are extremely smarter then people give them credit to,no they aren't just a dog.They take things personally,are differant to train as opposeed to other breeds.Give him lots of time to adjust.Take him everyday for walks and play in the park and get him to a "fun" training like agility to distract his stress.Some will probably come down on you for moving to the big city with him(I grew up there) so give him lots of love,PERSONAL attention and playful distractions.I say no to strangers babysitting, or "personal trainers".HE NEEDS YOU and lots of adjustment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lori Posted September 17, 1999 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 1999 We have been in Chicago for only 4 months. Since my original posting he has completely changed. He is much more relaxed and back to almost normal. My husband has him back on a more normal schedule of running in the morning and walking in the evening. Additionally, he seems to have calmed a bit more around strangers. I think you're right, with time he will probably benefit more from our attention than to anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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