Hello from a novice Sheltie Mom from MN!

[Sadie's Mom]

Hi Everybody!
A few days ago I rescued a beautiful 3.5 year old Tricolored Sheltie.
I've always admired my friends Shelties. ( I've only had Golden Retrievers before. ) My little girl Sadie is just a sweetie. She's had a busy couple of days, visiting her vet, getting groomed (boy did she need it!). Visiting our local Petco and PetSmart stores. She is fitting in so great into our house. She has completely won over my husband, who is putty in her paws. She is well mannered around the cat (he'll come around). She's still sleeping in a crate. Not a peep out of her until I get up. (I'm sleeping in as I have this week off work). She's a MACHINE when it comes to retrieving tennis balls! Not even my retrievers liked it as much as she does! She has a soft mouth. No KONGS for her. She LOVES squeaky plush toys. And her rope toys will last FOREVER! She knows SIT and SHAKE. However we'll be working on manners. Gonna sign up for some obedience classes. She needs to stop greeting people by jumping on them. (trying to teach her to sit before we pet her). Walking on a leash is a nightmare. She pulls. AND she FREAKS OUT when cars drive by!. But if I understand the breed traits, this MIGHT be TOUGH to correct??? YIKES! She's a great watchdog. Maybe a little TOO VOCAL.
I'm very happy I found this forum, as there are some particulars I think I'm gonna need help with in the coming months.
OH....just thought of a quick question>.....since her fur is SO Thick around her neck/ruff area, is a chain/choke training collar recommended once I start Obed.????
Thanks for your input! Looking forward to meeting you!
Sandy

[Emmasmom]

Welcome - don't forget to post pix.

You'll find you won't need a choke/chain collar on a sheltie. In fact they are not recommended. Just a martingale or buckle collar works well.

For walking, are you using a harness? I use an easy walk harness on my three. Also, try loading a wooden spoon with some peanut butter before you go walking and every now and then drop it down so she gets a lick. This works.

[MAD3448]

Welcome. I am from MN. as well. Love the snow we got today. I have had two Shelties before my Hunter now. I have had them all chipped and never used a collar. For walks, I used a harness on my previous two. Hunter was a little more difficult and wanted to walk me so, I started him on a Halti. It worked great-once he got use to it and did not work so hard to remove it. HA! I use Hunter's kibbles for treats when we walk. He seems to think it is okay. Hunter does not want to walk much anymore and I miss that. Hunter will be 11 in May. Enjoy your new friend because, they soon grow old.

[Calliesmom]

welcome
we do love pix

[Chris]

Welcome! Sadie sounds like a perfect sweetie.

Get a martingale collar, not a choke chain. My four have braided kangaroo leather martingales (they last for centuries). Rolled leather are good, too:
http://www.collargirl.com/how_martingale_work.htm