Just adopted 11 month Sheltie. He was sold as Show Dog at 2 months but returned to breeder because he was too timid in ring. I adopted him last week but I think he was abused. He was debarked by last owner and slinks away at any sudden movement or sound. He seems to be bonding to me but still won't come when called. He hasn't bonded to my husband as yet. How to train him to come when called? Any help with his trust issues will be appreciated.

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMPETE IN THE SHOW RING UNTIL 6 MONTHS OF AGE

Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their reserved personalities. This is a behavior trait that must be understood and dealt with properly.

Shelties need lots of socialization from day one. They are very loyal and faithful to their known owners but hesitant to strangers.

Please take your dog to formal obedience classes.

I adopted a 9 month old mixed breed back in September that appears to have some sheltie. She is also extremely timid and came from a neglectful, if not abusive, home. I was also very concerned that she wouldn't come when called. Just give him time.

Our dog needed a couple of months to really gain confidence around us. Then I put her in flyball where we practiced 'recalls' (getting her to come when called). There are still times when she won't do it, but training is a huge help. I think obedience classes or an activity would be a good idea, once he's settled.

[rex]

i just got my 3 year german shepherd with the same,skittish and very timid. HELP

[Bacis Dad]

I completely agree with the above posters. This is a naturally timid breed as are a lot of herding breeds. I have Border Collie and we spent an excessive amt of time socializing her. The other week she got sick and had to rush her to an ER. To make a long story short, I feel they rushed her into treatment without any care for her or her breed, and since then she has become overly timid (esp to males, which the Dr and tech were). So back to the drawing board and constant conditioning and socializing.
Definitely want to get her into a training class. I would look more into a class that focuses on socialization not neccassarily obedience (that will come).
Also, a word of warning, Be Sure that the instructor is strictly Positive Reinforcement!!!!!!! See a class with that trainer before it starts, if you see them using choke chains and constant corrections (saying no and leash snaps) avoid it at all costs. A single lesson with that type of training can reverse literally years of training for the type of dog you have.
Do not punish, raise your voice, or discipline your dogs! We need to change our focus and REWARD the good things with our dogs and IGNORE the bad!

As far as coming when called it first starts with trust. I would just start pairing the command (change it to a different word like "cookies") and pair it with the dogs ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THINGS!

Once they start pepping up to the new command then we can take the training to the next step. Keep us up to date so we can give you further advice when the time is right.

you can read this post I went into greater detail:
Dog peeing question