Really want a Sheltie, BUT...

If you have done some trial runs at a boarding place she will familiar with it and learn you always come back. Yes it is stressful for the week but she will live. If you were all gone one month i wouldn't be so supportive. As for the work schedule, i also work full time and have raised two puppies. One at 9 1/2 weeks and i was on vacation until 12 weeks. The other I was working and brought home at 12 weeks. At this time four days a week (sometimes 5) my dog is alone 830-5. They get into the schedule of exercise before and after work and sleep in the day. We have a camera on them thAt my husband can access through his phone and sleep is exactly what they do most of the day. We get up early to give him attention and exercise and as soon as we are home until late at night he is up and interacting. On our days off he maintains the same schedule albeit with interuptions.
 
zachawry said:
The only hitch is...we have to travel 1 month/year. Specifically, we live in Japan, and I bring my kids back to the US for a month each summer. My wife comes along for a week, then goes back home. So, there is 1 week a year when no one is home, and 3 weeks when only my wife is home. She works long 8AM to 6PM outside the home.
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Zack, I'm in Tokyo and just got back here from the states (spent 10 days with the family for Christmas) I was worried about the same thing but I literally had offers from numerous friends about watching my sheltie while I was gone.

That being said, if you can't find a decent place, depending on the timing and if you fly out of Haneda or Narita, I could always meet you at either and help you out.
 
Wow, thanks everybody for the replies!

I wrote of my concerns to the breeder (who we're going to see in a couple days), and she said that she would be willing to take the dog back for a month at a time (for a boarding fee). As far as I'm concerned, this is the best of both worlds. Of course, she lives a 2 hour drive away from me, so that's 8 hours of driving per summer, but I figure it's worth it.

So we're going to look at this one Sheltie we're thinking of (6 months old), and hopefully things will go well.

A friend who has experience with Shelties here in Japan says I should have the dog X-rayed because hip displasia is common in Japan, because of lots of inbreeding, but this seems kind of overkill to me.
 
Have parents been xrayed? If they have you won't need to. There are certain ages when xraying is most accurate but I would need to research it. I am sure one of breeders will answer to that one for you.
 
zachawry said:
I wrote of my concerns to the breeder (who we're going to see in a couple days), and she said that she would be willing to take the dog back for a month at a time (for a boarding fee). As far as I'm concerned, this is the best of both worlds. Of course, she lives a 2 hour drive away from me, so that's 8 hours of driving per summer, but I figure it's worth it.
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Sounds like a good way to handle it. Which breeder is it? I got my Sansa from "one and one" in Chiba. Pricey but they were knowledgeable and genuinely cared for the animal's well being.

zachawry said:
A friend who has experience with Shelties here in Japan says I should have the dog X-rayed because hip displasia is common in Japan, because of lots of inbreeding, but this seems kind of overkill to me.
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Interesting...I did notice they aren't big on the bloodwork and such.
 
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Matsuki said:
Sounds like a good way to handle it. Which breeder is it? I got my Sansa from "one and one" in Chiba. Pricey but they were knowledgeable and genuinely cared for the animal's well being.

Interesting...I did notice they aren't big on the bloodwork and such.
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Name is Ozawa, in Wakayama. She's been really helpful and nice.

So our family went down to meet the dog. He was really wonderful. A weird combination of friendly and playful, but at the same time totally relaxed and mellow. We met his dad, who was really excitable and energetic, but next to him our dog (hopefully) was just completely laid back. Which is exactly what I want in a dog.

The only step we have to go through now is have our condo approve the pet, which they should because he is within the size restrictions. Can't wait!
 
Nice!

My Sansa is the same, soooo laid back. Everyone goes gaga over her and then can't believe how calm she is. I'm not sure if it's a male/female thing but the males I've seen here have been much more hyper.
 
So, everything went through with the condo board, and we're going to go pick up Perry (the name we decided on) next Monday. Sooo excited. All of the sudden I'm nervous. Haven't kept a dog since I was a kid.

Is there a way to post photos? I'd love to post one, but I can't see a way.

Thx.
 
That is great news that you got the OK from the condo board...and little Perry will soon be home! Congratulations...how exciting! :smile2:

Pictures can be posted a couple of ways. You can post a link to a photo sharing web site where you have pictures stored...or if you become a premium member (info on that above on the left in the dark blue line) you can embed the pictures in your posts as you will have noticed some members do. Either way works fine.

Trini
 
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