A Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is a wonderful dog for the family and has a great temperament. Shelties are gentle, loyal, and sensitive. Because they’re extremely lively, and very intelligent Shetland Sheepdog training is a breeze.
It is important to socialize your Shetland Sheepdog when it is young so that your dog will not have social anxiety. Shelties have been known to have some neurotic issues and it is important to understand this when you begin training so that you can avoid certain behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very affectionate and love attention. It is important that if you get a Shetland sheepdog that you not leave it alone for many hours at a time or else it may become noisy and destructive. Because they’re so affectionate they play very well and are gentile with children. Shelties are also extremely patient and protective, and can even work well with other animals.
Shetland Sheepdogs are sensitive to stress. If there is a lot of fighting and arguing in your household you may want to skip this breed. They have a natural suspicion and shyness about them and the loud fighting will only make this stronger.
Separation anxiety is more common in Shetland Sheepdogs than in other breeds. It is important that if you have a busy and hectic schedule that somebody is around to care for the dog or it will become destructive.
When training Shetland Sheepdogs you may want to take time in the training to overcome their barking as they do have a tendency for yappiness. Shelties are an active and intelligent dog and will need to be entertained.
One of the things Shetland Sheepdogs enjoy doing is running obstacle courses. It allows them to do the running and thinking that they enjoy. I’m sure your family will enjoy this activity also.
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