This is Termite, who started out life as "Jaycee" as a puppy growing out as a show hopeful. Then after I purchased him as a companion at eight months of age 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 five 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 tried 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.
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 the, they just set him off into a paroxysm of barking. Termite was 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."
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. 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. Love & Hugs, AngelBear7042
|