Best Toys For Shelties? The 68 Correct Answer

20 Shetland Sheepdog Questions and Answers

By Becky Casale | About | Article | e-book

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Shelties. Learn about Temperament, Intelligence, Lifespan, Health, Grooming, Puppies, Breeders, Adoption, Training and more.

1. What is the sheltie temperament like?

The Sheltie temperament is generally intelligent, sensitive, playful, alert, and affectionate. Without proper socialization as puppies, Shelties tend to be shy and timid, so it’s important to introduce them to all sorts of people from a young age to help develop their confidence.

Shelties are known for their barking. This is not a calm dog breed. They bark when excited or trying to draw your attention to something in the area. The good news is that barking can be minimized with training.

“Puppies don’t bark right away, but when they find their voice make sure you control it. Let them warn you. Then let them know when it’s enough. They’re the best companion dog – don’t expect to ignore a Sheltie and get away with it!” – Dawn Morrow, Sheltie Planet reader

Besides barking, Shelties also love to sing! While exploring their vocal abilities, some Shelties can find some hilarious howling voices that fall somewhere between a howl and a howl. When it happens, it’s totally adorable.

In terms of temperament, Shelties also make excellent lap dogs. They form close bonds with their owners and don’t want you to leave. They are also very affectionate: they love to cuddle and receive endless ear scratches and belly rubs. Piper, our sweet Sheltie, used to sit on my lap forever while I watched TV in the evenings. Even Howard, our opinionated Sheltie, loved snuggling up when it was time for bed.

2. How long do Shetland Sheepdogs live?

Shelties live an average of 12-13 years. The popular notion that one dog year equals seven human years is somewhat simplified; the scale goes more like this:

Dog years Human years 1 15 4 34 8 51 12 69 16 87

Extend your Sheltie’s lifespan by feeding it nutritious, high-quality food; allow him to walk off the leash at least 30-60 minutes a day; mentally stimulate him through exercise, dog tricks, and chewing; keep his teeth clean; and taking him to annual vet checks and vaccinations.

Like all dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are psychologically balanced when given a good measure of both discipline and affection. Provide structure and boundaries as they test boundaries, and offer plenty of love and affection to reinforce good behavior.

3. Are Shelties barkers?

Shelties can be very vocal dogs. These include barking, whining, singing and howling! They only make noise when they have a good reason (in their mind) so set the ground rules early on when it comes to alarm barking. Teach him to only let out an alarm bark or two, and rule out endless barking as acceptable behavior.

“Some find the Sheltie voice obnoxious, others find it endearing to converse with others. The first thing everyone needs to know is that Shelties are sure to tell you what’s on their minds for long conversations!” – Elizabeth Gagliardi, Sheltie Planet reader

If your Sheltie barking is out of control, see How to stop your Sheltie barking for three different situations and solutions. Remember that barking can be caused by fear. If you have an anxious Sheltie, check out the ThunderShirt for Shelties, which has been shown to induce a calmer, more confident temperament in nervous dogs.

4. Are Shelties intelligent?

Shelties are the sixth smartest dog breed in the world. This makes them very easy to train, learning new commands in just five repetitions. They are often eager to please and also excel in obedience and agility tests.

However, this intelligence also means they require more mental stimulation than most dogs. Shelties need daily mental stimulation from walks, off-leash runs, games, socializing, chew toys, tooth chewing, and any type of work you can do around the house.

If you don’t stimulate your Sheltie’s brain, you will find that you have a bored, frustrated pooch. This manifests itself in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive barking, running in circles, obsessive pursuit, destructive chewing, and other anxious habits. If you don’t have time to devote to your dog’s mental well-being, a Sheltie is not for you.

5. Do Shetland Sheepdogs get along with children?

Shelties make great family dogs provided they are socialized with children from a young age. If you plan on rescuing an adult Sheltie, test their reaction to your children first. If she appears physically tense, flinches, barks, or tries to hit on your children, you may face a difficult rehabilitation. Younger children, in particular, are less accommodating to your Sheltie’s emotions. Toddlers make sudden noises, invade personal space, and grab fur, all of which overwhelm nervous Shelties and unsettle them constantly. Such Shelties are better suited to homes with quiet, sensitive adults.

The good news is that many well-socialized Shelties can be very affectionate and welcoming of people’s attention. When you bring home a Sheltie puppy, you have a window of a few months to desensitize him to all sorts of people and situations. She can be fearless at this age and throw herself into new situations, and as long as she has positive experiences she will respond healthily to those stimuli for the rest of her life.

6. How much exercise do Shetland Sheepdogs need?

Exercise your sheltie at least 30-60 minutes a day. This is the standard minimum for any dog ​​breed. Take them to any outdoor activity where dogs are allowed to avoid boredom and stimulate their active brain. Physical and mental exercise is one of the greatest joys in life for any dog, so attend to this need as best you can.

“Train a good memory early and enjoy quality time hiking, running and mountain biking with your best friend. Tip: Always keep a towel or two in the car, as mud brushes off easily once it dries.” – Lisa Morgan, Sheltie Planet reader

If you have a good outdoor space, encourage them to use it in addition to going for walks. Shelties love living on farms, but are also suited to apartment living if you make the effort to take them out on the streets daily. Time to walk off the leash is important.

“I urge anyone and everyone, Sheltie owners or not, to check out The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan so you know how to properly socialize your dog and treat them like a dog (not a human). As for Shelties circling, this is mostly due to lack of exercise or mental stimulation and can be stopped with increased physical activity or mental stimulation.” – Leanne Beck, Sheltie Planet reader

If your sheltie turns, whimpers, or is obviously bored, that’s a strong sign of a walk. Imagine life from their perspective: they are not stimulated by computers, television, books, work, conversation and all the stuff that keeps us busy. Your first line of stimulation comes from you. Shelties were originally bred as guard dogs – to guard and herd sheep – which explains why pet Shelties still spend hours sitting by the window to this day. It is their most natural and instinctive task.

As well as giving your Sheltie physical exercise, give your Sheltie a mental workout too by teaching him new commands and tricks, exposing him to other dogs and people, and giving him chores around the house. Even nervous Shelties can be calmed down with a ThunderShirt, which has been proven to convey a feeling of emotional security.

7. How do you groom a Shetland Sheepdog?

By around five months of age, your dog will develop their thick double coat and you need to start your sheltie grooming routine. An adult’s coat consists of a soft, woolly undercoat for insulation and a long, coarser top coat for protection from the elements. The coat continues to change and develop until Shelties are about three years old.

Shelties shed a fair amount of hair, although their small size means it’s not nearly as much as large, long-haired breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds. A thorough weekly brushing will keep most of it from ending up on the living room couch. However, if you’re hesitant about grooming, expect a lot more hair and fur to accumulate around the house.

Give your sheltie a thorough grooming session for 30-60 minutes each week. A quick daily detangling of the thin hair behind the ears is an added bonus. Most people enjoy grooming their Shelties once they’ve put them down as grooming is a tactile, bonding experience. Just be very gentle and calm, and your Sheltie will accept it as bonding time as well. For a complete step-by-step guide, visit How to Care for Your Sheltie.

Note that male Shelties inflate their coats once a year just before summer, when frequent grooming is required to keep up with a higher rate of shedding. Shelties females also shed before summer as well as after each heat cycle which occurs every 6-8 months in their reproductive years. Heat cycles and the associated shedding and certain reproductive system diseases can be eliminated by spaying a sheltie bitch when she is a year old. See The Pros and Cons of Neutering for a detailed overview.

8. How often do you bathe a sheltie?

Bathe your sheltie whenever he needs it; a general guideline is every 1-2 months. Shetland Sheepdogs keep themselves clean by licking and grooming themselves, especially their paws. They’re also less likely than other breeds to wallow in animal feces and other unpleasant odors. So there is no need to go overboard. Bathing a Sheltie too often will strip away the natural oils on the skin, causing dryness, flaking, and itching.

When bathing a Sheltie, use lukewarm water to shower them in the tub. Bring the nozzle directly to the skin, otherwise the waterproof fur will protect the undercoat from getting wet. Be careful not to splash water in his ear holes; Use cotton balls if you are concerned. And use a shampoo that has been specially developed for dogs: TropiClean’s PerfectFur dog shampoo is ideal for the Sheltie’s thick double coat.

After bathing, pat him gently with a towel (rubbing will damage wet fur) and let him dry naturally indoors. If your furniture can’t take the rubbing of a wet Sheltie, gently blow dry the coat on a low setting, parting the fur.

9. How do you brush a Sheltie’s teeth?

Most people ignore brushing their dog’s teeth until it’s too late. About 85% of dogs older than three years old already have gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. Eventually, your vet will need to perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums and/or extract the diseased teeth, both of which require general anesthesia.

There are four things you can do to avoid this painful and expensive treatment.

Brush with dog toothpaste

Manually remove food debris with Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrush. Start very gently and allow your sheltie to get used to the feel.

Offer Dental Chews daily

Remove tartar mechanically with daily dental chews such as Virbac oral hygiene chews. The antiseptic enzymes combine with the abrasive action of chewing to clean teeth and gums.

Use a natural water additive

Prevent plaque and tartar build-up by adding TropiClean Fresh Breath Plaque Remover to the water bowl. The natural ingredients such as green tea have an antibacterial effect and prevent the formation of plaque and tartar.

Use a natural food additive

Remove plaque and tartar by adding seaweed powder like PlaqueOff Powder to your Sheltie’s food. It is ideal for dogs that already have mild plaque build-up.

10. What is the best dog food for a Sheltie?

Quality nutrition in the right amounts will help your Sheltie live a long and healthy life. I wrote an in-depth article on What is the Best Dog Food? which makes for essential reading.

In summary, if you choose dry food, you should know that cheap brands use corn fillers, which do not provide enough protein. In addition, certain additives are known to be toxic. Avoid any dog ​​food that is listed in its ingredients:

meat and bone meal

meat by-products

poultry by-product meal

propylene glycol

ethoxyquin

BHA & BHT

mineral oxides

sulfates

Instead, look for dog food with a specific meat source at the top of the ingredient list, plus natural preservatives and additives below:

beef meal

lamb meal

poultry meal

Vitamins E & C

tocopherols

Chelated Minerals

If you’re looking for a shortcut, I recommend Hill’s Science Diet, which ticks all the boxes above. They have different formulas based on your dog’s age and size, as different dogs have different nutritional needs.

11. Should I spay/neuter my sheltie?

It’s a devastating truth that in the US alone, an unwanted dog is euthanized every 10 seconds. That’s millions of dogs every year. And it’s the result of three things: puppy mills, backyard breeding, and unplanned pet pregnancies.

As animal lovers, we can help by de-sexing our dogs. It’s normal to feel weird when you’re weaning your dog. We don’t do it to humans, so how can we justify neutering a beloved canine family member?

It’s important to realize that these are pets, not people. We often treat dogs like our children, but our dogs will never live independent lives, get married and have families of their own. A dog’s purpose in life is company. In return, we take care of their needs and make the best decisions for them.

If you own a male Sheltie, I highly recommend reading the ins and outs of spaying your Sheltie. For female Shelties, see The Pros and Cons of Neutering. I’ve laid out all the important considerations for your Sheltie’s health.

12. What are common health issues in Shelties?

Purebred dogs come from a limited gene pool with historical inbreeding, making them more prone to certain inherited health issues. For this reason too, breeding Shelties should be left to experts who take careful measures to avoid passing on disease genes.

Shelties that come from backyard breeding or puppy farms are most likely to have genetic health issues such as:

Patella luxation (floating kneecap)

Hip dysplasia (malformed hip joint)

Collie Eye Anomaly

Dermatomyositis (inflammatory disease)

Von Willebrande disease (blood disease)

Shelties can also be prone to complications from certain medications. This is related to the multidrug resistance mutation MDR1, which affects how quickly drugs are broken down in the body.

Obesity is also a common health problem in Shelties. It’s easy to overfeed such a small dog and not notice the weight gain under all that fur.

“Also, they tend to be lean and not muscular like pit bulls, so obesity can hide under that thick coat and cause premature arthritis. Be aware that they don’t need much food (many are cheap keepers), so get the best quality food you can afford!” – Christel Gezels, Sheltie Planet reader

For a more detailed look see my article Hereditary Disorders in Shelties.

13. What is the best way to train a Sheltie?

Shelties are intelligent, sensitive dogs that respond very well to positive reinforcement. This simply means praising all the correct behaviors in the moment.

Shelties learn quickly with simple, clear instructions. You can learn new commands in just five repetitions. When it comes to dogs, teaching your Sheltie tricks and obedience and eliminating unwanted behaviors is easy by nipping them in the bud.

Clicker training in particular works great with Shelties because they learn so eagerly and quickly. Over time, you can do without the clicks and they will automatically respond to commands.

“Shetland Sheepdogs are extremely sensitive to negative feedback and a physical reprimand can be absolutely devastating to their psyche.” – Christel Gezels, Sheltie Planet reader

Learn more about housebreaking and obedience training for Shelties in my e-book, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner’s Guide.

14. How do you housetrain a Sheltie puppy?

Housebreaking a puppy can be one of the biggest challenges of dog ownership, especially for first-time owners. It means teaching your sheltie to pee and poop outdoors and not on your prized living room rug.

You’ll need puppy training pads, some tasty dog ​​treats as a reward, and carpet stain remover for those inevitable mistakes.

The most popular method starts with teaching your pup to eliminate on puppy training pads inside. You must keep a keen eye and be ready to correct or praise him every time he is in the right place. A burglary always involves some messes and messes, but that’s something you have to accept from the start when bringing home a baby animal.

By the age of four months, your pup’s bladder and bowel will be large and strong enough to take the business outside. This can be an easy and very rewarding transition for both of you.

The slump starts on the very first day you bring your pup home, so do your research ahead of time. See Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner’s Guide for a step-by-step guide on how to housetrain your Sheltie from day one.

15. How do you socialize a Sheltie puppy?

Like all dog breeds, Sheltie puppies should spend the first 8 weeks of life with their mom and the rest of the litter. This teaches them important socialization skills within their own species, such as B. how to share, how to play nice and what actions are too rough. If they don’t learn these skills, they can develop lifelong behavioral problems with other dogs.

The second phase of socialization begins between 8-16 weeks when the puppies settle into their new families and form a strong bond with humans. Start socializing your pup with people from the day you bring him home. This is true of all dog breeds, but Shelties are particularly sensitive, and not socializing when young can lead to severe nervousness and anxiety.

First, give him positive gaming experiences with you and your immediate family. He can be nervous for the first few days, so go slow at first. After the first week, expand their social horizons by including more friends and family in multiple locations. Have meetings at your house to get him used to a lot of people at once. And don’t forget to invite noisy children!

“I wasn’t prepared for how shy they can be around some people they don’t know. We socialized her very early by putting her around people, but when our neighbor grabbed her when she was 10 months old, Piper flinched as if the neighbor was angry!” – Nancy Olsen, Sheltie Planet- reader

Take your Sheltie to puppy classes and work on obedience training to build a stronger bond between you. These special sessions can make a big difference.

“As a Sheltie breeder for 12 years, I find that the puppies that I take into puppy class and into agility are the best behaved. The bond and communication between us is much stronger. Yes we can do this at home but I think getting the pup to socialize and work with other people and dogs in the class makes a difference. The need to get my attention by barking is reduced.” – Michelle Lash-Ruff, Sheltie Planet reader

Once he has his last vaccinations, he can go to many public places: walk around the city, sit in front of cafes, visit the dog park, go on an excursion and meet all sorts of other animals. At this stage, go all out. Expose him to every scenario he will face in his life so he can face them all with confidence.

16. How do you teach a Sheltie to swim?

Swimming is an excellent way to keep your Shetland Sheepdog fit, especially if he develops arthritis as he gets older where running can injure his joints. Swimming is also a great positive experience for her to do as a puppy so she doesn’t have the stress of fearing water throughout her life. Look forward to many fun days at the beach or trips to the lake!

Some Shelties love water, others hate the wet stuff. It all comes down to their natural propensity for adventure and positive exposure when they are young. Follow the steps outlined in e How to Teach Your Sheltie to Swim, which includes safety issues for smaller Shelties and step-by-step desensitization for hydrophobic dogs.

17. Do several Shetland Sheepdogs get along?

Many of our readers have multiple Shelties and absolutely love them. Shelties are an addictive breed; Once you discover her endearing nature, it’s hard to stop at one.

“Shelties are like potato chips – you can never have just one!” – Every Sheltie owner of all time

If a Sheltie is a joy, two are twice as much fun. Having two dogs of the same breed means they play very well together. They have the same energy levels, enjoy the same herd games, and since they’re the same size, they won’t accidentally injure themselves if they collapse and scratch.

In addition, as highly sensitive dogs, Shelties do not like to be left alone. It’s ideal to have a companion dog that you can hang out with while you’re out of the house.

The only downside to multiple Shelties is that they can bark at each other. If one dog hears a cat screeching in the distance, it will bark and the other will automatically bark. If you have two or more Shelties, getting a handle on barking is important!

18. Where can I adopt a Rescue Sheltie?

There are many rescued Shelties in need of forever homes. They’ve been through a lot in their lives, including abuse or neglect and almost always being abandoned by the families they thought would stay with them forever.

Find Shelties rescuers near you and give a dog the life it deserves.

19. Where can I find Sheltie puppies for sale?

Before purchasing a Sheltie puppy, please consider a Sheltie rescue first. Your new best friend may already be waiting at your local animal shelter, desperate for a safe and loving home.

If you have made up your mind about a puppy, you can find Sheltie puppies for sale here. Our directory aims to list only ethical Sheltie breeders in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Never buy puppies from pet stores or be involved with puppy farms—both of which fuel the inhumane puppy factory trade. Additionally, puppy mills notoriously sell puppies with congenital diseases and behavioral problems due to a lack of early socialization.

20. Should I breed my Shetland Sheepdog?

Never breed a pet sheltie or any pet dog. There are enough unwanted dogs in the world without pet owners adding to the mix.

Professional Shetland Sheepdog breeders have devoted a great deal of time, knowledge and resources to maintaining healthy genetic lines. It means taking potential sires and dams into competitions to identify champions: the best specimens of the breed. Ethical breeding also includes genetic testing to look for hereditary diseases in breeding pairs. The goal is to selectively mate the healthiest Shelties with the best temperaments to create the breed we have come to love so much.

Pet kennels, backyard kennels, puppy mills and pet shops don’t bother with this level of care. Not only are their puppies more likely to carry hereditary diseases, they are born solely for the pet trade at a time when millions of unwanted dogs are euthanized every year. If you can put that aside and still want to breed your dog because he’d be cute – just imagine how you’ll feel if you have to give up those puppies.

“As a vet I have seen some breeding problems caused by poor breeding choices. To my dismay my own employer (yes, another vet) bred Shelties 25 years ago and every single one of those dogs developed severe allergies, autoimmune diseases and arthritis and dental problems. My most recent experience of a serious problem was a cute little Blue Merle Sheltie who gave birth to 4 beautiful, healthy looking puppies who all died within a few days of cleft palates.” – Christel Gezels, Sheltie Planet reader

Always leave breeding to the experts and seriously consider spaying your male Sheltie at the ideal age or having your female Sheltie spayed to achieve the compelling individual and societal benefits.

To learn more about the consequences of unethical breeding, read my article 8 reasons never to buy puppies from the pet store.

In the early days of the Shetland Sheepdog, one of the main roles of the breed was working and herding the farmer’s livestock. A good activity that takes advantage of the Sheltie’s farm dog background is herding. Major dog clubs like the American Kennel Club offer herding programs that cater to all levels of herding dogs. For dog owners who simply want to measure their dog’s basic instincts and trainability, there is a non-competitive herding test. On the other hand, there is a competitive herding endeavor that seeks to maintain and enhance a breed’s natural herding abilities. This program is also intended to show that herding dogs can fulfill the practical functions for which they were originally developed.

Step 1 Request a Rule Book Similar to most dog sports, participating dogs should undergo some form of training before they can participate in tests and trials. Especially in herd trials, your pooch should be exposed to livestock in some way before they can participate. As a pet parent, you need to ask the AKC for a set of rules. This contains the requirements for you and your dog and also helps you to become familiar with how herding tests work.

Step 2 Train the Basics Once you know what is expected of you and your pooch, you can begin training. While no previous experience is necessary, teaching your dog some of the common commands used in a herding trial is a huge bonus. Another useful activity would be a stop-and-go game with your dog. To do this, simply have your dog chase an object and make him stop on command. You can reward your dog with a treat as an incentive. This game is a good basis for a herd trial.

Getting a dog is a big decision, especially if it is your first time owning a dog. Whether you decide to purchase or even better, adopt, you need to consider the dog’s size, temperament, age, and genetics.

Never choose a dog because it looks small, bloated, or cute. When choosing a dog, many people choose popular breeds like pugs, corgis, labradors, and terriers. But there’s another medium-sized dog you might want to consider: the Shetland Sheepdog, better known as the Sheltie.

If you’re thinking about getting a Sheltie, a herding dog breed, here are a few things to keep in mind:

breeding history and origin

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small herding dog from the Scottish Shetland Islands. Once known as “toonie dogs” or farm dogs, the breed’s origins are a bit mysterious, but the dogs were bred small and used to herding sheep, ponies, and poultry.

The dogs look like a small version of the Rough Collie.

The dogs became trendy after they were brought to England in the early 19th century. The British Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1909. The dogs quickly became popular in the United States and around the world. Ironically, few are still found in Shetland, where Border Collies have replaced them.

temperament

When deciding on a dog, consider your needs and the space where you live. Do you want a dog that is constantly by your side or independent? What about their energy level? Do you prefer a pooch that loves to walk in the park or snuggle up next to you on the sofa? All of this is important in determining if you want a dog whose temperament matches yours, so make sure you understand Sheltie traits before committing to one of the dogs.

The Shetland Collie is energetic, loves to play fetch and excels at agility. It looks like a mini collie, is intelligent and learns quickly, so make sure the training process is fun. These cuties can also be stubborn and bark loudly, so it’s important to teach them to stop barking on command.

In addition, they are very loyal, gentle and sensitive. They are known as family dogs, which makes them safe around children.

Because they bond with their owners quickly, Shelties dislike being left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety. It is important that the dogs get enough exercise. To keep a Sheltie busy you also need to mentally challenge them and you can do this by using slow-feeding dog bowls or interactive toys like jigsaw puzzles.

Health and care

Shelties tend to be generally healthy, but they are also prone to certain health issues, including thyroid issues and progressive retinal atrophy.

An underactive thyroid or an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss, dry, itchy skin, ear infections, excessive weight gain, behavior problems, and seizures.

Hip dysplasia in dogs is caused when the ball doesn’t fit properly in the socket, causing friction, inflammation, cartilage damage, and pain. It often leads to arthritis.

Dermatomyositis is an inherited disease that causes skin lesions. The condition typically begins on the head, ears, and front legs.

Collie eye anomaly or collie eye defect is a mutation that occurs when the blood vessels that nourish the retina are underdeveloped. This can cause other defects such as retinal detachment. The mutation typically affects both eyes but is sometimes more severe in one eye.

Progressive retinal atrophy causes retinal cells to deteriorate, eventually leading to blindness.

Von Willebrand disease is a clotting disorder similar to hemophilia in humans that can cause excessive bleeding.

With proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, these conditions are treatable. Regular checkups help Sheltie owners catch these conditions early so they can make treatment plans.

Sheltie appearance

The dogs are typically 13 to 16 inches tall at their shoulders and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. They look like small collies or border collies.

The dogs have a double coat and shed a lot. The top coat is long and straight while the undercoat is short, curly and dense. Although Shelties only need an occasional bath, they do need regular brushing, at least once a week and more frequently during molting season. Their coats can be black, blue merle, or sable with white markings.

It is important to get puppies used to being handled and cared for when they are puppies. Trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth daily to prevent oral diseases.

A great family dog

Shelties can make wonderful pets if you learn to treat them properly and be a good owner. If you are looking for a Shetland Sheepdog, contact a reputable breeder or visit animal shelters or rescue groups.

The dogs love and genuinely care about their families. Take care of their health, feed them quality food and most importantly, don’t forget to love them!

This post is sponsored by BarkBox. As always, all opinions are my own and all dog models were compensated with treats and tummy rubs. 🙂

Here at OGT we love our dogs! Many of our dog-centric blog posts feature photos of Milo, the lovable boxer owned by our photographer Kaitlyn. Another of our dog models is Frodo the Sheltie, owned by our production manager Brittany. We love it when Milo and Frodo spend the day in the studio with us, but when they first came to visit they got so bored! And bored dogs in the studio aren’t particularly productive, as you can imagine.

Dogs are very smart and playful creatures, and some breeds are also very work oriented. When dogs are left to their own devices and have nothing to play with, they can focus that energy on disruptive or destructive behavior. It boils down to this – a busy dog ​​is usually a happy dog! So we got smart and filled a box with dog toys and chews and also got a big, soft dog bed. Now Milo and Frodo have lots of things to play with when they come to visit and they are much happier about it!

With the help of our friends at BarkBox, today we’re sharing some specific ways to keep your furry friends busy and happy!

1. Teach new tricks

Your dog is capable of learning all sorts of tricks, no matter how old he is! Keep your dog (or his paws!) busy by constantly teaching him new tricks. By spending a few minutes each day teaching your pup something, you’ll give him some much-needed mental stimulation. And your dog will love the extra attention!

Positive reinforcement is key when teaching your dog a new trick, and small treats make excellent rewards! Popular subscription service BarkBox includes 2 different types of treats for your pooch in each monthly shipment. Offering your dog new and tasty treats can help keep them interested while learning a new trick!

2. Exercise every day

A tired dog is a happy dog, so you can encourage good behavior by playing with your dog every day. It can be as simple as walking around the garden or park, or you can take your dog on a hike or a long walk. Anything to get your dog up and moving!

3. Hide & Seek

Another way to mentally stimulate your dog is to challenge him to find his favorite treat. The first few times you play, you should hide the treat in a relatively easy-to-find place, e.g. B. behind a furniture leg. Once your dog gets the hang of it, you can start hiding treats in more hidden places, such as B. under his dog bed or behind a pillow. There are also feeding puzzles that will challenge your dog to figure out how to get the food inside.

4. Provide toys

Most dogs love toys and their owners love them too! Toys provide mental stimulation and exercise and are great for keeping your dog occupied. But some dogs are rougher with toys than others, and some dogs are downright destructive!

BarkBox offers an affordable way to provide any type of dog with fun toys. Each monthly box contains 2 original toys only available through BarkBox or BarkShop.com. For an additional $9 per month, you can also join the Extra Toy Club to get an extra toy in every box!

5. Chewing time

Chewing is a natural canine instinct because it helps dogs keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. It can also be a self-soothing behavior for anxious dogs. Giving your dog multiple opportunities to chew can help discourage them from chewing on your stuff.

There are all kinds of great dog chews out there, and many options for edible chews too. Subscribing to BarkBox is the easiest way to keep providing your dog with new and interesting chews. Each box contains two dog-approved toys, two bags of treats, and a chew that are sure to keep your dog busy and happy.

And on the off chance that your dog doesn’t love any of the toys or treats in your box, simply contact the dog-loving BarkBox customer service team! You can’t bear to disappoint your pup, so they’ll send you a replacement for free – no strings attached.

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6. No free lunch

Your dog is willing to do a lot to get what he wants, so you can challenge him by making him work for everyday things. For example, you could ask your dog to shake before you take him for a walk, or you could make him sit before he gets his dinner. Getting your dog to work a little will reinforce the idea that obedience gets them what they want, not bad behavior.

All that hard work deserves a reward, and signing up for BarkBox is a perfect reward! You’ll receive toys, treats and a chew toy for your dog every month, so you always have something to offer your “good boy”. BarkBox offers customized options for small, medium, and large dogs, so you can be sure the included toys and treats are right for your dog’s size and weight.

7. Take a class

Team up with your dog and take a class to learn something new! There are all types of classes available in person and online. You can learn to walk your dog through an agility class, have your dog certified as a therapy dog, or work on your dog’s tracking and tracking skills. There is always something new for your dog to learn and he will love sharing this quality time with you!

Looking for an active and glamorous dog? The Shetland Sheepdog could be just the thing for you. Whether you want to borrow one or get one of your own, we’ve compiled a lot of fun and interesting facts you should know about the breed, courtesy of the Shetland Sheepdog owners in our community.

What is a Shetland Sheepdog?

Native to north-east Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a type of herding dog. They have a thick coat that’s built to withstand the winter elements, and they come in a variety of colors including blue merle, tri-color, and sable.

If you’re looking to brush up on your Shetland Sheepdog knowledge, these books might come in handy.

How Much Exercise Does a Shetland Sheepdog Need?

The Kennel Club describes the Shetland Sheepdog as “virtually tireless”. They are always on the go and very active, requiring up to 1 hour of exercise a day, but they never say no to more.

“Ruby is a very energetic Sheltie who loves to go on extra long walks and does a lot of exercise, but she also loves snuggling on the couch and sleeping in our bed!” – Emma, ​​owner of Ruby.

What is the temperament of a Shetland Sheepdog?

The Sheltie is a glamorous and intelligent dog that is very cheerful and irritable. They are always ready to please and are hardworking. According to The Kennel Club, Shelties are affectionate towards their owners but can be a bit aloof around strangers.

“Brodie is a wonderfully loving and kind Sheltie. He loves walks, playtime and lounging. Brodie is very well socialized and loves meeting new dogs! He has a calming effect on people and is an absolute delight to be around.” – Ben, owner of Brodie.

Are Shetland Sheepdogs easy to train?

Due to their alert nature and herding history, the Sheltie is relatively easy to train. Often used as farm dogs, they make great family pets and many are trained for agility.

“Indie is a very well behaved Sheltie who is a competitive agility dog!” – Monica, owner of Indie.

That being said, here are a few fun quirks some of our members’ pooches have:

Jessica, owner of Pero:

“Pero lives up to his ‘shepherd’ breed and won’t let off the leash around sheep!”

Lili, owner of Shanti:

“Shanti loves cats more than anything and food is always close to her heart!”

Carole, owner of Finlay:

“Finlay is very handsome and he knows it – everywhere he goes he gets a lot of fuss and attention.”

The most common Shetland Sheepdog names on BorrowMyDoggy:

Meryl

angus

Luke

tammy

Finlay

Does your Shetland Sheepdog’s coat get all over your furniture and carpets? Here’s a quick, easy cleaning trick 🙂

Border Collie 13 of 20

Many canine experts believe that the Border Collie is by far the smartest and most intelligent breed out there. They are one of the best breeds for herding and they are born athletes. Your body is designed for speed, agility and endurance.

Because they are so smart and energetic, you must be a very strict owner… or they may destroy everything you own, which is why proper exercise is so important. They love to run, play and hunt animals. So grab the leash and head out on a long run.

The Sheltand Sheepdog is definitely not a breed that fits all households. Shelties have a wide range of personality traits and cannot be “lumped together” under one description. However, there are certain traits that are fairly universal to the breed. Some Shelties can be very vocal – yes, they bark. They are shy by nature and early socialization is required to discourage their shyness. Shelties are fiercely loyal to either one person or one family. (Mine are loyal to the roast beef and the roast beef family!) Shelties are noise sensitive and noise reactive. This is part of their herding heritage. Shelties will hunt anything that moves, from rabbits to the local garbage truck. Because of this, all Shelties should have a securely fenced yard where they can play and potty safely. Shelties are very intelligent and need mental/physical activity to keep their minds and bodies busy…many will find a job if you don’t offer one, and in most cases it’s not a job you would choose. .. like rearranging your prized flower bed or compacting a week’s rubbish. Shelties don’t like spending time away from their humans. A Sheltie left alone without company all day while his humans go to work is not usually a very happy little dog. Shelties are an emotional breed. They are highly sensitive to the moods of their humans and thrive best in a home where gentleness is the way of life. Shelties are an active breed and need exercise every day…more than just a 10-minute walk around the block. Shelties need regular bi-weekly grooming (brushing is a necessity!) and they shed profusely. If you are looking for a very laid back, not overly sensitive dog who doesn’t really care if you go home or come home, easy to care for, average intelligence… you will find a Sheltie totally annoying to say the least. Shelties demand to be an integral part of the family to which they belong. They poke their little noses into absolutely everyone’s business and feel compelled to comment on their observations. They will follow her person to the corners of the earth and ALWAYS to the bathroom. They consider it a departure from proper behavior if you leave them behind, for whatever reason. You are selective about which of your friends are worthy of your affection and which are to be watched from afar. They will steal FOOD straight from the mouths of bare babies and show no shame. They will chase any moving object if not properly restrained… and especially your jogging neighbor who HATES all dogs. They will feel every mood and be happy or sad with you. They love attention and they love to learn. In short, they demand nothing less than to be a FULL member of your family…they don’t consider themselves mere dogs (ban the thought!!!). willing to give a lot of time, energy and love to this new member because that is what they need. In return, they give you some of the most beautiful moments of your life and memories that you will cherish forever.

WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU CONSIDER THE SHELTIE?

An average Sheltie lives to be 12-14 years old, so what age dog is best for you?

0-1 years – Chews a lot, not reliably housebroken, needs a lot of attention and training, not a good choice if you are out all day.

1-3 years — Still acting like a puppy, may or may not be housebroken, will still chew, needs lots of playtime to burn off energy, gets bored quickly if left alone for too long…chews or digs out of boredom. Good choice for someone who is only home part of the day.

3-5 years — Able to confide in home alone for short periods of time, requires several hours of play time daily, gets bored easily, chews or digs from boredom.

5+ years – A perfect dog. Beyond the chewing stage, reliably house trained, content sleeping while you’re away, wants to play for a few hours but is ready to go back to sleep when you do. The best choice when you’re out and about all day.

Rescue dogs range in age from puppies to 13-year-olds. Everyone seems to want the young dogs… so please consider opening your heart to an older dog. They are much more difficult to place, but tend to be the best behaved. They need just as much, if not more, a home than the younger dogs.

You have planned a great hike in the mountains that will surely tire your dog! But what if it rains? Or did you sprain your ankle? And you’re stuck in a hotel room.

Maybe you live in a small space, like a boat, RV, or apartment in New York City. If your square footage is limited, getting creative will help your dog burn energy.

So, can you train your dog indoors – even in a small space? You bet!

* This post contains affiliate links. Thanks very much! *

How we tire a boat dog

We live on a boat that is three meters wide at its widest point. And we have a golden retriever. Since we don’t always hang out on a cool beach, we found ways to tire a dog out in a small space. Even if you are not a sailor, you can use the same skills!

Our blue water sailboat is narrow so you’re never far from a grab handle. But it’s also too narrow for a golden retriever to turn around in the aisle.

Whether your small space is an apartment, hotel room, adventure van, RV, or vacation home, you’ll have enough room to tire out any dog.

Here’s what you need to know:

Large dogs are harder to train in tight spaces than small dogs. But giving a large dog a good workout is still totally possible.

Dogs get more tired when you exercise both their brains and their bodies.

You can buy (or craft) lots of cool accessories to help tire out your pup.

The key to a happy and tired dog is a creative owner!

11 ways to tire a dog in a small space

These are some of the best ways we’ve found to exercise your dog’s body and brain indoors:

1. Rotate the toy

Do you leave your dog’s same old toys hanging around all the time? Stop it! Your dog will show much more interest in playing with toys that are new to him.

You don’t have to constantly spend money on new toys. Just hide the ones she hasn’t paid attention to in a while and then surprise her with them a few weeks later.

If she’s an avid toy lover (like our sweetheart), she’ll tire herself out just fine by just hopping around with her long lost toy.

Pro tip: Add “hide dog toys” to your travel planning to-do list about a week before you leave. Then pack the toys your dog was missing for your trip.

READ MORE ⇒ How to Take a Cross Country Trip with Pets

Honey’s favorite bear was hidden for two weeks. As soon as we got it within reach, she went to see her old friend.

2. Play hide and seek

Our boat is too small for this game. But it’s a favorite when we come ashore.

Wait for your dog to be distracted by a treat, person, or ball. Then slip into a closet or crouch behind a large piece of furniture. If your dog doesn’t look for you right away, call his name. Make a fuss and give her a treat when she finds you.

This game also comes in handy when you are struggling to get your dog to come back to the dog park!

3. Set up an obstacle course

There are countless ways to tire your dog out with an obstacle course. You can put tape over a door to create jumps for your dog to walk over, or levitation bars so he can walk under.

Pro tip: Pack a roll of blue painter’s tape in your dog’s travel kit for use at hotels and vacation rentals.

You can also rearrange the furniture so it can squirm around. Make them jump on and off the couch and other furniture if allowed. Remember to be respectful – not all properties want pets on the furniture.

All of our furniture on the boat is pet friendly. So we’re using Honey’s favorite stuffed animals to encourage her to jump on and off the couches and climb the first few steps of our ladder.

We cannot move furniture on the boat. But there are many obstacles for Honey to jump on and off.

4. Play the shell game

To play the shell game, you’ll need some extra smelly treats and two mugs. Show your dog the treat and let him watch as you place it under one of the two cups.

Switch cups once or twice and ask your pup to find the treat. Most dogs will knock over the cup hiding the treat.

As your dog learns the game, make it more difficult. You can add a third cup, use a milder-smelling treat, or spend more time stirring the cups.

Come on honey, make your choice. In which cup are the treats hidden?

5. Chase bubbles to tire a dog

Dogs with a strong prey drive love chasing blisters. Just pull out your magic wand and make your dog pop bubbles until he’s tired!

Make sure you use a bubble mixture that won’t hurt your dog’s eyes. You can get bacon or peanut butter scented bubbles (yes, really!). Or make your own—which is less interesting but safe—using glycerin and water.

Pro tip: If you want to keep your pup entertained during a conference call, the automatic bubble blower is a great investment!

6. Feed your dog a food toy

If your dog has to work to get his food, the exertion will tire him out and prevent him from gobbling his food at the same time.

We have been feeding Honey with food toys since she was 8 weeks old. Her first was a plastic bottle balanced on its mouth. We put her kibble in, balanced the bottle on her neck and encouraged her to knock it over with her nose. While she ate what fell out, we put the bottle back up.

From there, she graduated to more advanced toys, including the Kong Wobbler, which requires her to move the toy around the room to get her full meal.

The result of feeding honey from food toys? Immediately after eating, she takes a deep nap.

If you’re concerned about the noise your dog might make while playing with the KONG wobbler, try a sniffing mat instead.

And if your dog is extra smart, get a food puzzle that will get them solving problems to unlock their food.

The mental energy that food toys require, coupled with the exhilarating smell of food that stimulates the brain, will tire your dog faster than a long romp at the dog park!

7. Play Fetch

Some dogs love to fetch. But it’s not always convenient to take them outside. Don’t worry, fetch is also a great game inside. Unless you live in a museum, so be it.

We played fetch on the stairs and used toys that make weird hops, like a Kong Wubba. Using the stairs for a game of fetch keeps the game in check while forcing your dog to run up and down – which uses more energy.

8. Wrestle or play tugs

Honey loves to play tugboat and the Kong Wubba is great for that too! My husband also gets on the floor and wrestles with honey. They both enjoy a little scuffle while it’s under control.

If your dog becomes overexcited by this type of play, you may want to avoid it. But for some dogs, rolling around on the floor with your favorite human is great fun.

9. Trick Training

Nothing trains your dog’s brain like exercise. And you both enjoy teaching her tricks!

Shaping is a training method where you reward your dog for getting closer to a behavior step by step. For example, to teach your dog to shut the door, say yes and give him a treat when he looks at the door. Once he reliably points to the door for a reward, wait for him to approach the door before giving him a treat. Work your way through the steps until your dog touches them, then nose the door for a reward.

Best of all, you’ll never run out of things to teach your dog!

READ MORE ⇒ Train your dog to travel

One of Honey’s favorite tricks is “High Five”. And learning it really tired her.

10. Play nose work games to tire out a dog

We took a great class on playing nose work games at our local SPCA and Honey loved it. Now we use nose work games to tire them out when we’re stuck aboard the boat in inclement weather.

When she hears me say “find it,” Honey knows to start sniffing out the goodies I’ve hidden around the boat. Using her nose tires her more than anything else we do.

You need to teach your dog to understand what to do when you give the “find it” command. But it’s worth the effort, because nose work is a fun way to tire your dog no matter where you are.

Looks like Honey followed her nose to the treat box. Good girl.

11. Give your dog a stimulating chew toy

Honey loves soft stuffed animals with squeakers. But in a pinch, a crumpled water bottle in a sweat sock tied in a knot is a fun substitute. (And it gives you the option to use unpaired socks that just came out of the dryer!)

For some reason, most dogs go crazy over the sound of a water bottle crumpled. And the crunch, crunch, crunch is a great way to tire your dog out.

You can also make your own “chews” by mixing up a dehydrated dog food like The Honest Kitchen, stuffing it into a West Paw Zygoflex Tux toy, and freezing overnight.

Get $10 Off (Affiliate Link) On Your First Order

From $20+ at HonestKitchen.com

Congratulations, you now know how to tire a dog!

Hopefully you’ll find at least a few of these ideas work well to tire your dog out the next time you’re stuck indoors.

Remember to choose an activity that works well with your pup.

Supervise your dog. Don’t leave him alone in a hotel room or RV with a toy or chew toy until you know it’s absolutely safe for him.

Know your dog’s limits. An older puppy with joint problems is not the best candidate to play fetch on the stairs. And a toy-destroying dog might be better suited to trick training than chewing on a stuffed sock.

Above all, it’s fun! You may find that your dog enjoys hanging out with you just as much as roaming the mountains or swimming at the beach.

Visit our Amazon store to learn more about other products we rely on to make traveling with pets easier, safer and more fun!

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Breed Standard & History

Small and alert, the Shetland Sheepdog is an agile and hardy working dog. It is symmetrical and well proportioned, with a refined head in the shape of a long, blunt wedge that tapers slightly from its partially erect ears to its nose. He has a moderately tucked-up abdomen, a slight arch in the loins, the croup gradually slopes backwards. Its front legs are well feathered, its hind legs heavily feathered, and its tail is luxuriantly hairy. His trot is smooth, quick and effortless. His facial expression should be alert, gentle, intelligent, and inquiring. Reluctance towards strangers is acceptable in the Sheltie, but fear is not. A healthy Sheltie is very loyal, affectionate and responsive to its owner.

This dog is originally from the Shetland Islands, which are about 50 miles north of Scotland and just south of the Arctic Circle. The reduced nature of life in the Shetlands extended to this small breed of dog, which was developed to help crofters – small sharecroppers – tend their dwindling cattle and warn of intruders. Eventually, the breed became known as the Scottish farmer’s “best friend,” alerting his master to anyone approaching the property and barking to keep birds and sheep out of the garden. After being later crossed with other Scottish herding dogs, the Shetland Sheepdog was also used to herd and protect small farmers’ flocks of Shetland sheep, and perhaps also to protect the small sheep from birds.

Once referred to as the “Toonie” dog after the Norwegian word for farm, the Shetland Sheepdog has also been called Lilliputian Collie, Fairy Dog and Miniature Collie over time. In fact, the Sheltie came to England and Scotland in the early 1800s as the Miniature Collie. Meanwhile, the original Sheltie has been bred in Shetland to be even smaller and fluffier; Visitors to Shetland fell in love with the tiny dogs and took them home as souvenirs. As locals became aware of the trend, they began breeding them for income, perhaps crossing them with collies for a more uniform look, but other unknown dog breeds may have been added to the mix – including the Pomeranian and the King Charles Spaniel – resulting in the blue merle with tan sheltie.

The English Kennel Club recognized the breed as a Shetland Collie in 1909, but changed the name to the Shetland Sheepdog when English collie breeders objected. The first dog registered with the American Kennel Club was Lord Scott in 1911. But crossbreeding had become a big problem in England, so by the late 19th century the prototypical Sheltie was beginning to disappear. In 1930 the Scottish and English clubs finally agreed that the dog should “resemble a collie (rough) in miniature”; US breeders continued to import the dogs from England until the 1950s, but by then American and English Shelties bore less and less resemblance to each other. And ironically, the Sheltie has all but been replaced by the Border Collie on its native islands of Shetland.

Today almost all American Shelties are descended from dogs imported from England between the world wars. They make excellent companion animals and excel at dog sports: their superior intelligence coupled with a willingness to please makes the Shetland Sheepdog an excellent performer in agility and other sporting events where they normally dominate their size class.

AKC breed category

Herding group

Why do Shelties sleep on their backs?

By Becky Casale | About | Article | e-book

Why do Shelties sleep on their backs with all four paws in the air? Many dog ​​breeds do this – and there are psychological reasons for this very vulnerable attitude.

Shelties have the amusing trait of sleeping on their backs with their legs akimbo. It’s not a unique trait to the breed (many dogs do), but they look especially fun when all their fur is sticking up. I recently asked Sheltie Planet readers to submit their Shelties that sleep on their backs and look oh-so-relaxed.

Why do Shelties sleep on their backs?

Shelties sleep in all sorts of positions – on their side, on their stomachs, curled up with their nose in their tails, and sometimes on their backs with all four paws up in the air. So why are they doing it?

Lying stretched out on their back shows they are super relaxed and alert. In animal psychology, this position is subservient. It shows that they feel safe and secure by opening their vulnerable body parts (chest, neck, abdomen) to attacks. This is still an important instinct for dogs who, despite being domesticated, still nurture many of their wild instincts at the gut level.

Another reason Shelties may sleep on their backs is to cool off. Unlike humans, who sweat through their skin, dogs can only sweat through the pads of their paws. They also pant with their tongues out to cool off. Since the belly has the least undercoat, sleeping on the belly can also expose the skin to cool air.

If your dog is a sound sleeper on his back, it’s best to heed the old adage, “leave the dog sleeping” so you don’t disturb his blissful slumber. However, when your sheltie is awake and playing, rolling on its back is often a request for a tummy rub.

How to teach your Sheltie to swim

By Becky Casale | About | Article | e-book

Swimming is a great exercise for Shelties that doesn’t stress the joints while giving him a chance to cool off on a hot day. This is how you desensitize him to the ocean in small steps.

Why teach your sheltie to swim?

Although your Shetland Sheepdog may be nervous in the sea, there are actually some benefits to swimming:

Fitness. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that provides overall muscle strengthening and a good cardio workout. It’s especially valuable if your Sheltie is fat or has arthritis that prevents him from walking due to the associated joint pain.

Stimulation. Swimming enriches our lives and this also applies to dogs! Water features are both mentally and physically stimulating and guaranteed to banish boredom.

Cooling. The Sheltie coat is an adaptation to the harsh winters of Scotland’s Shetland Islands. If you live in a warm climate, a swim in the sea is a great way to cool your fur ball on a hot day.

hydrotherapy. If your Sheltie later suffers from a joint injury, trusting the water will help them acclimate to hydrotherapy, which uses buoyancy, resistance and pressure to provide weightless physical therapy.

Trust. If you make regular trips to the beach or lake, teaching your Sheltie to swim will mean he doesn’t experience stress around water.

Don’t Shelties Hate Water?

Most Shetland Sheepdogs avoid going into the sea because they feel the danger of waves. This is a healthy aversion to a real threat; Toddlers are like that! But just like we do with young children, we can help our Shelties build confidence and skills in the water to give them the benefits and freedom of water play.

Is Swimming Safe for Shelties? Your sheltie will be much safer when swimming with adult supervision. The main risks are that she will come out of the deep and lack the energy to swim back, or that her double coat will become soaked and she will not be able to support her weight. Ideally she never gets into either situation, but if you’re around you can make a quick rescue. To help your sheltie gain confidence in the water, a dog life jacket can do wonders. The buoyancy keeps his head higher and counteracts the weight of his soaked fur. A life jacket is essential when taking your dog on a boat. Although he may be afraid of the water, don’t be surprised if he gets curious and suddenly jumps in!

How to desensitize your Sheltie to water

The trick is to increase their exposure to water in baby increments. Take things as slowly as she takes, exposing her to multiple minimally threatening environments before speeding it up.

Stage 1. Play it safe

Take your Sheltie to a paddling pool, stream or estuary at low tide. He might also think of the bathtub, but he probably associates it with having soaked himself against his will. The point here is to build only positive experiences with water.

The sooner you start water desensitization, the better. Sheltie puppies are much braver than adult dogs and are much more willing to approach new experiences. Adult Shelties can also adapt to water, but it takes longer to build their confidence.

Give your sheltie plenty of time to approach the water on its own terms. Don’t throw him in at the deep end! Model a calm or playful response yourself by making little splashes, dipping your feet and showing your joy. He will pick up on your mood and eventually his curiosity will outweigh his fear.

If he refuses to go near the water after at least 20 minutes, you can gently try to lure him there as long as you don’t stress him.

For example, when Howard was a puppy, we took him to an estuary when the tide was out. This left huge empty sand beds with small creeks in between. We strolled through the smallest of streams and Howard instinctively followed us, wading through the very shallow water that stayed well below his chest. Keep it up Howard!

Stage 2. Build trust

We often went to the estuary to gauge Howard’s reaction before venturing into something larger: a shallow bay with hardly any waves. Then we went in up to our ankles and he followed us in.

The next part was tricky. We waded out knee deep, only for Howard to whimper and call us back. I worried that we had rushed him. But we turned to Howard and modeled playful, happy behavior. After a minute he plucked up the courage to follow us to our chests!

Stage 3. Start swimming

When your Sheltie has enough confidence to enter the water up to his chest without assistance, he is ready to start swimming. All dogs have an instinct to doggy paddle – so you don’t have to physically teach your Sheltie to swim at any point!

We just lifted Howard’s body a few inches out of the water and moved it a tiny bit deeper. He began paddling his paws, and when he was lowered, suddenly swam of his own accord. What a rush!

Final Thoughts

Teaching your sheltie to swim won’t necessarily result in a dog that will boldly jump into the ocean at every opportunity. But it bridges the gap between a timid Sheltie who won’t touch the sea and those water-loving Labradors you see throwing themselves into the waves catching the ball over and over again.

And remember, underneath all that fur, Shelties are small dogs with limited muscle mass, so they can’t swim for long. Give him plenty of opportunities to rest, avoid swimming after he’s exhausted from a long walk, and never throw him in the water!

Follow this step-by-step desensitization plan and your Sheltie can learn to have fun in the water when it suits him. Whether that means paddling in the shallows, chasing waves, or swimming alongside you, he will benefit from the stimulation and exercise that will ultimately enrich his life.

7 tips for nibbling and biting

By Becky Casale | About | Article | e-book

Nibble and play bite is when your pup sniffs your hands and clothes. It is very common in puppies but can also occur in older dogs that have not been taught proper bite inhibition.

Pinching and play biting is completely natural in puppies. They explore the world with their mouths – just like we use our hands. Puppy munching isn’t a form of aggression: it’s a healthy way to communicate, explore, and play.

From birth, Sheltie puppies use their mouths to explore the den, their mother, and their littermates. When they are a few weeks old, they use their mouths to play with their siblings. But when a puppy walks into your home and starts biting anything their jaws can reach, it’s time to set some boundaries.

The instinct to nibble and play bite

Puppy biting actually teaches young puppies an important lesson called bite resistance. If a puppy bites a sibling too hard, the other puppy will yelp in pain and stop playing. This teaches the pincers that biting too hard leads to social isolation. And when other puppies bite him too hard, he learns what that pain feels like too.

This is one of the reasons why puppies that are taken from the litter too early (less than 7 weeks) are often maladjusted. You’re missing out on these important social lessons. As a result, they retain a tendency to nip during play as adult dogs and under emotional pressure, creating a dangerous home environment.

Bite inhibition refinement

Even puppies that have learned basic bite inhibition from their siblings often need reconditioning when they move into your home.

And human skin is much more easily damaged, so you may need to refine your pup’s bite pressure even further.

Puppies cannot cause serious harm. Though their small teeth are razor sharp, their jaws are too weak to do much more than draw a trickle of blood. But there’s a lot more to a grown dog than just scratching the surface, and it won’t be long before your cute ball of fur grows into a full-grown dog with full-grown teeth.

Here are 7 steps to teach your pup bite resistance. The same technique is applicable to older dogs, although the lesson may take longer to train them.

1. Set the play biting limit

When playing with your Sheltie puppy, choose the level of mouth movement you are willing to accept as part of good behavior. Some owners are content to let their dogs touch their hands with their teeth as long as no pressure is applied. Others (particularly those with young children) make no dental contact at all.

2. Limit puppy biting

Whenever your pup crosses the line, squeal in pain and immediately twist your entire body away from them. Walk away and keep your face and eyes averted. Don’t talk to or touch him for the next 30 seconds. That’s long enough to absorb the lesson, but not too long to forget what caused the social isolation. Make sure no one approaches or plays with him during this time.

3. Provide chew toys

Most puppies (and some older dogs) have an innate need to chew when they are being played with. To prevent your pup from biting your hands, give him a more appropriate chew: all with a slight yield. Rawhide bones, pig ears, or squishy rubber toys all go down well.

4. Correct bad behavior

If your Sheltie tries to bite and bite your hands while playing, quickly correct him with a sharp “NO!” or “Ah-ah-aaah!” He should be scared to stop. As soon as he stops, give him praise and quickly draw his attention to an appropriate chew toy. When his jaws close around it, praise and pat him again.

5. Never use physical force

Never use physical force to correct your dog for pinching or chewing. Not only is it unnecessary, but in most cases it encourages further biting by the puppy. The cold shoulder technique outlined above is the most effective and humane way to show your displeasure to your Sheltie. After all, he wants to please you, he just needs to figure out what the rules are. Give the dog a chance!

6. Use time outs for sustained sipping

If your pup really gets going and tries to pinch you repeatedly, he may need to cool off a bit. In this case, the time-out method is a good idea: take him alone to his crate or a small room and leave him there for five minutes to rest. When it’s time to bring him back to the heart of the household, you can start playing again – just tone it down a notch until you feel he can handle the excitement without nagging any more and to bite.

7. Avoid rough play with series pliers

If your puppy or growing dog is very hyperactive, choose non-contact play whenever possible. Frisbee and fetch are great choices, as is tug of war, provided your dog knows the “drop it” command. Avoid rough play such as soft clapping or extensive wrestling at all costs. These games encourage nibbling and engage a dog’s instinctive aggression that should be avoided. Instead, keep the games friendly and low-key.

Looking for an active and glamorous dog? The Shetland Sheepdog could be just the thing for you. Whether you want to borrow one or get one of your own, we’ve compiled a lot of fun and interesting facts you should know about the breed, courtesy of the Shetland Sheepdog owners in our community.

What is a Shetland Sheepdog?

Native to north-east Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a type of herding dog. They have a thick coat that’s built to withstand the winter elements, and they come in a variety of colors including blue merle, tri-color, and sable.

If you’re looking to brush up on your Shetland Sheepdog knowledge, these books might come in handy.

How Much Exercise Does a Shetland Sheepdog Need?

The Kennel Club describes the Shetland Sheepdog as “virtually tireless”. They are always on the go and very active, requiring up to 1 hour of exercise a day, but they never say no to more.

“Ruby is a very energetic Sheltie who loves to go on extra long walks and does a lot of exercise, but she also loves snuggling on the couch and sleeping in our bed!” – Emma, ​​owner of Ruby.

What is the temperament of a Shetland Sheepdog?

The Sheltie is a glamorous and intelligent dog that is very cheerful and irritable. They are always ready to please and are hardworking. According to The Kennel Club, Shelties are affectionate towards their owners but can be a bit aloof around strangers.

“Brodie is a wonderfully loving and kind Sheltie. He loves walks, playtime and lounging. Brodie is very well socialized and loves meeting new dogs! He has a calming effect on people and is an absolute delight to be around.” – Ben, owner of Brodie.

Are Shetland Sheepdogs easy to train?

Due to their alert nature and herding history, the Sheltie is relatively easy to train. Often used as farm dogs, they make great family pets and many are trained for agility.

“Indie is a very well behaved Sheltie who is a competitive agility dog!” – Monica, owner of Indie.

That being said, here are a few fun quirks some of our members’ pooches have:

Jessica, owner of Pero:

“Pero lives up to his ‘shepherd’ breed and won’t let off the leash around sheep!”

Lili, owner of Shanti:

“Shanti loves cats more than anything and food is always close to her heart!”

Carole, owner of Finlay:

“Finlay is very handsome and he knows it – everywhere he goes he gets a lot of fuss and attention.”

The most common Shetland Sheepdog names on BorrowMyDoggy:

Meryl

angus

Luke

tammy

Finlay

Does your Shetland Sheepdog’s coat get all over your furniture and carpets? Here’s a quick, easy cleaning trick 🙂

Discuss this article on our Sheltie forums

What’s NOT to love about Shelties? Of course, if you are looking to add a new family member, there are many fantastic breeds to choose from. Your mileage from this list may vary based on what is important to you and your unique family dynamic.

I’ve compiled my personal top 10 list of reasons I think this breed makes the perfect companion. Sheltie lovers can already relate most of this!

(Insert drum roll by David Letterman.)

Shelties are small

I’m not a big dog. Big dogs are strong. Big dogs can be intimidating. Many large dog breeds drool. Large dogs cost more than smaller dogs. Big dogs have big tails that will smack you in the knees and sweep things off coffee tables.

Then there’s the issue no one likes to mention, how dogs greet each other by sniffing. This can lead to awkward moments when your dog’s head is already on your houseguest’s inside leg!

I personally think Shelties are the perfect size for dogs. Typically 13-16 inches tall and weighing 15-23 pounds, they are light enough to pick up and cuddle. They are small enough to play with young children and generally large enough not to be harmed by a child. Their size often reassures those who are normally afraid of dogs.

Shelties are gentle

Shelties were bred to herd. Not for fighting, retrieving or hunting. They are more diplomatic in nature. They enjoy solving problems and working things out. This innate tendency gives them a naturally “gentle” nature when dealing with people. Shelties are very aware of people’s body language and their position in relation to you, and are very attuned to moods.

Shelties will generally either whine, gently nudge you with their nose, or brush you with their whiskers when seeking attention. My Tyler likes to stand with his head between my knees while I prepare his meals at the kitchen counter. When I wear shorts, all I can feel is whiskers on either side of my knees. He’s happy to let me know he’s there – ready and waiting for dinner!

Shelties will often place a toy next to you instead of dropping it on your toes. Shelties can also be gentler with their toys than other breeds. Toys in our house have often been inherited by new “siblings”. We have some stuffed animals that are over 10 years old!

Shelties have also been known to jump up next to you and wait to be offered a seat, rather than just bursting in and flopping down on you. How polite of you!

Shelties are quirky

Have you ever seen a sheltie staring at fish? Have you ever heard a Sheltie howl? My childhood Sheltie hated sewer grates and refused to go near one. My beloved Trevor was just doing counter-clockwise laps around the room… squeaking a toy the whole time. No one has ever accused this breed of having no personality!

Shelties have a lot of joie de vivre. They love to amuse you and make you laugh. If you encourage them, you can bring out their silly side!

Shelties are expressive

If you pay attention, Shelties will show you the many different ways they show their emotions through body language – and via their vocal cords! Yes, they are known for their high-pitched bark, but they can be trained to control their barking, talk when necessary, and even sing! (We’re still working on that trick!) Note, however, that Shelties were definitely designed to be heard, not seen!

Why Do Shelties Bark A Lot? Well, Shelties have a lot to tell! They crave a lot of interaction with their humans and will stay by your side throughout the day just to be close to you. (That means following you everywhere…that includes the bathroom.)

As soon as it’s time to do something else, like eat dinner or go for a walk, they’ll tell you. Our seven year old Sheltie Toby is a particularly bossy Sheltie at dinner. He will rest his head on a nearby couch, chair, or knee and grunt and squeak as he looks at you. No need for a watch. He’ll remind me exactly when it’s dinner time.

Do dogs smile? I know for a fact that Shelties do that! When a Sheltie is happy, his eyes will sparkle and his mouth will open wide and he’ll start puffing at you. You’ll also notice that they pull back the corners of their mouths when they smile instead of just panting. I was able to get Trevor to smile on cue by asking, “Are you smiling?” and then touching the corner of his mouth. He loved this game! The sheltie smile is a wonderful thing!

It’s very easy to communicate with these expressive creatures once you tune into their body language!

Shelties love to play!

Shelties love to run and play. As with most dogs, keep an eye out for the play arch where a game of chase is taking place and you’ll be rushing around the house or garden with that happy Sheltie smile. This game is usually played between dogs, but you can try it too! I bet your sheltie will be over the moon!

While they generally enjoy retrieving, Shelties prefer the hunting portion of the game more than the return! Trevor was only a foot away and wanted me to toss the frisbee. Once caught he would let me reach over and take it back, eager for the next toss! Trevor also loved to keep an eye out for toads on our driveway after an evening rain. He would stand over them and wait for them to hop away! He was so mesmerized that after a while all we had to do was say, “Trevor, where are the toadies?” and his head immediately rolled to the ground, searching for his little friends.

If you really want to make a Sheltie happy, get some dogproof bladders. Most Shelties go insane chasing these magical things and trying to eat them!

Shelties are loyal companions

Shelties want to be with their human at all times, even if that means doing really scary things like getting in the water, which can be scary for most Shelties (although not all fear the wet stuff, some of them love it.) That The cruellest thing you can do to a Sheltie is make him live outside and away from family.

These dogs are 100% guided by your companion, so they’ll be really upset or sad if you leave the house without them. I would definitely not recommend such a bonded breed if you travel a lot. When you take on a Sheltie, you are taking on a new best friend and you must consider their needs in your life.

When my mother-in-law comes to visit, she doesn’t quite get used to the dogs staring at her. She always asks me why they do that! Sheltie lovers know that that just comes with territory, and it means they just want to communicate with you!

Shelties are delicate

Shetland Sheepdogs are so intelligent that they are incredibly sensitive to their environment. As a watchdog, they will alert you to any unusual activity outside or inside the home. That means cars, neighbors’ pets, wildlife, and even children playing. Our Sheltie Tyler will even go so far as to growl at a dropped sock on the stairs or a coat on the back of a chair. If it’s something different or out of the ordinary, you bet we’ll hear about it! You can train your sheltie to curb any excessive barking response, but they are

still highly motivated to stay on guard duty!

Shelties are beautiful

The first thing that strikes you about a Sheltie is how stunningly beautiful they can be. They also come in a range of different coat colors so there is a color for almost everyone!

Although often accompanied by cries of “Look a little Lassie!” or the infamous saying that makes Sheltie people the world over cringe… “Look at that Mini Collie!” In fact, it’s easy for the untrained eye to tell the difference between a Sheltie and a Rough Collie when placed side by side stands. Both are beautiful in their different ways, but Shelties have a very different face profile than Collies. In addition to the difference in size, well-bred Shelties have a more fox-like appearance.

Shelties are very smart!

As the sixth most intelligent dog breed in the world, Shetland Sheepdogs are known to be extremely intelligent.

Originally bred to herd flocks of sheep alone, they have exceptional decision-making skills. You’ll learn new commands in just a handful of repetitions and have the ability to learn hundreds of spoken words. They are also very curious to explore, which makes them easy to train.

I remember a funny story about Trevor and how he trained us to give him what he wanted. A few years ago on a trip to VT we came across a bell maker who made reproductions of antique sleigh style bells that would come on a leather strip for your door. I loved the soft cute chimes they made so we bought one for our back door. Every time the door opened, the bells rang. Beautiful or?

Well one afternoon my husband and I are in the kitchen talking about something and Trevor left to go to the mud room that has this back door. We chatted and heard the bells ringing. We stopped talking, looked at each other and leaned around the corner. Trevor stood at the door and looked at us. I said, “What’s up Trevor, did you ring the bells?” He turned and gently touched the last bell on the string with his nose, then turned back to me, smiling. I laughed and asked if he needed to go on the potty and he did his happy dance and called her a third time. I took the hint and showered it with praise (and took it out, of course!). Such a smart man!

From then on, when he wanted to go out, he rang the bell alone…or when I asked him to do it for me. I never had to train him. He just figured it out himself! That’s one of my sweetest memories of Trevor and the bells still hang on the door to this day. I will always leave the tarnish on the last brass bell from all those wet nose touches as a happy memory of him and our time together.

love shelties

A perfectly sized lap dog, many Shelties love to snuggle up on your lap and enjoy hours of stroking and stroking on your tummy. Some dogs are so content that when you stop, they’ll reach out and pull your hand back to continue petting! In most cases, Shelties are notoriously loyal and affectionate towards their owners, while being reserved towards strangers, making your relationship with them extra special.

I’ve had many stressful days at work only to come home with a hopping, barking, smiling, over-excited Sheltie. All my problems melt away as soon as I can hug one of my boys.

We have developed a strong bond with our Shelties because of the attention we give them. Mental stimulation is important for this breed. Do that and they will give you their heart, soul and all four paws; it pays you back 1000 times!

What are YOUR top 10 reasons to love Shelties?

Next: How to Find a Lost Sheltie

Back: The Shetland Sheepdog

How to entertain your dog indoors

Written by the medical experts at Small Door

Being stuck at home is disappointing for both you and your dog. We all know that an active dog is a happy dog, but even if you can’t get out as much as you’d like, there are still many things you can do at home to stimulate and entertain your dog. Check out our tips below for entertaining your dog indoors.

Dog activity requirements

Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay fit, healthy and happy. Physical exertion comes from walking, running and playing, while many different things can provide mental stimulation.

From tracking smells outside to focusing on obedience training to trying to get kibble out of a jigsaw puzzle toy, intense mental focus leads to a tired, happy dog.

A dog that is lacking in stimulation (either physical or mental) often ends up releasing its pent-up energy in unwanted ways, e.g. B. by chewing its owner’s socks or destroying a piece of furniture. This is why it is so important to ensure that your dog is properly stimulated, both mentally and physically.

Ideas to entertain your dog indoors

1. Practice short obedience training sessions every day

Training your dog provides great mental stimulation. Using positive reinforcement methods, go through any commands you’ve previously taught them or introduce a new one.

Whether you’re just starting out with obedience or your dog is a seasoned pro, it makes sense to spend at least 5-10 minutes training each day to ensure all commands are well embedded in your dog’s memory and he himself always can remind correct behavior when needed.

2. Teach your dog a new trick

Try teaching your dog a new trick. Whether it’s shaking a paw, learning the name of a favorite toy, or crawling under a chair, the possibilities are endless!

A great trick is tidying up. First, teach your dog what “put away” means by getting him to pick up one of his dog toys, carry it to a crate, and drop it. Then you can continue scattering toys around a room and pointing at them one by one while picking them up and putting them away until eventually they can only do it with the command.

3. Give your dog a stuffed Kong or a food-dispensing puzzle toy

Fill a Kong or similar toy with kibble mixed with a tasty treat like a spoonful of peanut butter, canned pumpkin, or mashed banana. Pro tip – you can freeze it so it will last longer for your pup!

Puzzle toys and food dispensing toys are great for mental stimulation (as well as dogs who gobble their meals too quickly!). Your dog must “solve” the puzzle by tilting or shaking the puzzle toy to knock out the kibble before he can eat it. Some of our favorite puzzle toys are made by Trixie or Nina Ottoson.

4. Let them watch the world go by

Dogs like to sit by the window. If possible, set up a safe spot for your pup where he can see out the window, and if you’re comfortable with that, open the window a crack so he can enjoy the smells and sounds of nature.

5. Rotate your dog’s toys

Just like children, dogs like new things. By rotating your dog’s toy, you can make the toy appear much more interesting!

Stash some of your dog’s toys in a closet for a few days and then swap them out to give your dog something new to play with.

6. Teach your dog the name of his toy

Teaching your dog the names of their toys isn’t as difficult as it sounds. This can be a great activity, especially if you spoil your pup with lots of toys. Start playing with a toy and give it a name – tell your dog to get the specific toy by name and praise it when it brings back the right one. You can also use treats or a clicker while playing with each toy and reward your dog while saying the toy’s name.

Finally, see if your dog can pick the toy out of a pile of toys by name. Once he gets the name, try another toy and repeat the process.

Dogs love new things. Hide some toys in a closet for a few days and then bring them out again for the novelty factor!

7. Play tug of war

Tug of War is a great indoor game that doesn’t take up much space, but is incredibly physically demanding and tires dogs (and humans!) very quickly.

Other games you can adapt for indoor play include throwing a very light ball into a safe area that your dog can catch or fetch, provided there’s nothing breakable nearby.

8. Play hide and seek

Especially fun if you have kids – let your dog sit, stay (give him a human helper if he doesn’t already know how to stay) and then go and hide. When you’re ready, give them a call to come and find you.

When they succeed, respond very enthusiastically and reward them so they know they did a good job and enjoy the game as much as you do!

9. Find the goodies

Your dog’s sense of smell is incredibly stimulating for him, so give his nose a little work. Hide treats around your home and let them sniff them all day.

If you repeat this over several days, be sure to vary the placement of the treats to keep it interesting for your dog.

10. Create an indoor obstacle course

If you have the space, why not set up a homemade obstacle course for your pup? Teach your pup the basics of agility, jumping over some small boxes, weaving through stacks of books, and lying on a blanket at the end.

Another great thing for keeping kids entertained, you could even host your own dog show with an agility class and obedience class with your kids as handlers!

11. Learn scent work

Our dogs explore and understand their world through smell, so smell work games are a great way to keep Fido engaged by putting her nose to work. All you need for these games are some dog treats and various household items.

Play the Which Hand game:

For an easy scent job, place a treat in one of your hands, clench your fists, and hold them in front of your dog.

Let your dog sniff your hands and choose which hand it is in.

If they chose correctly, open your hand and give them the treat.

Muffin Tin Puzzle:

Using a muffin pan, tennis balls and dog treats, place treats in a few of the pans and cover any holes with tennis balls.

Give your dog the “puzzle” and let him explore by moving the balls to find the treats hidden underneath.

With each game, change the position of the treats to stimulate your dog’s mind.

The shell game:

Use 3-4 cups and place a treat under one of the cups (you can use plastic cups or even inverted flower pots for larger dogs).

Let your dog sniff around and discover which cup the treat is under.

When your dog paws for the right cup, lift them up to reveal the treat while you praise them.

Box search:

Place several crates on the floor with empty boxes.

Place a treat in one or more of the boxes while your dog is out of the room.

Bring your dog into the room and let him look for the box of treats.

When they paw or nudge the correct box, show the treat and give them plenty of praise.

Summary of how to entertain your dog indoors

Just like humans, dogs need a balance of physical and mental exercise. While it can’t completely replace their outdoor adventures, there are so many ways to keep your pup entertained indoors – from indoor obstacle courses and toy name training to scent exercises and food puzzles. We hope this list gives you some inspiration and helps keep your pup entertained.

Hang around with Shetland Sheepdogs long enough and you’ll find them to be wonderfully silly and funny animals. Shelties have certain characteristics that make them special! Discover some of the most famous Sheltie silliness! I’m sure you’ll recognize at least one (or more) in your own shelties.

That sheltie smile! For real? Shelties smile? Of course they do! (Have you seen our gallery?) Can dogs really laugh? Yes, in their own way. As with all dog breeds, the Shetland Sheepdog’s smile has its origins in wolf ancestry, but we actually reinforce this behavior! Learn more about this endearing trait.

Sheltie Talk Sheltie Talk is more than just a book! While Shetland Sheepdogs are known as barkers, they can also “talk” to you. With the right encouragement, they often make strange noises that can sound like speech. If you’re lucky enough to hear a few, you’ll love it! Sheltie Nation – Do Shelties Really Bark A Lot? Sheltie Nation – Debarking a Sheltie: A sensitive issue

water shelties? “No way,” you say? We have photos to prove it! While many Sheltie owners say their dogs hate water, it turns out that with the right encouragement, some Shelties do like water! So if you’re going to try to convince her to become a true Water Sheltie, you need to build trust with positive experiences! Shy Shelties Shelties have a reputation for being shy dogs. Socializing Shelties when they are young is well worth the time and effort. While a nervous Sheltie can be attributed in part to genetics, their desire to please can help them overcome their hardwired shyness.

Always cute and silly looking, Shelties that sleep on their backs share a surprising amount of information.