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There are a number of
methods for training a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
depending on the results that you are aiming for.
These methods range from basic obedience and respect
training, housebreaking or housetraining to show
training and competition training. Some dog owners
may feel that they are experienced enough to handle
basic obedience training, especially if the breeder
they purchased from has given the young dog plenty
of time and attention in the first 8 weeks to 10
weeks of life.
It may be best to
employ a professional trainer, even for such basic
items as sit, stay and so on, if the owner does not
feel confident in his or her ability to take on the
task. With most dogs, the keys to good basic
training are patience and consistency. The Sheltie,
while very intelligent and open to learning, will
also need patience and consistency. The new owner
may want to visit the trainer during a session with
other dogs just to observe. In addition, it may be
best to find a professional trainer who emphasizes
the involvement of the owner so that the transition
to home is much smoother.
The Shetland Sheepdog is an energetic working breed
and is known to be a bit aggressive in “herding”
groups of people who are moving around in the yard.
The dog may even feel the urge to nip at the heels
of those people because this is what it will do with
cattle or sheep. In addition, the Sheltie is known
to bark quite a bit because of its suspicious
nature. With some gentle direction this trait can be
turned to good use, making the Shetland Sheepdog an
excellent guard dog and watchdog.
Much of this behavior is due to the dog being its
natural self. But in the case of excessive barking
and biting, the dog may be lonely, frustrated or
frightened. Activity as simple as walking and
playing with the new dog will make a big difference,
as will what some call social exercise – walks in
the neighborhood or in the park, where the dog can
get used to different sights and sounds. One of the
keys is to be consistent with commands such as “stop
barking.” Again, consistency and patience are key.
Timing is also a key. The dog must be told
immediately that the behavior is good or not
permitted.
Beyond the basic sheltie behavior training and
house training that are necessary with any dog,
Shelties can be excellent in competition. In fact,
Shetland Sheepdogs have been herding for decades.
This is what they were originally bred to do, along
with guarding and watching the homestead. Since this
trait is inherited, a good place to start is with
parents who have proven herding ability. This should
be part of the process when visiting with various
breeders. Some researchers say that only about half
of the new Shelties born have good, natural herding
instincts. One of the first things to look for is an
outgoing personality. In addition, you should look
for the tendency to chase moving objects such as a
ball or other toy, even the vacuum cleaner when you
are moving it around.
Again, the best method is to ask others who have
Shetland Sheepdogs. Find out about breeders and
trainers through those who have successfully
competed with the their Shelties. Training for a
serious herding Sheltie should probably not begin
until the dog is about one year old. It is important
that the early training experience be short and
positive, so the trial-and-error method is probably
not the best way to go. Since Shelties tend to be
very loyal and obedient to the primary owner,
choosing a trainer who involves the owner from the
start is highly recommended.
There are numerous herding trials and competitions
for the Shetland Sheepdog. But the owner should be
prepared to devote a lot of time to the pursuit if
it is going to be a serious part of the dog’s life.
Patience and consistency can produce a wonderful
herding Sheltie.
On the Web:
-
Shetland Sheepdog
Training
-
Sheltie Training
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