Sheltie, is it right?

[Machiavelli]

I know in Australia it is common for dogs to be kept in the yard or seperate from the family, but as mentioned, shelties are very attached to their family.

I was discussing that I thought the bed would be ideal under the staircase, there's a lot of available space under there, which I think is appropriate for the dog to have a bed and a toy basket. Though The compromise seems to be at the moment the laundry. I'm working on the ladies of the house.

Shelties are much lighter than Goldies or Labs so are less likely to scratch floors - certainly they would do less damage than a human. And if you are really worried about the floors you can buy little dog booties for them to wear around the house.

This might help, but I'm sure they'll think I'll be on another planet. but it is true though. Goldens have big paws, perhaps because of the webbed feet, and shelties do have cute little paws.

On the plus side with shelties you are far less likely to have your garden and home chewed to pieces by an errant pup or adolescent as you could with a lab or goldie. And heaps less poop to clean up in the garden.

Yeah, this appeals to me. Golden's bite inhibition is a pain, and my fiancée just bought about $9000 of outdoor furniture. We know someone with a Golden and the Golden hadn't chewed anything other than an unwanted old pup bed i think it was, and just the other day it chewed through the outdoor covers and have a good chew at one of the chair legs, in fact when I visited the dog still had two pieces stuck behind his molars.

I know my significant other mentioned her chairs will cost about $200 a piece to replace... so ermm yeah.

Another plus is Shelties aren't that common yet (altho they are becoming more popular), and because they are small and attractive they are generally accepted by the public more so are easier to take places than a larger dog. As you have probably found, even though there's a high rate of dog ownership on Oz the general public are still light years behind Europe and even the US in accepting dogs in public places. Shelties are definately more accepted on beaches and walking areas and cafes than bigger dogs.

well smaller dogs are just better to be frank. My ideal range is about 31 to 51 cm (12 - 20 inches) at the withers. Also small dogs are a lot easier to handle. I remember when I was 18 I volunteered to look after this OAPs Labrador. Now the dog was overweight, and it was his pet, and a guide dog but he had throat cancer and couldn't keep it if he didn't get someone to exercise it. So I took it out. Correction the dog took me out for a walk. I wouldn't be far off if I said it was about 20lbs overweight for a labrador, if not a bit more.

I've also looked after a friends Newfoundland. That was difficult to handle, so I know what you mean about that. Also I know most people aren't too keen having a newfoundland wanting to say hello to them. While you're trying to calm the dog down. Also this newfoundland was jumbo size.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

I don't quite understand how to compare Golden, Newf and Shelties. It's like comparing Apples and Oranges...
Other than the size you really need to think what you like about them!!!!
If you like friendly Lab, who is easy going, a Sheltie may really NOT be the best fit for you.
It's also easy to say just train the dog not to go upstairs, but quite another to actually do it. A Sheltie will NOT be happy being segregated, they love having everyone together.... They love herding people together, lol
And an unhappy Sheltie becomes a yappy Sheltie who hears people walking upstairs and will herd footsteps and bark!

 

[Machiavelli]

I don't quite understand how to compare Golden, Newf and Shelties. It's like comparing Apples and Oranges...
Other than the size you really need to think what you like about them!!!!
If you like friendly Lab, who is easy going, a Sheltie may really NOT be the best fit for you.
It's also easy to say just train the dog not to go upstairs, but quite another to actually do it. A Sheltie will NOT be happy being segregated, they love having everyone together.... They love herding people together, lol
And an unhappy Sheltie becomes a yappy Sheltie who hears people walking upstairs and will herd footsteps and bark!

well, I think some misinterpretations have been made. I was rambling a bit about my history with big dogs and the difficulty in handling them. trust me I am definitely not getting a newfoundland. It was hard handling that dog or beast for a walk. let alone the drool...

To be frank, I'm not as keen over a golden as the other family members who despite not interested in any of the responsibilities of a dog, would prefer that I think, though a shetland is being considered seriously.

I also forgot to mention that we have 12 Isa brown chickens on the property. They were not my idea... my mothers - she wanted fresh eggs. we get 11 a day.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

well, I think some misinterpretations have been made. I was rambling a bit about my history with big dogs and the difficulty in handling them. trust me I am definitely not getting a newfoundland. It was hard handling that dog or beast for a walk. let alone the drool...

To be frank, I'm not as keen over a golden as the other family members who despite not interested in any of the responsibilities of a dog, would prefer that I think, though a shetland is being considered seriously.

I also forgot to mention that we have 12 Isa brown chickens on the property. They were not my idea... my mothers - she wanted fresh eggs. we get 11 a day.

oh.. opps, now that makes more sense to me, sorry I misread what you meant
11 eggs a day, LOL... you can get a Sheltie to herd the chickens.. maybe they'll get too freaked out for a few days so the production of eggs will lower

 

[ElleKayCee]

My sheltie isn't allowed upstairs either and there hasn't been any problems. It was mainly because he wasn't potty trained and upstairs was carpeted. Now it is just a *soft* rule and he can come up when invited. However, the only time he's left alone is when we're all sleeping because there's usually someone on the main floor at all times. I have found this barrier helpful at times like when I have papers due and I can't have any distractions

 

[Toffee's Mom]

My sheltie isn't allowed upstairs either and there hasn't been any problems. It was mainly because he wasn't potty trained and upstairs was carpeted. Now it is just a *soft* rule and he can come up when invited. However, the only time he's left alone is when we're all sleeping because there's usually someone on the main floor at all times. I have found this barrier helpful at times like when I have papers due and I can't have any distractions

Good idea, do you use a baby gate?
omg Shelties are the greatest distraction, aren't they!? good thing I don't work from home, LOL

 

[ElleKayCee]

Good idea, do you use a baby gate?
omg Shelties are the greatest distraction, aren't they!? good thing I don't work from home, LOL

Yupp and it also blocks off the kitchen since someone likes to get into the compost bin.. And they really are distracting! Before I got my sheltie I had envisioned myself working on an assignment with a sleepy dog by my side getting the occasional pat-pat. Boy was I wrong, not only is Riley not much of a cuddler and prefers to sleep by himself, I also end up having toys shoved into my face everyone two seconds

 

[BarbV]

Sorry, but I'm a Sheltie Mom who believes in having her pups close by her all the time. And yes, I crated my dogs but at night, they were crated in my bedroom.

I personally believe that Shelties that do not get enough human interaction have the potential to turn into those neurotic Shelties. I've got one myself.

Indy was raised in a breeder kennel until I adopted him at 10 months old. I know he was socialized with dogs and people, but for sure, he spent a big part of his early months in a crate with other dogs in crates beside him. Bacca is exactly the same age, but was home raised from the start.

Don't get me wrong, Indy is a wonderful dog, but he is just SO needy all the time. And a food hound. And neurotic.

I guess I'm saying is that if you want a companion dog, the dog should be allowed to be with you 95% of the time when you are at home, including sleep time.

Ok ducking now!

 

[KarenCurtis]

Welcome! I love shelties, the only drawback is that they are barkers-most bark alot. Also, my sheltie destroyed my wood floor by the T.V.
I do adore them though, and they can almost seem human when you talk to them!

 

[BarbV]

Just another thought. Noone wants their floors destroyed so I get that to some degree. (That being said anyone that doesn't expect some level of destruction should not get a dog of any breed)

Have you considered socks? We sell them at my store. They have rubber grips on the bottom to deal with skidding.

Also if you trim your dogs nails weekly scratches should not be a problem.

Finally there is a product called Soft Claws. You cover nails with this. I don't know if they make them for dogs.

But I do have to question a dog is really for you right now.