Are they all high energy barkers?

[brit1]

I am very interested in this topic but only because I am a (healthy/active) senior and very likely moving to a condo within the next few years. I love shelties although only had a part sheltie but she was fantastic. I have found a sheltie rescue that adopts "seniors to seniors" which would work out great for me as I only want to help senior dogs. So I am following this thread with interest as I thought perhaps a sheltie would not be suitable in an apartment because of the barking. brit

 

[marymrumfelt]

Thanks so much for your responses. I had a lengthy conversation with a breeder this morning and may be going to visit a puppy this week! She confirmed pretty much everything you guys have said, and I'm very encouraged EEK...super excited!

The thing is to make sure you're okay with having a dog that barks a lot since you can't tell ahead of time. I personally didn't get a sheltie puppy (even though I ended up w/two mixes unexpectedly) because I rent and worry about the neighbors. I was thankful the girl we got her from, who lied about everything else, was right about her not barking a whole lot. Energy level is easier to tell early on, but barking can set in once you get home and down the road. Best of luck in your search!

 

[mellie]

I am very interested in this topic but only because I am a (healthy/active) senior and very likely moving to a condo within the next few years. I love shelties although only had a part sheltie but she was fantastic. I have found a sheltie rescue that adopts "seniors to seniors" which would work out great for me as I only want to help senior dogs. So I am following this thread with interest as I thought perhaps a sheltie would not be suitable in an apartment because of the barking. brit

Sounds like an excellent match , senior to senior...have fun searching for your new best friend . I am sure the rescue will know if your dog will be a barker or not . Welcome to the forum and thanks for thinking about changing the life of a sheltie.

 

[Justicemom]

The thing is to make sure you're okay with having a dog that barks a lot since you can't tell ahead of time. I personally didn't get a sheltie puppy (even though I ended up w/two mixes unexpectedly) because I rent and worry about the neighbors. I was thankful the girl we got her from, who lied about everything else, was right about her not barking a whole lot. Energy level is easier to tell early on, but barking can set in once you get home and down the road. Best of luck in your search!

Oh you tell somewhat if they are barkers as babies. If they bark then, they likely will be as adults. Birch was barking from the minute his eyes open I swear, I have video of it. Actually I think he was barky before his eyes opened. His sister Ash has yet to udder a peep unless she is playing. Same with Roper, mega mouth. When I got Justice, he rarely barked and still doesn't bark that much. He lived in any apartment for 2 yrs and I never had an issue.

 

[pixgal]

When I got Miss Sadie we wanted a dog to bark when someone comes to the door. We wanted it known we had a dog (we have a lot of sales people late at night) I worked with her. She barks when someones at the door. She only stops when I tell her it's ok. She is high energy to the point she wants attention. Her being a single dog may be part of it. If she had other dogs here she may not need as much attention. I'm not sure of that. She will bark if someone walks by the back fence. That I also want. She stops as soon as I tell her to.
I think you just have to take the time to train for what you want.

 

[marymrumfelt]

Oh you tell somewhat if they are barkers as babies. If they bark then, they likely will be as adults. Birch was barking from the minute his eyes open I swear, I have video of it. Actually I think he was barky before his eyes opened. His sister Ash has yet to udder a peep unless she is playing. Same with Roper, mega mouth. When I got Justice, he rarely barked and still doesn't bark that much. He lived in any apartment for 2 yrs and I never had an issue.

My pups didn't bark until they were about four months old. The first one to bark, turned out to be the least barkiest!!!! (should have kept him ) I have a video of the first pup barking(at about five weeks old) it's sooo adorable when they realize it. I think one of mine influenced the other into being a barky dog. LOL Hadley, my full sheltie, didn't bark until about two months after we had her... I was thinking she wasn't capable of barking! LOL She still won't bark in an unfamiliar place.... ha.

 

[Justme]

She will bark if someone walks by the back fence. That I also want. She stops as soon as I tell her to.

My Sheltie Angel was like that too. He would bark at a passerby, and then look back at me to make sure that I was admiring what a brave guard doggie he was. I would say "That's OK", and he would stop barking.

BTW, in spite of having good hearing, my boy never barked at the vacuum cleaner.

 

[Danny's mommy]

I am very interested in this topic but only because I am a (healthy/active) senior and very likely moving to a condo within the next few years. I love shelties although only had a part sheltie but she was fantastic. I have found a sheltie rescue that adopts "seniors to seniors" which would work out great for me as I only want to help senior dogs. So I am following this thread with interest as I thought perhaps a sheltie would not be suitable in an apartment because of the barking. brit

I think you are going to be so happy when you get your senior. Senior to senior is a great idea. In fact I am told adopting a senior is the best kept secret in rescue.

 

[Lysette85]

The thing about Shelties is you need to exercise them. Every Sheltie is different. Buffy needs about 30 minutes of good exercise and she is good. (She's 3.) If she doesn't get her exercise she can get a bit needy.

We had to work with her on barking when she was about 4 months old. We worked hard to train it away and it has not really been a problem since then. (Might be harder if you have multiple dogs... they egg each other on.) We live in a condo and haven't had any problems with neighbors etc.

I have been really lucky—Buffy is fantastic and my other Sheltie Abigail was an angel. A few of the dogs on this forum are a bit more crazy. (Some of it depends on a breeder and the personality of the line, so pay attention to mama dog.) But in general Shelties are wonderful dogs.

When some people hear "exercise" they might think a 30 minute walk will suffice. With a younger sheltie, they usually need their exercise to be off leash full out running. Walking doesn't do much for their energy level. (Just wanted to make sure they understand "good exercise") Also, nothing can replace the need for mental exercise as well. They are very different mentally than Havanese or Spaniels. They really enjoy working things out in their head during training sessions and such.

I have 2 shelties that are slightly over a year old. In the house, they sleep. They only get excited and move around when I put my sneakers on. Barking at my behaviors or actions is NOT allowed so we're pretty good there. But my bi-black will always have a higher energy level than my sable. My biblacks parents were quite chill, and he is a terror! It's taken a lot of training to get us where we are. But-many times the disposition of parents is a good indicator. Good luck with the puppy! Remember to post pics : )

 

[Sheltiemama]

We only rescue adults. 5 is the youngest I've had. They're all seniors now. I can't handle puppies and I am the world's worst potty trainer. Kids or dogs.