I finally got my Sheltie puppy yesterday. It's a girl. She is so sweet and easy going. She hardly barks, just a little at the carpet cleaner and she barked at my cat once when he sniffed her nose. But she just lays around and she plays a little bit. She had her vaccine a few days ago, so maybe that's why she's so relaxed. She's totally accepting of love and petting and kisses but she hasn't initiated anything more than a sniff. She has wanted to play with her toy and tried to pull my sock off a little, but she's not super energetic. I know it's probably so new to her and all, but what do you think this means about her personality as she grows up? I'm planning on taking her to puppy kindergarten so she can gain confidence and interact with other dogs.
very mellow puppy, what does it mean?
- Thread starter Joy H
- Start date
Piper's mom
Moderator
Congratulations on your new girl! I wouldn't worry, she's still getting used to her new home, just play with her lots and in no time you'll see her real personality emerge. When I first got my dog Piper he was a bit shy but after a few days he started to feel safe and started to trust me and his home. I think we sometimes forget that it takes time for the puppy to adjust to their new surroundings (I know I did...after 15 1/2 years with a dog you forget what it's like with a puppy). With my dog I'd say the first few days to a week was him getting comfortable and getting used to me and after that boy o boy he turned into a crazy puppy who loved to run!
Also, what's your little girls name and how old is she...and any pictures? We love pictures!
Also, what's your little girls name and how old is she...and any pictures? We love pictures!
Caro
Moderator
Too soon to say anything much about personality. Deska as a pup was the most laid back and confident pup, not a bark until Tully arrived. Now he's a neurotic, barking, tantrum throwing adult - albeit a confident, friendly and cuddly one. Tully was timid when she first came home, and a stubborn puppy, but grew up to have a sweet personality and loving, although not confident with strange, larger dogs.
It's really hard to tell what they will grow up to be. A lot depends on how they are raised. I think the innate personality remains the same, but whether they become flaws or positives is up to you and her environment. Tully could have stayed timid if I hadn't socialised her, Deska's barking and neuroticism was probably due to the early onset arthritis.
It's really hard to tell what they will grow up to be. A lot depends on how they are raised. I think the innate personality remains the same, but whether they become flaws or positives is up to you and her environment. Tully could have stayed timid if I hadn't socialised her, Deska's barking and neuroticism was probably due to the early onset arthritis.
Cara Sandler
Forums Enthusiast
Both of my girls did, well, not much when I first brought them home. Now they are full of energy and are not afraid to let me know what they're thinking. We play a lot (and they play with each other too). My household is a very busy household with my two girls!
It means she hasn't come into the full Sheltie devious ways and is snowing ya until she has an opportunity to "shine". 
Shelties are VERY smart, they make you think they are just so sweet, innocent, creatures of perfection, then when you are completely mesmerized and under the spell, they will do something uncharacteristic of that sweet nature you were assured of. 
And because they are so dog gone cute, you won't realize you have been owned. It is what they do, and everyone on the forum will chuckle because we have all been duped. Because their good qualities usually outweigh their questionable behaviors, and sneaky ways, they are forgiven over and over. But be warned lurking deep within each adorable sheltie, a time bomb goes off, every so often and they resort to the most outlandish displays. In the meantime, enjoy your lil darling, and when it happens just egg her on and laugh at how clever she truly is. I know mine plot together and execute lots of stuff, and then great me at the door with the totally clueless look of "we did nothing, mom, honest". 
Shelties are VERY smart, they make you think they are just so sweet, innocent, creatures of perfection, then when you are completely mesmerized and under the spell, they will do something uncharacteristic of that sweet nature you were assured of. And because they are so dog gone cute, you won't realize you have been owned. It is what they do, and everyone on the forum will chuckle because we have all been duped. Because their good qualities usually outweigh their questionable behaviors, and sneaky ways, they are forgiven over and over. But be warned lurking deep within each adorable sheltie, a time bomb goes off, every so often and they resort to the most outlandish displays. In the meantime, enjoy your lil darling, and when it happens just egg her on and laugh at how clever she truly is. I know mine plot together and execute lots of stuff, and then great me at the door with the totally clueless look of "we did nothing, mom, honest".