Can they become obsessed?

labgirl

labgirl

Forums Sage
I was telling my bruv about the future sheltie plans and that I was thinking it would be nice to try the dog at herding if it showed an interest.

"I don't think you should." he said, "Once a dog learns to herd that becomes their life, they only want to herd and if they don't go herding for a day or two they get frustrated and upset. I think you'll be setting yourself up for future problems if you teach a sheltie to herd."

Bruv spends his days on sheep farms with working border collies, and he bases his comments on his experiences with these dogs.

Is this true? I was looking forward to trying my future sheltie at herding, but only as a hobby. :(
 
labgirl said:
Is this true? I was looking forward to trying my future sheltie at herding, but only as a hobby. :(
Click to expand...

I've "done" herding a half dozen times, the dogs liked it, they showed instinct and I learned some key points to behavior. They don't seem to be any worse for the wear.
 
First, Shelties have a very different mind set than Border Collies, who tend to be much more intense. My son has a BC who is very well behaved but it's exhausting just being around him; he is so focused on whatever his interest of the moment is! He quivers with anticipation even when he lays down.

I'm sure some of the herding and agility people can weigh in on this question, but I've found Shelties to be very adaptable, in that they love having a job to do, but they can leave that job and go lay on the couch happily when it's done. I've done agility and some herding with my Shelties, and I've never found either to make them hyper--quite the opposite. They love a challenge and it's great for their minds. Shelties love exercise and, while they're also happy to be couch potatoes, it's much more healthy for them to have something to do, whether it's playing with their owners, showing, herding or whatever.

I know we have several people on the forum involved in herding. I'm sure they can give you some insight as well. Good luck!
 
I would agree with Ann, that has never been my experience. In fact, the herding shelties I have experienced are the most solid, sensible shelties I know. They turn on when needed, and chill on the couch the rest of the time.

My opinion would be exactly the opposite of the one you received. :smile2:
 
It depends on the breeding I think. Most of the shelties that I've had have been normal.:rolleyes2: Except one that I have right now. He'll get focused and obsessed on something for hours on end(cats, chickens, rabbit) and can't relax for nothing. I've thought that herding might be good for him to get some of his energy out... I don't know. I'm not sure what to do with the little guy.

To be frank though... if your dog doesn't get caught up on things like that right now... I don't think herding will change him any.
 
Thank you for your replies, its clarified things a lot :wink2:

My hopes for my future sheltie are three-fold; obedience, agility, and possibly if I can find a good instructor/class herding.

But I also want a companion who is happy to have a relaxed day mooching around the garden with me.

It sounds like I'm on the right track with picking a sheltie in the first place :wink2:

Border collies are soooo intense. Lovely dogs, but I think hard work at times (then again aren't they all? :lol:)

Thank you again
 
Exactly right Labgirl !

labgirl said:
Thank you for your replies, its clarified things a lot :wink2:

My hopes for my future sheltie are three-fold; obedience, agility, and possibly if I can find a good instructor/class herding.

But I also want a companion who is happy to have a relaxed day mooching around the garden with me.

It sounds like I'm on the right track with picking a sheltie in the first place :wink2:

Border collies are soooo intense. Lovely dogs, but I think hard work at times (then again aren't they all? :lol:)

Thank you again
Click to expand...

My kia who's now 14 months is strong willed but with me showing her I'm the Alpha she will back down and do as I say. Some are more determined than others just as you say all can be difficult at times.:lol:
 
I think this is a situation where you can not lump all dogs into the same category, some dogs are more obsessive than others. Aztec becomes very obsessive about everything he does. If you won't throw his toy during fetch he will put the toy on the couch, and stare at it for an hour if you don't throw it. He is much more intense than my border collie mix.

It is something you are going to know pretty soon after getting the sheltie, as you will quickly learn their personality. If s/he is happy, well-adjusted, and not obsessed, it is not likely it will change his personality at all. If he is a bit on the crazy, obsessed side...it might intensify his reaction.
 
We have one girl, Bits, whose life work is the ball. All day. Every day. "The ball. The ball. Must work."

Then there's Layla: "Does this collar make my butt look big?"
 
I think there is a huge difference between working dogs and doing an activity for fun. Working dogs run on adrenalin and when they are not working they are usually tied up or fenced in - of course they are going to be obsessed with working.

I take my Shelties bush walking and rabbit chasing at least 2hrs a day so they are adrenalin junkies and when they don't get to run wild for a couple of days (like lately it has been raining) they get barky and naughty. But that was my choice to have very active dogs. I have had shelties in the past that were less concerned if they were not out running for a couple of days.

BTW - an agility instructor advised me not to take my female herding if I want to compete with agility as the techniques were counterintuitive.
 
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