I have a 10 week old sheltie that i just got last weekend. I've never had a sheltie before, I've always had other breeds. I read a lot about them before getting one and I understand that they need to keep busy and like to have a "job" to do. Yoshi (my puppy) has lots of toys and I play fetch with him every evening when I come home from work. I chase him around the house and play with him and his toys. But it seems that when I stop playing with him he immediately wants me to do something else with him. He whines if I don't. I've had puppies before and I realize they need a lot of attention. I've just never had one that seemed to need me to entertain him constantly, lol. Is this normal for a sheltie? It could be a phase that he grows out of, most likely. At this point he isn't very independent about much. For the first few days I had him he would freak out if I stepped inside for a moment while he was in the backyard. He's beyond that now, but he still won't go outside without me leading him through the door. It's not that I don't want to spend time with my puppy (he's absolutely adorable and I love him) but I would like for him to develop the ability to occupy himself. I would like to be able to sit and relax with him.
constant boredom?
- Thread starter emmyloo85
- Start date
trini
Forums Sage
Welcome, Emmyloo85.
Now is the time to be setting up realistic boundaries for your little guy. He needs playtime and socialization time with you and others and he also needs scheduled quiet time totally by himself. Get a crate and when you have played with him and then made sure he has had time to do his business outside, into the crate for rest time. If he whines, totally ignore him. It is fine for him to have safe doggie toys in the crate with him. If you cater to his every whim, he will not grow up feeling secure when alone. He is still a very young pup...sitting and relaxing with you may need time...most pups are ultra curious and full of energy and want to be exploring unless they are napping!
Trini
Shelby's mom
Forums Enthusiast
Sounds pretty normal to me. He has to learn that you decide when to play, eat, etc. By giving in to him when he cries and whines he will quickly learn that he will get what he wants by just whining and barking. I know it is hard but you have to just ignor him and not give in. Like everyone else said give him some alone time in the crate when you need a break.
Shelby is very persistent and a master manipulator. It took her a long time to realize crying in her crate got her no attention. It was very frustrating for us but now she doesn't make a sound. She knows that if she whines enough DH will eventually give into her. She whines and whines until he gives in and she knows it. As for me I just ignor her so she doesn't do it to me. They are very smart and figure out very fast what works to get your reaction.
Congratulations on your new pup! Enjoy the puppyhood. I just love watching them learn and experience new things.
Shelby is very persistent and a master manipulator. It took her a long time to realize crying in her crate got her no attention. It was very frustrating for us but now she doesn't make a sound. She knows that if she whines enough DH will eventually give into her. She whines and whines until he gives in and she knows it. As for me I just ignor her so she doesn't do it to me. They are very smart and figure out very fast what works to get your reaction.
Congratulations on your new pup! Enjoy the puppyhood. I just love watching them learn and experience new things.
Chris
Premium Member
Using the crate training methods outlined in The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete really helped us with this. Regularly scheduled nap, play, eating and rest times help a puppy self regulate. When play time was over, we'd say, "That's all," or "Take a break," or "Give it a rest." Still works. 
