Why are these dogs in a rehome situation?
Some of the dogs here on our rehome site are absolutely wonderful, with good manners and lovely temperaments. Some are here because of family member's health issues, or because things change in people's lives and they just can't take care of a dog any longer. There are dogs that are absolutely wonderful and have been placed up for adoption by their heartbroken families because they (for whatever reason) can't keep their beloved dog.
Other dogs that end up in a rehome situation (in all rescue groups - not just here with our Shiloh Shepherds) are there because they've developed habits that their owners can't tolerate any more. There are so many dogs that are given up out of frustration because their owners didn't know how to correct problems when they began. Some dogs may have been destructive, overly protective, timid or have a variety of 'quirks' or bad behaviors that have developed over a period of time, that their owners don't want to deal with any more. These dogs are often diamonds in the rough, dogs that are adults that can be turned around with consistent, firm (but fair!) handling and a bit of time.
What traits of the Shiloh Shepherd can contribute to these problems?
The information given here applies to scores of dog breeds, not just Shiloh Shepherds, but since Shilohs are extremely intelligent and very sensitive dogs these traits may sometimes seem magnified when compared to a more laid back and/or forgiving dog breed like a Golden Retriever for example.
Shilohs are descended (for the most part) from German Shepherds, flock herding and flock guardian dogs. As such, they need proper socialization at an early age, including plenty of positive exposure to people, places, vehicles, animals, etc. If this is not done some dogs may develop fear of strange people, animals or things, which can manifest itself in a variety of different problems ranging from dogs that are aloof, a bit timid, outright fearful, or even fear aggressive, depending on the extent of the problem and length of time that it hasn't been addressed properly.
Shilohs are also large, powerful dogs that need obedience training and need an owner that they can respect and look to for leadership. Without a person clearly in the leadership role, some dogs may decide that it's up to them to take control of the situation, and that's where problems may arise.
This doesn't mean that you have to be a drill sergeant, a dictator or that you have to beat your dog to get him to obey. It just means that you have to lay down clearly defined rules for your dog to live by and be consistent with their enforcement.
A Shiloh is outrageously smart. Just like with children, growing 'adolescent' and 'teenage' dogs will often test you and try and figure out ways to bend or break the rules. It is up to you as his owner to be consistent... praise him when he's done something right and correct him when he's done something wrong every time, not just when you feel like it, not after your TV show is over, not after you get off the phone. Be consistent with praise and correction all the time when you are with your dog and he will learn what is, and is not, appropriate behavior.
By guiding their dogs into proper behavior and not allowing bad behaviors to develop, the vast majority of Shiloh Shepherds turn out to be their owner's pride and joy.
What happens to a Shiloh when the owner realizes that they have lost control?
Some work very hard to correct the problems with help and advice from other Shiloh owners, breeders and trainers or with the assistance of knowledgeable trainers and behaviourists. Most people who put in an honest effort are able to turn around their teenage terrors and turn them into the wonderful family members that they had originally hoped for.
Other people are just not strong enough (mentally or physically), don't have the skill, the time, or the desire to work with their dogs to turn the behaviors around, and instead elect to rehome their dogs. These are some of the dogs that end up here and in various other rescue organizations.
Rather than criticize these owners for giving up on their dogs, we do our best to give them the support that they need in taking the difficult step to rehome their dog with someone who has the skills, life style, or knowledge necessary to make a good home for their dog.
Some of the dogs here on our rehome site are absolutely wonderful, with good manners and lovely temperaments. Some are here because of family member's health issues, or because things change in people's lives and they just can't take care of a dog any longer. There are dogs that are absolutely wonderful and have been placed up for adoption by their heartbroken families because they (for whatever reason) can't keep their beloved dog.
Other dogs that end up in a rehome situation (in all rescue groups - not just here with our Shiloh Shepherds) are there because they've developed habits that their owners can't tolerate any more. There are so many dogs that are given up out of frustration because their owners didn't know how to correct problems when they began. Some dogs may have been destructive, overly protective, timid or have a variety of 'quirks' or bad behaviors that have developed over a period of time, that their owners don't want to deal with any more. These dogs are often diamonds in the rough, dogs that are adults that can be turned around with consistent, firm (but fair!) handling and a bit of time.
What traits of the Shiloh Shepherd can contribute to these problems?
The information given here applies to scores of dog breeds, not just Shiloh Shepherds, but since Shilohs are extremely intelligent and very sensitive dogs these traits may sometimes seem magnified when compared to a more laid back and/or forgiving dog breed like a Golden Retriever for example.
Shilohs are descended (for the most part) from German Shepherds, flock herding and flock guardian dogs. As such, they need proper socialization at an early age, including plenty of positive exposure to people, places, vehicles, animals, etc. If this is not done some dogs may develop fear of strange people, animals or things, which can manifest itself in a variety of different problems ranging from dogs that are aloof, a bit timid, outright fearful, or even fear aggressive, depending on the extent of the problem and length of time that it hasn't been addressed properly.
Shilohs are also large, powerful dogs that need obedience training and need an owner that they can respect and look to for leadership. Without a person clearly in the leadership role, some dogs may decide that it's up to them to take control of the situation, and that's where problems may arise.
This doesn't mean that you have to be a drill sergeant, a dictator or that you have to beat your dog to get him to obey. It just means that you have to lay down clearly defined rules for your dog to live by and be consistent with their enforcement.
A Shiloh is outrageously smart. Just like with children, growing 'adolescent' and 'teenage' dogs will often test you and try and figure out ways to bend or break the rules. It is up to you as his owner to be consistent... praise him when he's done something right and correct him when he's done something wrong every time, not just when you feel like it, not after your TV show is over, not after you get off the phone. Be consistent with praise and correction all the time when you are with your dog and he will learn what is, and is not, appropriate behavior.
By guiding their dogs into proper behavior and not allowing bad behaviors to develop, the vast majority of Shiloh Shepherds turn out to be their owner's pride and joy.
What happens to a Shiloh when the owner realizes that they have lost control?
Some work very hard to correct the problems with help and advice from other Shiloh owners, breeders and trainers or with the assistance of knowledgeable trainers and behaviourists. Most people who put in an honest effort are able to turn around their teenage terrors and turn them into the wonderful family members that they had originally hoped for.
Other people are just not strong enough (mentally or physically), don't have the skill, the time, or the desire to work with their dogs to turn the behaviors around, and instead elect to rehome their dogs. These are some of the dogs that end up here and in various other rescue organizations.
Rather than criticize these owners for giving up on their dogs, we do our best to give them the support that they need in taking the difficult step to rehome their dog with someone who has the skills, life style, or knowledge necessary to make a good home for their dog.
