He Attacked the Goat, Now We Have to Decide What’s Next 🥺
When I first met Billy, a 10-month-old Border Collie/Labrador mix, he was curled up in the corner of his kennel at Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar, CA. His eyes were wide and unsure, his body language shut down, and his nickname came from an unusual place—the term “billy goat.” Billy had been picked up by animal control after a farmer reported that he’d “attacked” their goat. The details of that story were fuzzy, but his fear was crystal clear.
This wasn’t a dog lashing out or aggressive. This was a dog who had been through something, and it showed in every ounce of his body language. His coat was dirty, his paw pads were worn from wandering, and he clung to the corner of his kennel as if it were the only thing tethering him to safety.
Billy wasn’t just scared—he was stuck. And that’s where our story begins.
Fear and Uncertainty
When I first approached Billy’s kennel, I could see the fear in his body. He wasn’t barking or growling—he was doing everything he could to disappear into the corner, avoiding eye contact and ignoring a bully stick placed nearby. Most dogs would have been thrilled to gnaw on the treat, but not Billy. His eyes seemed to ask, What did I do wrong?
This wasn’t just a new environment for Billy; it was a whole new world. His kennel card noted that he was new to the shelter and still adjusting. Without a collar or microchip, there was no clear history of where he came from or who he belonged to. But his story hinted at hardship—days spent wandering outdoors, trying to survive.
Instead of rushing in with treats or commands, I decided to take things slow. Dogs like Billy need time to decompress, and the last thing I wanted was to overwhelm him.
Tip for Nervous Dogs:
When approaching a shy dog, go slow. Sit at their level or lower, avoid facing them directly, and give them space to process your presence.
I also made sure to position myself in a way that communicated safety. In a pack, the dog at the front provides security, while the dogs in the rear feel protected. By sitting with my back to Billy, I let him know I wasn’t a threat and gave him a sense of security.
Building Trust with Pack Behavior
When I entered Billy’s kennel, I deliberately sat down with my back to him. This wasn’t random—it’s a technique inspired by pack behavior. In a pack, the dog at the front provides security, while those in the rear feel protected. By placing myself in front, I sent Billy a message: You’re safe. I’ve got your back.
This approach contrasts sharply with how most dogs experience people in shelters—visitors approach their kennels head-on, which can feel intimidating or threatening. Dogs like Billy, who are already nervous and unsure, need that shift in energy to start letting their guard down.
For the first few minutes, Billy stayed in his corner, watching me cautiously. I didn’t pressure him to come closer. Instead, I let him process my presence, knowing that even small gestures—like sitting calmly and speaking softly—could begin to chip away at his fear.
Training Tip: Understanding Pack Behavior
When working with a scared dog, it’s important to create an environment where they feel protected. In the wild, dogs at the back of the pack feel secure knowing others are looking out for them. Mimic this by sitting or standing between the dog and a perceived threat, such as the entrance to their kennel or a new person. This nonverbal signal tells the dog they can relax because you’re taking on the responsibility of keeping them safe.
The Goat Incident: Misunderstood Instincts
Billy’s backstory included a report of him “attacking” a goat, which is why animal control was called to pick him up. But as I spent more time with him, the pieces didn’t quite add up. Border Collies are herding dogs by nature, and when they don’t have a clear job, they often fall back on instinct.
What likely happened was a mix of hunger, confusion, and instinct. Billy had been wandering a farm property for about a week before the goat incident. It’s possible he tried to herd the goat, play too roughly, or even just startled it in his attempts to interact. While we may never know the full story, I don’t believe Billy’s actions were aggressive. He’s a young dog who likely didn’t understand the situation himself.
This kind of misunderstanding isn’t uncommon with working breeds like Border Collies. Without the structure they crave, their behaviors can be misinterpreted. To me, Billy’s actions spoke more to his instincts than his intentions, and I was determined to help him move past the labels that could hold him back.
What is Cryptorchidism in Dogs?
When discussing Billy’s condition, Alexis mentioned something about his “manhood” that caught me a little off guard. They explained that Billy might have cryptorchidism—a condition where one or both of his testicles haven’t descended. It’s not uncommon and can usually be addressed with a simple surgery. Since he needs to get neutered it can be addressed at that time (read FAQs below about this condition
First Steps Outside: A Glimmer of Hope
After spending some time sitting with Billy in his kennel, I decided it was time to get him outside. Shelter environments are overwhelming for most dogs, but especially for nervous ones like Billy. The barking, clanging, and constant activity can make it impossible for them to relax.
Getting Billy to leave his kennel wasn’t easy. At first, he froze, unsure of the leash and what was expected of him. I gently guided him, and when that didn’t work, I scooped him up, holding him securely in my arms.
We made our way to a quiet, grassy area outside the shelter. At first, Billy was cautious, moving tentatively as he sniffed the ground. But with each passing minute, I saw subtle shifts—his ears perked slightly, and he began to explore with curiosity. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but it was progress. And for a dog like Billy, every small step matters.
Training Tip: Movement Leads to Mood
Movement is a powerful tool for helping anxious dogs. A short walk or even gentle encouragement to move around their kennel can help shift their mindset. This works for humans, too—when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, physical activity can break the cycle. For dogs like Billy, introducing movement in a low-pressure way can make a big difference.
The Scoop: A Breakthrough Moment
One of the most important moments with Billy came when I attempted “the scoop.” This technique involves gently lifting a dog into your lap, providing both physical and emotional comfort. At first, Billy was stiff and unsure, but as I spoke softly and petted him, I could feel his body begin to relax.
Holding Billy in my lap felt like a breakthrough. For the first time, he wasn’t just enduring his environment—he was letting himself feel safe. His heart rate slowed, and he even leaned into me slightly. It was a reminder of how powerful simple, patient gestures can be for a dog who has experienced so much uncertainty.
Toys, Treats, and the Power of Play
Despite his initial reluctance, Billy began to show signs of interest in toys and treats as our time together went on. A squeaky toy caught his attention, and he even took a cautious sniff at a treat left nearby. These small victories felt monumental for a dog who had been so shut down just hours earlier.
In situations like this, I always experiment with different types of engagement—treats, toys, and even basic puzzles. Every dog is different, and finding what sparks their curiosity is key to helping them come out of their shell.
What’s Next for Billy
Billy’s journey is far from over, but he’s made incredible progress in a short amount of time. The next steps include a health check, a thorough grooming session to clean his dirty coat, and ongoing work to build his confidence.
If you’re considering adopting, don’t overlook dogs like Billy. They may require a little more time and effort, but the reward of earning their trust is immeasurable. For Billy, and so many dogs like him, the journey to a better life starts with someone willing to take that first step.
Billy, you’re a good boy. I can’t wait to see you thrive.
FAQs About Cryptorchidism in Dogs
What is cryptorchidism in dogs?
Cryptorchidism in dogs is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotal sac. This can occur due to the testicles being retained in the abdomen or the inguinal canal, preventing them from reaching their proper position.
Is cryptorchidism genetic in dogs?
Yes, cryptorchidism is considered genetic in dogs. Breeding dogs with this condition is discouraged, as it can be passed down to their offspring.
What is the difference between unilateral cryptorchidism and bilateral cryptorchidism in dogs?
Unilateral cryptorchidism occurs when only one testicle descends, while bilateral cryptorchidism means both testicles are retained. Both conditions require treatment to prevent health complications.
What is the risk of testicular cancer in dogs with cryptorchidism?
Dogs with cryptorchidism have a significantly higher risk of developing testicular cancer, especially if the testicles are retained in the abdomen. Surgical removal is the only treatment to mitigate this risk.
When should a cryptorchid neuter be performed in dogs?
Cryptorchid neutering is typically recommended around 6 months of age, but the timing may vary depending on the dog’s health and the position of the retained testicles. Early intervention reduces the risk of complications like testicular torsion or cancer.
Why is surgical removal the only treatment for cryptorchidism in dogs?
The only treatment for cryptorchidism in dogs is surgical removal of the retained testicle(s) to eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and other complications. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to severe health risks.
Can dogs with cryptorchidism produce sperm?
Testicles retained in the abdomen or inguinal canal typically cannot produce sperm due to the higher temperature outside the scrotal sac. However, dogs with unilateral cryptorchidism may still be fertile with the descended testicle.
What is abdominal cryptorchidism in dogs?
Abdominal cryptorchidism refers to a condition where the testicle(s) are retained within the abdomen. These cases are more complex to treat, as the surgical removal involves locating the testicle inside the abdominal cavity.
Can cryptorchidism occur in older dogs, or is it diagnosed early?
Cryptorchidism is usually diagnosed by 6 months of age when it’s clear that the testicles have not descended. In older dogs, untreated cryptorchidism can lead to serious health issues, such as testicular torsion or cancer.
Why are breed dogs more prone to cryptorchidism?
Some breeds of male dogs, such as toy breeds and certain terriers, are more prone to cryptorchidism due to genetic predispositions. Responsible breeding practices are essential to reduce the incidence of this condition in these breeds.
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