Kai'a seems to fall into the excitable diva category too. Loves to play tug of war with just about anything, is a ball NUT, and launches into zommies at the drop of a hat. Going bonkers when I come home (well when anyone comes home really) and bonkers when she realizes we are going for a walk. I started her on "quiet" really early and as she is the only dog in the house she is not prone to barking (very non-sheltie like behavior in that respect). She also learned "settle" very quickly and we can usually get her under control with ease. She is vocal at mealtimes, but knows that she will get nothing unless she is quiet, so she clams up real fast. 
But she is very, very excitable. The only real difference I see is that she is not really a spinner; she might take after her tail or do a spin or two, but nothing obsessive or over the top. It is not an everyday thing. Since she is the only canine, and the "baby" in the family, she thinks (well knows) that all the attention is for her, all the time. Period. You can be taking the trash out or paying the bills and she thinks she must be involved and included for the task to be completed properly.
At the same time, Kai'a is really smart, much smarter than I give her credit for. Training her has been a joy and for the most part she listens not only to me, but to Steve and Devyn, extremely well. I can't ever think of a time when I was overly frustrated or frazzled because of her or her behavior (although I am sure those times will be upon us soon). Basically, she is a really good dog, and fits into our awkward, different little family perfectly. Even Elvis has been won over by her and they must be near each other at all times. I was unable to attend her first training class (I am currently confined to our oh so lovely hospital at the moment) but from what was reported she was excited, but extremely afraid of the other dogs and therefore stayed with Steve the entire time. I am hoping this gets better with time.
On a side note, Kai'a loves Yogi, a huge Golden that belongs to the Owner of our local holistic/alternative pet store in my neighborhood. Whenever we go in they play together as if they were littermates. It's fun to watch the 85 pound dog lick my 5.3 pound baby.
But, yeah, I have Diva on my hands to ... with no one to knock her off that pedestal.
But she is very, very excitable. The only real difference I see is that she is not really a spinner; she might take after her tail or do a spin or two, but nothing obsessive or over the top. It is not an everyday thing. Since she is the only canine, and the "baby" in the family, she thinks (well knows) that all the attention is for her, all the time. Period. You can be taking the trash out or paying the bills and she thinks she must be involved and included for the task to be completed properly.
At the same time, Kai'a is really smart, much smarter than I give her credit for. Training her has been a joy and for the most part she listens not only to me, but to Steve and Devyn, extremely well. I can't ever think of a time when I was overly frustrated or frazzled because of her or her behavior (although I am sure those times will be upon us soon). Basically, she is a really good dog, and fits into our awkward, different little family perfectly. Even Elvis has been won over by her and they must be near each other at all times. I was unable to attend her first training class (I am currently confined to our oh so lovely hospital at the moment) but from what was reported she was excited, but extremely afraid of the other dogs and therefore stayed with Steve the entire time. I am hoping this gets better with time.
On a side note, Kai'a loves Yogi, a huge Golden that belongs to the Owner of our local holistic/alternative pet store in my neighborhood. Whenever we go in they play together as if they were littermates. It's fun to watch the 85 pound dog lick my 5.3 pound baby.
But, yeah, I have Diva on my hands to ... with no one to knock her off that pedestal.
When they do what you want, click, treat - they are sooooo smart it won't take long.
