sheltie rescue questions

E

emily1

Forums Novice
Hi we are retired and hoping to adopt a senior sheltie. I have had a sheltie/x in the past so somewhat familiar with breed. To be truthful only thing that put me off was everyone telling me they ALL bark excessively but hopefully that is not always so? I am also having last minute thoughts as to whether my dog will wish he was still the only dog, I do love him so much. He does love other dogs and going to the dog park etc but I guess I worry about stuff like this but on other hand I really want to help another dog and for many years always had more than one. Thanks for your thoughts :smile2: emily
 
One of the best parts about getting a senior dog is that their personalities are already (mostly) set. So, if you're looking for a dog that's quiet, you can tell the rescue organization (or wherever you're going). They will try to match you with the dog that fits you best.

Not all shelties are big barkers. I have one that is, and one that isn't.
 
Shelties bark, but there are plenty that aren't terrible barkers. I've had 4 and only one was an excessive barker and that's only because she had mental problems and was a pet store reject :wink2:
 
I agree that not all Shelties are barkers. Hamish and Noah only barked when something was wrong or upset them. Emma hardly barks at all, unless something is wrong. Liam on the other hand is more vocal, and barks to let you know whatever is on his mind. Emma will bark at times when he does. With my dogs, it is a personality thing. The first three Shelties were quiet dogs to begin with. Liam is more acive and on the go. He is like a toddler who has to be vocal. Even so, he is still a quieter dog that some others.

It is my feeling that rescues, like breeders, will try and match you with the personality of the dog who suits you best.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.
 
Callie is my rescue girl. She was debarked before the rescue got her but she does not bark a lot. she barks (and is the loudest) when she feels that I am too slow getting food ready or getting treats out. Happy taught her to bark when I get home from work so now I have three shelties that bark when I get home. Dixie is probably the barkiest of the three- she does bark at noises, movement outside and sometimes the neighborhood dogs barking. Cran doesn't really bark at any of that stuff. He'll talk to the girls to try and get them to play with him and sometimes he talks back. so all in all, it really depends on the dog and you can get a quiet sheltie at a rescue. :smile2:
 
Lucy, my rescue, is a huge barker. We are working on it and she's slowly responding with training. She's 6.

Fiona, my other sheltie, is super quiet. She only barks if someone is at the door.

The puppy is right in between, but learning when it's appropriate to do so.

As for your other dog, it will take a little time to adjust, just make sure you don't give more attention to one dog than the other. If your dog loves to play with other dogs then in time he'll enjoy the company of 'his own', especially when you aren't home.

Fiona loved being an only dog for the short time she was solo but now she likes to watch the other two play and even jumps in from time to time.
 
My sheltie hardly ever barks. I live in a condo and Marlowe doesn't make a peep when people pass my door, when dogs are barking in the hall (it seems like every other resident has a dog) or even when someone knocks on the door. The only time he barks is when he is playing at the dog park or daycare and even that is rare. It is a myth that all shelties like to bark.
 
Thank you all so much for your wonderful responses. I do so appreciate you all. I hope to hear back regarding the rescue and will let you all know if everything goes well with the dogs meeting (preceded by actually talking to the foster mom and finding out more about the dog). :smile2:
 
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