A Few Sheltie Questions

P

Psalms

Forums Regular
I have been reading the forum topics since November, soon after we got our puppy, and I have a couple of questions about things I see all the time but which are a mystery to me.

First, what do you mean by "heart dog"? I think I know, but I'm not sure.

Secondly, what does it mean that Shelties are "reactive"?

And last, I have noticed that many here have 2, 3, 4 or more Shelties. Sheltie owners seem to be more prone to this than other dog owners. I wonder why?

Thanks!

Janet
 
Heart dog - this is the dog that will do anything for you, wants to be where you are not matter what. For me, this is the dog who has entwined herself totally around my heart strings - Emma. For Liam and Natalie - I would be their heart person. You just know when the dog has your whole heart.

Shelties - reactive dogs. I find mine will react to the littlest noise, to things I can't see. It doesn't matter if they are in or out, they hear or see something and have to sound the alarm. Part of their breeding I guess.

Shelties cause what is known as potato chip syndrome - you can't have just one. There is just something about them that makes you want more and more.
 
Heart Dog-- The one you value above all others, the one dog that is the most special to you, and you feel that you're their one and only person they would go above and beyond for. It's a two way street.. I guess in all reality it's the dog that you bonded the most with!

Reactive-- Some dogs can sometimes suffer from excessive excited displays or behaviours. Maybe when they see another dog, or a cat, or if someone knocks at the door, when you vacuum, or sneeze or brush your teeth... lol. A reactive dog is a dog that reacts in a fearfully defensive or “aggressive” manner when faced with those kind of triggers.
Shelties were bred to be herding dogs, who live for control... they are also very sensitive and hyper-alert. They were bred to control motion, so yeah they often react to noise and commotion.

One Sheltie is boring, I'm finally getting my second one in less than a month ;)
Yes, Shelties are like potato chips, can't just have one, LOL
 
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Heart dog - soul mate

Reactive - Ally - who remonstrates LOUDLY whenever the hairdryer, coffee grinder, vacuum, lawnmower etc has the temerity to be make a noise. My first sheltie, Skye, took exception to the "click" sound of the shower door opening or closing, and would bite the bottom of the door! :lol: (Boy, do I miss her.)
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of shelties. They have a remarkable way of sneaking into your heart & making a special place all their own in there. Most of my shelties are laidback but they all tend to react to anything they consider out of the ordinary. Some other breeds will just ignore stuff but a sheltie seems to always be alert. Guess it's the herding instinct. I started out with 3 shelties that I rescued. I only wanted 1 but couldn't bear to leave the other 2 in the kill shelter especially since 1 was older & the other was HW positive. So we got all of them & I never regretted it for a second. One sheltie tends to shadow people more so a 2nd one usually gives them a companion. After the 1st one the others aren't any more work or trouble & just a bit more expensive when shot time comes around but the benefits of having them is priceless!
 
They are strangely collectible. I never dreamed of having more than one dog; I got my Sheltie, and she was lonely...and I wanted more. So now I have two. And of them has a sister who will need a home at some point in the next year...then there will be three. :smile2: I hope I have the sense to stop there...
 
My Gus is my heart dog, but Homer and Boudreaux (4 mos. and 8 mos.) are quickly weasling their way in :-)

And yes they are collectible...before you even realize what you are doing. I have 9, with a new puppy coming in February (from a friend). They all stay right by our sides, so this has to be our limit. We are still entertaining the idea of conformation showing someday, but that will involve co-owning another puppy with my daughter. So it will probably live with her, which is within walking distance of our house.

Ten Shelties are not so excessive, when you keep in mind that we still have 7 preteens/teenagers living at home. Each of them claim one of the Shelties for their very own. Lol They work with them on obedience training and some basic agility (depending on the dog). My Big Gus on the other hand, prefers to be a big lap dog, and follow me from room to room.
 
If you are planning on getting more than one, please make sure you have a huge bed - mine love to cuddle excessively tight at night and with three, I needed a double bed.:smile2:
 
First, what do you mean by "heart dog"? I think I know, but I'm not sure.

For me it is my Trapp. He is so in tune with me,daily.He knows when I am sad,happy.He seems to wear my emotions right along with me.He is inseperable from me. I know that in his eyes,I am his heart,and he is mine as well. You will know,when you have your heart dog

Secondly, what does it mean that Shelties are "reactive"?

I have 4 here,and 1 that is reactive.But only to moving vehicles that pass by the house. Jasper can anticipate & hear them,even before he sees them. So he is a fence runner. As for other things that set shelties off,like vacumns,pulling tissue from a box,someone sneezing..the list is endless...he could care less.
And last, I have noticed that many here have 2, 3, 4 or more Shelties. Sheltie owners seem to be more prone to this than other dog owners. I wonder why?

Just like Emmasmom said,they are like potatoe chips. One sheltie alone in my opinion is not good. They need anoher to keep them occupied & busy,and on thier same energy level. Which is why we brought Jasper home when Trapp was 4 months old. Trapp needed something,other than his brother Earnhardt (lab). Ernie was no wheres up in the activity level that Trapp was,he would tolerate Trapp with his antics,but certainly was not on zoomie levels with him. It was the best thing ever. We now have 4. One of which is blind & deaf. Her name is Mia. Our newest pup is Blake,Bi-Black

Thanks!

Janet[/QUOTE]
 
Heart dog = knows what you are thinking and can almost read your mind I don't know how they do it but they just know it is something that builds over time we have three shelties and just lost one that was my heart dog and even up to the last day she and I had a connection that is very hard to say you just know when you look into their eyes.


As everyone has said above they are like potato chips can't have just one
we had just one for 10 years until we got another, now one year later we have 3 now we need a bigger bed
 
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