Basic training tips and techniques to help make a Shetland Sheepdog a great household family pet.
Shetland Sheepdogs (aka "Shelties") are sturdy little dogs that originally hail from Europe. They somewhat resemble a very small version of a rough collie in appearance. Their coats are generally sable and white, though in the past couple of decades, merles and other colors are becomming more prevelant and popular.
The original purpose of a Sheltie was for herding small animals; sheep in particular. They are build to be warm in cooler climates, and nimble. Their agility and speed help them herd and help them avoid being trampled.
Shelties are very popular family dogs, and make good house pets, if trained properly and given enough exercise. Like most herding dogs, Shelties require a certain amount of mental stimulation to keep them engaged and to take their focus off other "diversions" that are less desireable, such as, the garbage, or your favorite new shoes. Some Shelties like to play ball. Others like to learn new tricks. Some owners get their dogs involved flyball or agility, and Shelties seem to excell especially well in these sports.
The important thing to remember here is that these dogs are herding dogs, despite how cute and tiny they are, and as a result they have a herding drive, and the intelligence to use it.
Dogs that have a strong herding drive need to be gently taught at an early age that it is NOT ok to herd members of the family. Gentle verbal corrections will usually work effectively for this. They like to learn tricks, and praise is the way to their heart. These devoted little dogs live to see their master's happy. If you are unhappy, your Sheltie is unhappy too.
Obeidence is important, simply because you want a well-behaved dog. Another item of note is early socialization, both with other animals and with humans. Shelties are notoriously suspicious of strangers, and without proper training and socialization, can be somewhat dangerous. Attending obedience classes with your do would kill two birds with one stone; some socialization and obedience training.
The trick to socialization is to expose your Sheltie to as many new situations as possible; other people, other animals and other environments. Done consistently and over a period of time, the Sheltie will become acclimated to the differing environments and hopefully, will react in a calmer, more relaxed manner than before.
This breed also requires a certain amount of grooming. They shed. Quite a bit. As early as you can, start handling the dog, its feet, its toenails, its tail, etc., to get it accustomed to being handled, then gradually introduce grooming tools the same way. Your Sheltie is going to require regular grooming, in the form of brushing, de-matting, and clipping of hair on the soles of their feet and clipping their toenails. Also introduce them to toothbrushing at a young age; this will definitely pay off down the road.
Shelites in general are fairly easy to train, due to their intelligence and desire to please their owners. Working with the dog each and every day, if even for 10-15 minutes will go a long way in keeping your Sheltie engaged, stimulated and entertained, while deepening the bond between human and dog.
