My boy was a brave guard dog too. He was proud of that role.
IMHO, Sheltie warning growls are precious. My boy didn't know that he wasn't a big, intimidating, German Shepherd.
Tell me about the sheltie's dark side
- Thread starter Foxy
- Start date
My boy was a brave guard dog too. He was proud of that role.
IMHO, Sheltie warning growls are precious. My boy didn't know that he wasn't a big, intimidating, German Shepherd.
Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
My boy was a brave guard dog too. He was proud of that role.
IMHO, Sheltie warning growls are precious. My boy didn't know that he wasn't a big, intimidating, German Shepherd.
LOL, my little Laddie gives a warning "bark" but it is so cute, it sounds more like a "poof" Sweet little thing, thinks he can beat the world. Wish I had his attitude.
I swear mine know bad words. If I even say "dammit" around then, in a fairly neutral, not loud voice, they scurry away to another room.
Cindy
Premium Member
My boy's dark side...
He will do anything for food! He can jump up on all 4s on a kitchen table to eat an apple, he will go through trash when left alone in the house, and he learned to pop open tupperware to get to food.
barking is usually only as an 'alert'.
But every sheltie is different; I asked the breeder for the calm one. Gavin is pretty non-reactive to noises and such. He is not a snuggler, but he is very accommodating of me
He will do anything for food! He can jump up on all 4s on a kitchen table to eat an apple, he will go through trash when left alone in the house, and he learned to pop open tupperware to get to food.
barking is usually only as an 'alert'.
But every sheltie is different; I asked the breeder for the calm one. Gavin is pretty non-reactive to noises and such. He is not a snuggler, but he is very accommodating of me
I have been reading everyone's posts with interest and have thought how best to describe Sally. I didn't get to pick her from a breeder's litter- someone else did that and then had to give her away(on Craig's List) at 4 mos of age because they weren't supposed to have dogs in the apartment they rented. A client came into the veterinary hospital where I work looking to place her in a home. I took her on the spot. I noticed that she seemed shy but many shelties are .
She is a little shy but nosiness wins out, so she will eventually check out strangers, but at her own speed. If the strangers are on Sally's turf there is much barking and that is ok with us- we like the alert. We are able to quiet her, but it does take a few minutes and sometimes a "distraction" such as "giving five" or "rolling over" speeds up the process. As I type we are outside and she is barking here and there because she hears a dog somewhere within a 10 mile radius barking. When I get sick enough of it I will make her shut up. We live in the country, but there are dogs at pretty much all the surrounding houses and nobody complains of anyone's dog barking.
Sally enjoys walks and fetch and Frisbee and practices her tricks every evening. I don't consider her a high energy dog- she definitely isn't hyper and seems content with the amount of exercise she gets. Honestly though due to the high humidity and heat, most of her exercise has been in the house this past few weeks. She really enjoys playing with us though. She doesn't chew on her stuff (chew toys)if we aren't around which means she doesn't raid trashcans or counter surf
She isn't clingy but does follow us from room to room to keep an eye on us and just finds a spot on the floor to lay. I have a bathroom monitor but DH closes the door before either dog or cat can get in with him. All my dogs AND little kids have followed me into the bathroom so I don't think shelties are the only breed or species to do so. Sally likes her behind scratched while I am taking care of business and the cat supervises my bathing.
I believe that most dogs are able, in time, to conform to what you are looking for but sometimes at a price. I have learned that it is a lot less trouble to enjoy the personality they bring, being thankful for the love and devotion Sally gives even when I am an idiot and a selfish fool and to just laugh and love her back when she isn't able to read my mind or perform whatever stupid task I've asked of her.
I love shelties because you can see them thinking- it is so cool and because they are just so tuned into their masters in such a really sweet way.
She is a little shy but nosiness wins out, so she will eventually check out strangers, but at her own speed. If the strangers are on Sally's turf there is much barking and that is ok with us- we like the alert. We are able to quiet her, but it does take a few minutes and sometimes a "distraction" such as "giving five" or "rolling over" speeds up the process. As I type we are outside and she is barking here and there because she hears a dog somewhere within a 10 mile radius barking. When I get sick enough of it I will make her shut up. We live in the country, but there are dogs at pretty much all the surrounding houses and nobody complains of anyone's dog barking.
Sally enjoys walks and fetch and Frisbee and practices her tricks every evening. I don't consider her a high energy dog- she definitely isn't hyper and seems content with the amount of exercise she gets. Honestly though due to the high humidity and heat, most of her exercise has been in the house this past few weeks. She really enjoys playing with us though. She doesn't chew on her stuff (chew toys)if we aren't around which means she doesn't raid trashcans or counter surf
She isn't clingy but does follow us from room to room to keep an eye on us and just finds a spot on the floor to lay. I have a bathroom monitor but DH closes the door before either dog or cat can get in with him. All my dogs AND little kids have followed me into the bathroom so I don't think shelties are the only breed or species to do so. Sally likes her behind scratched while I am taking care of business and the cat supervises my bathing.
I believe that most dogs are able, in time, to conform to what you are looking for but sometimes at a price. I have learned that it is a lot less trouble to enjoy the personality they bring, being thankful for the love and devotion Sally gives even when I am an idiot and a selfish fool and to just laugh and love her back when she isn't able to read my mind or perform whatever stupid task I've asked of her.
I love shelties because you can see them thinking- it is so cool and because they are just so tuned into their masters in such a really sweet way.
Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
So far, for me at least, Laddie's dark side includes, "Yapping" at apparently nothing, especially at night when he goes out for the last time to "potty"
Also, wants to bond with everyone but me, loves strangers, I don't know if that is a "dark side" but for me it is, he is definitely NOT a one person pup. Is this normal?
Also, wants to bond with everyone but me, loves strangers, I don't know if that is a "dark side" but for me it is, he is definitely NOT a one person pup. Is this normal?
nestewart123
Forums Regular
Is there a bad side?
My Mac Attack is the sweetest "little" guy going. Weighing in at a whopping 42 pounds, I call him a "sheltie-zilla" when people ask about his breed type. That's what happens when you don't do your research and fall in love with a ball of fluff from a backyard breeder. That said, aside from his unexpected size (obviously not the runt of the litter) his is very comfortable with visitors, seeing each as a new potential playmate. He wiggles a lots and you can see how much he would just love to jump up to give them kisses.
His coat is relatively thin, so you can see the dog, not just a puff ball with legs like some shelties I've seen. Love that about him. His coat absolutely sheds dirt once it is dry. No need for constant baths, just a quick brush out every couple of days and he looks fabulous.. I do attend to his ears every night when we are getting ready for bed. A little combing action keeps those knots behind his ears at bay.
Barky? Absolutely. When dogs, squirrels, ducks, geese, etc, go by the front, he lets us know. In a big way. People, no. Mailman, loves him. I simply close the door and distract him and he stops. Playtime ... He is the proverbial play police. If I don't get the frisbee from him the right way, he lets me know I didn't do it right with a sharp one bark. When I meet his standards, he's as quiet as can. Potty time comes around, and all I usually hear by the back door is heavy breathing and a little humming sound. Funny thing is, I can hear that one in my sleep.
Reactivity? Definitely on a leash when we walk the neighborhood. But go to the pet expo, he was the perfect little man. Go figure. Scared of shadows when we walk at night or early morning before work. I hate that we can't have a nice comfortable walk. Still working on that. He is just shy of 2 years old.
Bathroom attendant? Sure, but just to check that I'm doing it right, get a quick petting, then off he goes to guard the hallway.
Best dog ever? Right on! Just the perfect temperament for me, cuz I'm just like him. A nurturer and a guardian. Have nicknamed him Mac Nanny.
My Mac Attack is the sweetest "little" guy going. Weighing in at a whopping 42 pounds, I call him a "sheltie-zilla" when people ask about his breed type. That's what happens when you don't do your research and fall in love with a ball of fluff from a backyard breeder. That said, aside from his unexpected size (obviously not the runt of the litter) his is very comfortable with visitors, seeing each as a new potential playmate. He wiggles a lots and you can see how much he would just love to jump up to give them kisses.
His coat is relatively thin, so you can see the dog, not just a puff ball with legs like some shelties I've seen. Love that about him. His coat absolutely sheds dirt once it is dry. No need for constant baths, just a quick brush out every couple of days and he looks fabulous.. I do attend to his ears every night when we are getting ready for bed. A little combing action keeps those knots behind his ears at bay.
Barky? Absolutely. When dogs, squirrels, ducks, geese, etc, go by the front, he lets us know. In a big way. People, no. Mailman, loves him. I simply close the door and distract him and he stops. Playtime ... He is the proverbial play police. If I don't get the frisbee from him the right way, he lets me know I didn't do it right with a sharp one bark. When I meet his standards, he's as quiet as can. Potty time comes around, and all I usually hear by the back door is heavy breathing and a little humming sound. Funny thing is, I can hear that one in my sleep.
Reactivity? Definitely on a leash when we walk the neighborhood. But go to the pet expo, he was the perfect little man. Go figure. Scared of shadows when we walk at night or early morning before work. I hate that we can't have a nice comfortable walk. Still working on that. He is just shy of 2 years old.
Bathroom attendant? Sure, but just to check that I'm doing it right, get a quick petting, then off he goes to guard the hallway.
Best dog ever? Right on! Just the perfect temperament for me, cuz I'm just like him. A nurturer and a guardian. Have nicknamed him Mac Nanny.
My turn -- my Melody is probably 5-6 years old and has been with me 2 months from rescue through a no-kill pulling her from animal control
She is delightful. She is learning English from Spanish, she has never had an accident, she is great with the other dog and cats, she sleeps through the night on the bed, she tries really hard in Intermedite dog class (we skipped basic because she knew most of it), and she is great encountering dogs on an outting/at class.
Melli's darkside --
She's a litte shy with people, but I would be too with the major changes and traumas in the past 2 months. She WILL try to "finish off" the other dog's food before he is done with it but we are on a fairly strict diet to drop her from 39 to abut 30 pounds, but I stand guard durng meals and avert that. She HATES he nails clipped, but hubby's help and a muzzle for now and she will see I know what I am doing.
She gets carsick. REALLY carsick. Whether physical or psychological it really makes things difficult. This is the one thing that bothers me. We travel A LOT an I hate seeing her miserable.
She does NOT like our two mini goats who are adjacent to the dog potty area. Wow. Bite through the fence, bark, run back and forth. They think it is funny and come up to tease her. Then she gets frustrated and tries to bite the other dog. She can't hurt him but it makes him sad. I am discouraging this and hope it is a phase. Some sort of herding frustration, I assume.
I will have to say she is overall easy and delightful and most of what I see is new-rescue baggage. Ask me again in a year!
She is delightful. She is learning English from Spanish, she has never had an accident, she is great with the other dog and cats, she sleeps through the night on the bed, she tries really hard in Intermedite dog class (we skipped basic because she knew most of it), and she is great encountering dogs on an outting/at class.
Melli's darkside --
She's a litte shy with people, but I would be too with the major changes and traumas in the past 2 months. She WILL try to "finish off" the other dog's food before he is done with it but we are on a fairly strict diet to drop her from 39 to abut 30 pounds, but I stand guard durng meals and avert that. She HATES he nails clipped, but hubby's help and a muzzle for now and she will see I know what I am doing.
She gets carsick. REALLY carsick. Whether physical or psychological it really makes things difficult. This is the one thing that bothers me. We travel A LOT an I hate seeing her miserable.
She does NOT like our two mini goats who are adjacent to the dog potty area. Wow. Bite through the fence, bark, run back and forth. They think it is funny and come up to tease her. Then she gets frustrated and tries to bite the other dog. She can't hurt him but it makes him sad. I am discouraging this and hope it is a phase. Some sort of herding frustration, I assume.
I will have to say she is overall easy and delightful and most of what I see is new-rescue baggage. Ask me again in a year!
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
In my view, Shelties are all over the map.
Like most breeds, I blame the owners more than the dogs. Yes, Shelties have tendendies to be barky, herdy, etc.
But most times these behaviours can be managed I'm not saying that I've managed them....because Im mostly lazy. But I know they can be.
It really depends on how much you are willing to invest in your dog. If you want a sweet, malleable lap dog. Nope....not a sheltie.
But if you want a smart, agile, independent thinker, yet loyal and loving....a sheltie might work for you.
Like most breeds, I blame the owners more than the dogs. Yes, Shelties have tendendies to be barky, herdy, etc.
But most times these behaviours can be managed I'm not saying that I've managed them....because Im mostly lazy. But I know they can be.
It really depends on how much you are willing to invest in your dog. If you want a sweet, malleable lap dog. Nope....not a sheltie.
But if you want a smart, agile, independent thinker, yet loyal and loving....a sheltie might work for you.
Internette
Forums Enthusiast
My dog only barks at the door bell, use to with the phone ringing but actually we noticed he doesnt anymore, just looks at me and watches but no longer barking at it. If I pull in the driveway and he is inside then I hear him bark. I open the door say quiet and it stops otherwise no barking.
He steals cat food, that is his only bad behavior. It is like a drug to him, he can not resist. Oh he hates rain and is doe not like to go out in the dark.
We discussed it here at home and believe God gave us a dog he knew I could handle, if we had one who hurt the cats ( he tried in the beginning now they are fine around each other.) had accidents all the time in the house and barked non stop I don't think I could have been a happy dog owner. I am thrilled with him and I am the clingy one I love him so much. He really is special and fits in with us so well as far as our pace and lifestyle. He loves to go anywhere and everywhere with us and he goes 90 % of the time. We even take him to dinner here in florida lots of places allow pets in the outdoor dining areas. We were at Ruby Tuesday last week and he went as usual. He lies at my feet and stays there till it is time to go. He never bothers the wait staff or begs for food. Most people never notice him till we get up to leave and then I hear there is a dog there. Our fav spot is the pier as we can watch for dolphins. Chauncey hasnt seen one yet but I am hoping he gets a chance to.
I hope you get a chance to fall in love and share your life with a sheltie. I am so happy he is in my life and wouldnt change it for anything.
He steals cat food, that is his only bad behavior. It is like a drug to him, he can not resist. Oh he hates rain and is doe not like to go out in the dark.
We discussed it here at home and believe God gave us a dog he knew I could handle, if we had one who hurt the cats ( he tried in the beginning now they are fine around each other.) had accidents all the time in the house and barked non stop I don't think I could have been a happy dog owner. I am thrilled with him and I am the clingy one I love him so much. He really is special and fits in with us so well as far as our pace and lifestyle. He loves to go anywhere and everywhere with us and he goes 90 % of the time. We even take him to dinner here in florida lots of places allow pets in the outdoor dining areas. We were at Ruby Tuesday last week and he went as usual. He lies at my feet and stays there till it is time to go. He never bothers the wait staff or begs for food. Most people never notice him till we get up to leave and then I hear there is a dog there. Our fav spot is the pier as we can watch for dolphins. Chauncey hasnt seen one yet but I am hoping he gets a chance to.
I hope you get a chance to fall in love and share your life with a sheltie. I am so happy he is in my life and wouldnt change it for anything.