When a new dog comes into our house, whether puppy, dog, or long-term guest/foster, I tell people we go through a period of "boot camp." This boot camp basically consists of a rigorous schedule of eating, pooping, training, exercising, and sleeping. While my dad (and probably most people) equated Army boot-camp to misery, a dog absolutely needs and actually loves it!
A Crate is a Must
Crate training is a must for all dogs coming in, whether they will ultimately end up using the crate in the long-term or not. A crate is their personal retreat in bootcamp. In a new environment where everything in their world has turned upside down, inside their crate (with a sheet or blanket over it) a crate is not a jail, but a safe place where nobody can bother them, they don't have to worry about being attacked or bothered, and they can regroup and decompress. If you've ever gone to your bedroom and closed the door so you could read a book, watch t.v., surf the internet or take a nap without anybody bothering you - it's like that. Little brother isn't going to suddenly pop up from under the bed to bother you if the door has been closed and locked.
Structure and Schedule
Structure is so important for their well-being, because without it, they can't be sure if/when they'll be fed, watered, go out, what the routine is, when they can rest and go to sleep... so they're in a constant state of angst and panic. Your job is to formulate a routine of predictability for them so they can relax and feel safe and secure. A dog who is "protecting you" does not feel safe or secure in your presence. A dog who feels safe or secure in your presence should ideally look to YOU for safety and security when they're feeling insecure or uncomfortable.
Mental and Physical Exercise
Most people have heard that a sheepdog needs a "job." While many people think this means "a hyperactive dog needs to run a lot" - this isn't the case. While long runs and hikes will certainly build their endurance, it doesn't do anything to quell their mind. A sheepdog is built to be a problem-solver, which means they're always working things out. In many ways, I liken them to someone on the autism spectrum, experiencing senses in far more acuity and volume than others. This overload can express itself as hyperactivity, anxiety, or fear and aggression. To channel these inputs into a happy and productive dog, they need a way to focus their attention to the exclusion of the distractions, or to cease their "channel surfing" between stimuli. If constructive ways of enrichment can't be found, these creative geniuses will find ways to entertain themselves in ways you likely won't be impressed by. So what does this mean? Your sheepdog needs interesting math problems.
Teaching your sheepdog tricks, useful tasks, routines, manners, obedience, games and the like will focus his mind, hone his skills and build your relationship. Sheepdogs thrive on this sort of enrichment and love the bond it creates working with you. And while interactive toys sound like a good idea - sheepdogs get bored with doggie "video games" after a while. They have been bred to work with a partner day in and out to do creative problem solving. So human interaction is a must. But at least you can take heart that while regular exercise and conditioning is healthy part of your dog's well-being, training for marathons with your dog is not necessary if your dog is sufficiently entertained and given plenty to stretch his brain.
Summary
Give your dog:
a stable and predictable environment he feels safe in
a safe place to retreat to
enrichment for his mind as well as body
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