Change in Behaviour

NSLady

NSLady

Forums Novice
Hi Everyone,

We have two young shelties. We got our first sheltie when she was eight weeks old, and our second was six month old when we adopted her. The first is now 11 months, and the second is 13 months.

When we got our first sheltie (who is now 11 months old), we did everything by the textbook! We took her to puppy socialization classes, we had her in as many environments as we possibly could, she met as many people and dogs as possible.....and she was a lovely, social little puppy. She loved doggy daycare and playing with other dogs......until she was about 8 months old.....

She loves people, but, now she has no interest in any other dog unless it is our other sheltie. While I know that she would never hurt another dog or puppy, she either ignores them, or if they get too close, she growls at them to tell them to back off. She plays wonderfully with out other sheltie, and we do send them to daycare once a week. While there is an occasional dog that she will play with, for the most part, she is not interested in any dog besides our other sheltie.

Meanwhile.....our 13 month old sheltie LOVES playing with other dogs! At the daycare, she is the life of the party and any dog who will play with her is her friend.

Has anyone seen this before: a puppy who used to love playing with other dogs, and was well socialized as a puppy, not wanting to play with other dogs anymore, and either ignoring the other dogs, or growling at them?

Not sure what to do? She is a wonderful dog. She loves us and is incredibly friendly....just not to other dogs anymore?

Thank you for reading and for any comments/suggestions,
 
It may just be that one of your dogs has grown up and matured faster than the other. Shelties are not the type of dog to play with other dogs outside the family. They were bred to develop an attachment to humans - just like a sheepdog should. While they play with other dogs when younger, as they mature their interest turns to the family and other humans and they just don't need, or want, that level of interaction with other dogs. It isn't a fault in her, she is acting naturally. I wouldn't push her into playing with other dogs, she may be content just to be in the company other dogs for a while without having to play with them, but really her focus will be on her family now. And she still loves people which is great.
 
My two will run and play with all the Sheltie's at my breeder's home. Some of them are dogs they knew from when they were pups (their Dam and half-sister) the others are either new dogs the breeder purchased to continue her breeding program or visiting dogs from her line she's dog sitting while the owners are away.

Until recently, nearly 6.5 years old, they had no issue of running and playing with other dogs. Now after classes at our agility club, we'll let them run with some of the dogs from class. We know all they dogs they run with and it's great to see them run, play and be dogs.

If your dog isn't playing with others, don't force it. If they are interested in playing they will.
 
I have three shelties and they prefer to play together than with other dogs. I kind of laugh about it, its like they've formed their own snobby sheltie clique. With the addition of each sheltie, they've found less need to interact with other dogs, even dogs they know well and used to play with. :o

I really see no problem or reason to push interactions with other dogs, especially if your two play nicely together alone.

They're obviously not lonely and you greatly reduce the chances of a bad experience if they're only playing together and not with less familiar dogs.

While dogs are social animals and like to be with other dogs, unlike us, they don't seem to get bored when they're always around the same individuals.

I do wish my dogs would still play with my friends dogs, but that's just what I want, not what they need.
 
We have somewhat the same situation here but our guy is 2 1/2. Up until the last month or so he played well with all dogs, but the last twice at the dog park he would play for a bit and then start snarling if the other dog didn't stop when he did. He has no issues with our other 2 dogs, plays well with other shelties at our breeders, and has no problem being around other dogs at the dog park. At first I thought the snarling was to tell the other dog he'd had enough (both were very much in your face types), but maybe it is as Caro said, he has just matured and wants to be with his family more than other dogs???
 
Cranberry and Dixie are 3 yrs now.
Cranberry has always loved playing with anyone, Dixie plays with some other dogs but always with Cran.
when we were watching my friend's Aussie pup, Cran played with him lots and Dixie some- she got over the in your face playing and told pup off multiple times.

other shelties- they do seem to love them all :winkgrin:
 
Sounds just like my girl. She was well socialized as a puppy, but just doesn't really care for any dogs other than our boy dog.

She will play a little bit, but then snarl if she feels overwhelmed or cornered, and is done.

I think some dogs just prefer to play in their comfort zone (just like people) and it's a personality thing.
 
Thank you

Thank you everyone so much for your replies! It does sound like this is just her personality. My suspicion, from reading your replies, is that my other sheltie may possibly start to become a little less social with other dogs too?

Thank you again, I really appreciate your responses.
 
Sounds like Shelby. I took her to open play this weekend ( our training facility opens as an indoor dog park certain days in the winter). Shelby does not like when other dogs are in your face and especially hates when dogs are barking, especially at her. She will keep her distance or just watch the dogs play from a distance. Once she is comfortable she will run around with the dogs as long as they don't corner her or bark, then she will just sit down and stop. I actually took her outside to play privately with one dog which she loved.

She was well socialized and loved playing but as she matures she is not as interested. I continue to take her to open play or daycare anyway. I want her to be comfortable so if we ever had to board her she would be OK there.

I agree that it is normal sheltie behavior. I was told by one of the trainers that it is appropriate well mannered behavior.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top