My Sheltie doesn't exhibit typical sheltie behavior

GChiu said:
Hugo, my Indie is like your sheltie, too.


  • Indie is certainly loyal, but is especially drawn to strangers. Everybody is a friend.
  • If someone walks on my street, he would have the urge to greet them. I've taught him not to run into the street. But if I as so much as nod or say a little hello to the person (or person walking a dog!) Indie would interpret this as a go.
  • Indie never barks at people or dogs or any other living thing or moving objects, even if he's spooked.
  • Indie doesn't chase squirrels or cats or other animals, unless they are the kind of dogs who enjoys a good chase.
  • Sees a bug or spider? He would stare it down.
  • The only time Indie barks or talks is when my hubby or I play with him with toys.
  • If someone comes at the door, he whimpers to let me know he needs to say hello! (I thought shelties were supposed to be a little protective of the house?!:no:)
  • Indie has never been frightened of vacuums, electric toothbrushes (I use a mini one on him), thunder, cars...
  • Indie is really good off leash, he knows not to walk on people's lawns (sometimes he does stray when he's having a great time). He generally keeps a good distance and stops when he sees another dog (I taught him to stop - he's been attacked by a dog once, but has never held any grudges) And again he's waiting for my slightest ok to bound forth.
  • Indie is naturally good with babies, toddlers and all kinds of people. I'm so proud of him. Did I mention he's home-schooled? Indie can also interpret phrases by the tones of our voices. Isn't that smart? I'm still surprised.
He's such a precious little boy! :yes:
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Uhm.. Toffee told me type for him to tell you guys your Shelties are freaky :biggrin2: :rolleyes2:

He stays close as well, walks off-leash around the block at night where I live and is also very good... but heaven forbid if somebody is actually still up, smoking a cigarette on their OWN porch... he thinks the neighbourhood MUST be made aware of it immediately... lol... He stops, although always has the last words... even with the 'No Noise' command but methinks that I DID jinx myself for sure, because I used to think I had a quiet Sheltie when he was under a year old.. he certainly has found his voice, I must say LOL
 
My 3 are very different

All 3 of my dogs are drawn to strangers. Diva loves them, she is almost Golden-like in her greeting of people. She has never met an enemy. Justice walks right up to people if they try to reach for him too fast he will back a way. He doesn't fling himself at people he meets but will back up into them for petting. Ember loves kids,any kids. She rolls over for them and gives kisses. She also walks right up to strangers. She has learned that because she is cute,people may give her food if they don't, she gives them time to pet her for a little then talk to the paw.:smile2: If I try to leave they will all follow.

Ember could careless about other dogs. They don't exsist in her world. Justice barks at the neighbors Boxer(he was attacked by a Boxer as a puppy) when he first come out but never on lead. Diva loves all dogs and I need to really keep her under control when they are around. They all like cats but do not chase them except in mutual play. If its a strange cat they could careless. They all agree squirrels, rabbits and other small fluffies are fun to chase.

Diva and Justice do not have any sound sensitivity. Ember has a few but not many. I played noise tapes(puppy racket and show racket) when they were puppies and I think they really helped.

Justice rarely barks unless the other dogs do so first and during a few tricks. The doorbell and the neighbors dog are his downfall . :( Ember barks all the time. Happy bark-yeah were going. Mad bark- its my turn , Excited bark-supper time, squirrel. Defender bark-my enemies must die. :wink2: Diva barks a little during playing and when I'm getting her meals. But otherwise she is quiet. Justice and Diva gumble and grunt during petting. Strangely Ember does not.

Ember has almost no herding instinct. Justice has moderate herding instinct and Diva herds everything in sight.

Justice and Diva love balls. Ember doesn't see the point.

They are very different but they are all intelligent, responsive, thoughtful and sensitive to my moods. Just varieties of the best breed.:smile2:
 
This thread has been so much fun to read! Trapp is definately one that loves to play fetch.He will bring a tennis ball to us if he wants us to throw it.And is getting better on his drop command.

He also will eat the insoles from just certain shoes.Like my Sperrys(boat shoe).
He loves people,has not shown one ounce of shyness,and does the wiggle butt when he is introduced to someone,and can't wait to give sheltie kisses.

I do see where he has totally designated Earnhardt alpha.I was chatting with Janet one day,and mentioned this to her. Trapp & Earnhardt can be outside and want in,Trapp steps aside and lets Earnhardt thru the door first,the same going out. Very respectful of him. But he does look to Earnhardt for protection,like staying tight under his belly if hes not sure about something.

As far as leaving the TV on,we hardly ever shut it off,even when we leave.I laugh at Brian,as I'll say to him,did you leave the TV on again? And he says yes,I left in on for Bumper~ (Bumper is blind) But Trapp loves to watch it for sure.

So far,Trapp & Bumper are best buds.They just play all the time.And is oblivious to the occasional swat of her paw.Which I think she does to judge her distance to him.

I second the picture & video request of the babe that swings...!!:wink2:
 
I agree that Animal Planet has something to do with this. I have just been watching Animal Planet for the last couple of years. I never watched it with any of the other 4 shelties I had. I watch it with Buddy--we've had him for 8 months (he's 10 months old).

Buddy is a strange sheltie to me, also. He doesn't throw himself at strangers--first he sniffs them for about 30 seconds, then he throws himself at them. He also likes all strangers and most other dogs. He doesn't seem to have any fear, although he seems to think before he acts. He just loves children and we don't have any. No real fear of hair dryers, door bells, vacuums. He does go crazy over the broom, but he just wants to kill it and tear it apart. Also, if I spin around in the computer chair--we will chase me for about 1/2 hour--it doesn't seem to make him dizzy.

They sure are fun aren't they!!
 
I loved this thread. I know Miko is sooo not a Sheltie either. My XH taught him how to fetch within a few minutes. He LOVES to fetch. Actually, his more fav game is to catch....he can catch a ball, but yet, can't catch popcorn. Go figure.

Miko didn't let out a bark until he was one year old. I was surprised by it. And thankful it wasn't high-pitched. He doesn't whine. He chuffs when he needs to go out or wants my attention. He's mellow. He is reserved with strangers, however, scratch his head, and he'll give you his butt (for more scratching). He'll now bark at the door, but typical Sheltie, will show any robber where his fav toys are and please, while you're here, throw them.

Lastly, I had to laugh at this. When I went to pick up Koji, he had a toy. He dropped it at my feet and I tossed it away to see what he'd do. Miko went running after it and the breeder said, "holy cow! How'd you teach him to fetch! I have had a LOT of shelties and none of them will fetch". LOL. So, we took them out of the run, put them in an enclosed area and taught them how to fetch. It was so great. But like I said, Miko likes to catch more than fetch.

I also taught Koji how to fetch by watching Miko. He loves to fetch and catch. I'm always amazed how the younger dogs learn from the older ones (never had two dogs before).

I guess....like with everything, there are stereotypes built off of some truths, but in essence, they're all very different!
 
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