Rescued Aussie

by Monica
(Kentucky)

My husband brought home an Australian Shepherd from our local dog shelter. I took him to the vet the next day. We had him neutered, vaccinated, and he was given a clean bill of health. The problem is we knew nothing about the breed. Also, the vet said he wasn't a young dog but wasn't old either so we know nothing about his past or what he might have endured up to this point. I was told he was picked up wandering alone on a deserted road and no one claimed him.

He "took-up" with us pretty quick. But he is very timid and will have nothing to do with strangers. He has even snapped at visitors. He also barks a lot and chases cars. I understand this breed needs to be active. I am a runner and have tried repeatedly to take him with me on runs but he gets really nervous and doesn't want to leave. Sometimes, but very rarely, he will follow from a distance if I don't put him on a lead. Our other dogs like to run and play outside and lay in the sun but he will hardly come out of our garage where his bed is. He stays in a corner and guards his food. I feel so bad for him.

Sometimes he seems like a happy dog but I don't know. I do feel guilty for not spending more time with him because I read that they want to be with people constantly. We are at work all day. He is an outside dog but has access to the garage where his bed and food and water are. We live in the country and he has plenty of room to roam. I guess I am wondering if I am doing the right thing? I certainly don't want to give him up. I think he has been through enough. Besides, I have grown to love him. Any advice on how I can help him?

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