Emmasmom
Forums Sage
How exciting! Happy birthday to both your babies tomorrow.
What are the benefits of more than one Sheltie?
- Thread starter Laddie's Mom
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Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
I think she will be must right for me. I am so excited, I can not even eat hardly. LOL. Sunday at 11:00 can not get here soon enough for me.
when your beloved sheltie goes
I agree with the poster on the silence is overwhelming when you just have one sheltie and they pass on. I think that was the WORST, but at almost 17 yrs old, I knew it was coming. Kaleigh fills the void, and she is so different than the other two I had in my life, but I am SERIOUSLY considering getting another, just because they are just so precious. Puppyhood is an adjustment-having not had a puppy in almost 17 yrs, but for the most part it is ok. She is 12 wks now, had her since she was almost 8 wks..from 3 lbs to almost 6...and the smallest sheltie I have had. My others were oversized and solid chunky ones...Kaleigh has smaller parents and is small boned, so I don't think she will ever be the chunk muffins my others were, but she can EAT...but she burns up WAY more energy. I am thinking she needs a companion just to keep up with her. I have never had two dogs at once, but her personality probably needs another canine buddy.
I agree with the poster on the silence is overwhelming when you just have one sheltie and they pass on. I think that was the WORST, but at almost 17 yrs old, I knew it was coming. Kaleigh fills the void, and she is so different than the other two I had in my life, but I am SERIOUSLY considering getting another, just because they are just so precious. Puppyhood is an adjustment-having not had a puppy in almost 17 yrs, but for the most part it is ok. She is 12 wks now, had her since she was almost 8 wks..from 3 lbs to almost 6...and the smallest sheltie I have had. My others were oversized and solid chunky ones...Kaleigh has smaller parents and is small boned, so I don't think she will ever be the chunk muffins my others were, but she can EAT...but she burns up WAY more energy. I am thinking she needs a companion just to keep up with her. I have never had two dogs at once, but her personality probably needs another canine buddy.
A good percentage of owners here have multiples. Lots have singles. Is either better? Nope.
I have two dogs because my husband needs a buddy. He was really lonely when we had 1 dog who was ridiculously bonded to me. I added the sheltie more for myself than for Shay. Melli became my little trooper and my husband got "our" boy to be "his" boy. Both dogs adore both of us, but there is a clear favorite happening. We had this happen with the original 2 Aussies -- he was jealous that #1 was so tight with me and wanted his own #2. Then again when we had Aussies #1 & #3. #3 became my minion and #1 gravitated to my husband.
As for dog - dog interaction. Honestly, I have never had dogs super tightly bonded, but I always adopted adults except for the one pup. They dwelled together and kept company by presence, but it was not best buddies, romping partners, pals. Just roommates. When Aussie #3 passed, Shay who was raised by him said, "Mayson who? It's all about mmeeeeee!". He was quite happy that way. Clearly perfectly happy that way.
I do know that when I was at the vet's this last week handling the two together was really a challenge for me, but one is a larger dog. The OP of this thread really had a hard adjustment with these two siblings. She adores them but they brought a level of chaos she wasn't ready for in the way of barking, romping, change in the way she trains, etc.
Multiples are great, but the dynamic is different. It's something to really think about. Do you have a lap for both or will they both vie for attention and be jealous? Do you intend to train or otherwise work with them? It's actually really hard to go off with one and the other is left at home ticked off (unless you have one that sort of belongs to a spouse or other human resident). Can you handle the extra barking, rough play, and chaos? Financially can you double everything? Gender choice also plays a role -- you have a girl, a boy might be a better 2nd choice. Girls get along but it is a totally different relationship and sometimes can be a bit ugly. How bonded is your pup to you? Lots of dogs who have the "it's all about meeeee" attitude would be happiest that way. There are less dominant dogs who seem almost lost and leaderless without someone to sort of guide and cue them though. Will this change how much the dog/dogs are left home? For instance I took my boy everyplace -- meaning I took him where I could and then let him visit my mom during errands when I couldn't. Now with two, they both stay home or one stays home with the husband and one goes with me. Does this change anything like travel to hotels or camping? Two sometimes aren't welcome places.
There is much decision into adding a 2nd dog. It really is a preference and sort of a checklist of yes and no for each person and family. Sometimes it might just be better to find good training groups (after shots are complete) and go through puppy class and obedience and agility and ... together as team and get the socialization and exercise and stimulation that way. Other times, having a pair is a brilliant thing.
I know for my house we have to have his and hers dogs. We are very unbalanced any other way. If I were alone, there would be one only, but I work from home so the dog is with me 24/7. My first Aussie clearly preferred a companion as we both worked outside the home and went to music gigs on weekends too. They weren't really that interactive and tight with each other, but they were present as companions and sort of roommates.
Best wishes on your decision. Either way is right, just very different.
I have two dogs because my husband needs a buddy. He was really lonely when we had 1 dog who was ridiculously bonded to me. I added the sheltie more for myself than for Shay. Melli became my little trooper and my husband got "our" boy to be "his" boy. Both dogs adore both of us, but there is a clear favorite happening. We had this happen with the original 2 Aussies -- he was jealous that #1 was so tight with me and wanted his own #2. Then again when we had Aussies #1 & #3. #3 became my minion and #1 gravitated to my husband.
As for dog - dog interaction. Honestly, I have never had dogs super tightly bonded, but I always adopted adults except for the one pup. They dwelled together and kept company by presence, but it was not best buddies, romping partners, pals. Just roommates. When Aussie #3 passed, Shay who was raised by him said, "Mayson who? It's all about mmeeeeee!". He was quite happy that way. Clearly perfectly happy that way.
I do know that when I was at the vet's this last week handling the two together was really a challenge for me, but one is a larger dog. The OP of this thread really had a hard adjustment with these two siblings. She adores them but they brought a level of chaos she wasn't ready for in the way of barking, romping, change in the way she trains, etc.
Multiples are great, but the dynamic is different. It's something to really think about. Do you have a lap for both or will they both vie for attention and be jealous? Do you intend to train or otherwise work with them? It's actually really hard to go off with one and the other is left at home ticked off (unless you have one that sort of belongs to a spouse or other human resident). Can you handle the extra barking, rough play, and chaos? Financially can you double everything? Gender choice also plays a role -- you have a girl, a boy might be a better 2nd choice. Girls get along but it is a totally different relationship and sometimes can be a bit ugly. How bonded is your pup to you? Lots of dogs who have the "it's all about meeeee" attitude would be happiest that way. There are less dominant dogs who seem almost lost and leaderless without someone to sort of guide and cue them though. Will this change how much the dog/dogs are left home? For instance I took my boy everyplace -- meaning I took him where I could and then let him visit my mom during errands when I couldn't. Now with two, they both stay home or one stays home with the husband and one goes with me. Does this change anything like travel to hotels or camping? Two sometimes aren't welcome places.
There is much decision into adding a 2nd dog. It really is a preference and sort of a checklist of yes and no for each person and family. Sometimes it might just be better to find good training groups (after shots are complete) and go through puppy class and obedience and agility and ... together as team and get the socialization and exercise and stimulation that way. Other times, having a pair is a brilliant thing.
I know for my house we have to have his and hers dogs. We are very unbalanced any other way. If I were alone, there would be one only, but I work from home so the dog is with me 24/7. My first Aussie clearly preferred a companion as we both worked outside the home and went to music gigs on weekends too. They weren't really that interactive and tight with each other, but they were present as companions and sort of roommates.
Best wishes on your decision. Either way is right, just very different.
2GoodDogs
Forums Enthusiast
This has been very interesting to read others experiences and opinions.
I'm trying to decide how many is right for me...
I'm expecting to bring a puppy in late August, early September.
Right before the puppy was born I received an offer on a really nice 18 mo. sable, and an 8 week old mahogany sable puppy girl who is a real cutie... I declined her, because I know the female blue girl will be coming. The blue girl is Justus' niece, and for that reason alone she will be mine.
I'll go meet sable boy (16.5") and if he is what I like he will be coming home for a trial period. The breeder wants what is best for him, and that would be in a home with someone who will give him an active life. Justus has final say on him though....
This will put me at 4 dogs at the end of Sept. I'm used to two, have had three, but 4 seems such a stretch in money, time and space.
The good thing is, I don't have to make any decisions TODAY.
I spend two and three nights a week at dog sports and most weekends. I will need a bigger car, but I'm already looking for that and it will be a good time to move back up to minivan or mini cargo van...
I'm trying to decide how many is right for me...
I'm expecting to bring a puppy in late August, early September.
Right before the puppy was born I received an offer on a really nice 18 mo. sable, and an 8 week old mahogany sable puppy girl who is a real cutie... I declined her, because I know the female blue girl will be coming. The blue girl is Justus' niece, and for that reason alone she will be mine.
I'll go meet sable boy (16.5") and if he is what I like he will be coming home for a trial period. The breeder wants what is best for him, and that would be in a home with someone who will give him an active life. Justus has final say on him though....
This will put me at 4 dogs at the end of Sept. I'm used to two, have had three, but 4 seems such a stretch in money, time and space.
The good thing is, I don't have to make any decisions TODAY.
I spend two and three nights a week at dog sports and most weekends. I will need a bigger car, but I'm already looking for that and it will be a good time to move back up to minivan or mini cargo van...
Always room for one more!
In our city, we are limited to 4, however, we've had 2 Shelties since 1995 and all have done well.
We have 2 now - Chase is 1 (male) and Madison (female) is 8. Madison is the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog I've ever had. She was at 23 pounds prior to Chase's arrival.
After that, she has lost 3 pounds! She is healthier and they do everything together. They look a lot alike - both tris.
I've heard about a male Collie puppy that needs a home and we are going to go see him and bring our 2 to see how they are together. He is 5 months but our male is submissive so this might work out just fine.
Nothing better than a full backyard of Shelties and Collies running around doing the crazies!
In our city, we are limited to 4, however, we've had 2 Shelties since 1995 and all have done well.
We have 2 now - Chase is 1 (male) and Madison (female) is 8. Madison is the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog I've ever had. She was at 23 pounds prior to Chase's arrival.
After that, she has lost 3 pounds! She is healthier and they do everything together. They look a lot alike - both tris.
I've heard about a male Collie puppy that needs a home and we are going to go see him and bring our 2 to see how they are together. He is 5 months but our male is submissive so this might work out just fine.
Nothing better than a full backyard of Shelties and Collies running around doing the crazies!
gonna get another-woohoo
Today we (Kaleigh) and I went to pick sheltie pup number #2. It is always so much fun going to the sheltie farm as I call it, they have a working farm, and have working dogs. I love holding the newbies. I got 1st pick this time having gotten Kaleigh there this spring. This one will be sable and white, Kaleigh is my border collie wanna be in color. She picked us. I go for the puppies that come to you, allow you to handle them, lick you and settle in your arms like they belong. All shelties are adorable to me, but the ones that "choose" me, are the ones I bring home. She can't come home for a few weeks, but I am sure it will be a great fit, and am looking forward to the whole process-one more time, ha
. The hardest part of puppyhood for me is the teething. But once that was over with, it was fine, constantly having to say no bite, and exchange bitable stuff for your hand, clothing, etc, got old. I find it interesting that even with EVERY known chewy, toy, etc, I was always more satisfying to gnaw on. But when that ceased puppyness was cute again! Kaleigh likes other dogs, so I think she will relish having a playmate to do goofy doggie stuff with.
Today we (Kaleigh) and I went to pick sheltie pup number #2. It is always so much fun going to the sheltie farm as I call it, they have a working farm, and have working dogs. I love holding the newbies. I got 1st pick this time having gotten Kaleigh there this spring. This one will be sable and white, Kaleigh is my border collie wanna be in color. She picked us. I go for the puppies that come to you, allow you to handle them, lick you and settle in your arms like they belong. All shelties are adorable to me, but the ones that "choose" me, are the ones I bring home. She can't come home for a few weeks, but I am sure it will be a great fit, and am looking forward to the whole process-one more time, ha
. The hardest part of puppyhood for me is the teething. But once that was over with, it was fine, constantly having to say no bite, and exchange bitable stuff for your hand, clothing, etc, got old. I find it interesting that even with EVERY known chewy, toy, etc, I was always more satisfying to gnaw on. But when that ceased puppyness was cute again! Kaleigh likes other dogs, so I think she will relish having a playmate to do goofy doggie stuff with.