This is about Termite, who started out life as "Jaycee" as a
puppy growing out as a show hopeful. Then after I purchased him from Wistwin Shelties
as a companion he became "Jesse." That name lasted long enough for him to
do at least a $1,000 worth of damage to our new deck. More $$ to the
living room carpet and he also chewed on the wires leading into our
house from the AC unit. It's a wonder Termite wasn't fried from that
chewing escapade. However, this Sheltie has nine lives. You're probably
thinking that Termite is bored, no, he has 5 other playmates to keep him
occupied and I also play Kong ball with him when the weather is nice.
Oh, Termite has a huge Nylabone to chew on when in the
exercise yard in hopes that he will leave the deck alone. That worked
temporarily. Just seems the boy likes wood! We've tried white vinegar on
the deck in places he frequently chews. Next, it was suggested we try
hot sauce. He actually liked that! So we're going to try a product
made from Rosemary and Sodium Bicarbonate to alleviate his penchant for
Termite like behavior. That didn't work either!!
When we picked up Termite he wasn't use to walking on
a lead like my other dogs. He'd pose just fine, but needed lots of
encouragement to walk along comfortably. So when I got him home he
immediately started wearing a thin 4 ft. lead all the time except when
crated obviously. No longer does Termite mind walking on lead. I hope to
start obedience with him soon to give his mind something else to think
about besides chewing.
One other interesting behavior that Termite has is
chasing across the yard after airplanes that dare invade his air space.
He also doesn't like helicopters. Loud sounds like the AC unit cutting
on also bother him. He isn't scared of them they just set him off into a
paroxysm of barking. Termite is debarked, but believe me you'd never
know it. We would honestly have preferred he have his full voice. All he
can do is a loud "arf." Oh, he also arfs when my dad starts his truck or
the neighbors do the same with their vehicles. Termite is an interesting
Sheltie to say the least.
Did I mention Termite's delight in sticking his head
up to his eyes in the water bucket if there is ice in it. We wondered
why in the world was the dog soaked from his eyes to his ruff one day,
until we found out he was snorkeling in the water bucket. Strange little
dog indeed!
Now please do not get the impression we dislike
Termite. Hardly, he just has a lot of quirks that's all. I thought they
were interesting enough to put on his page. I'd love to hear from other
Sheltie owners whose dogs also have similar quirks and what were some of
the ways in which you dealt with them.
Email me please with your
solutions.
One very positive attribute of
Termite is his sweet, melt your heart temperament. He also loves Chase
and I hope they will grow up together as pals, since they are my
youngest Shelties. Termite would let you pet him all day as well.
Attention is something he thrives on for certain! When not outside, he
can be found closest to me, either at my feet when on the computer or
stretched on my bed snoozing with his head on the pillow. So you see,
even with all of his quirks, we do love Termite and wouldn't trade him
for the world.
Termite
at 14 months old.
