Is a Sheltie Right for Me?

I have only one question, how simple is it to get housing with dogs where you live?

One of the reasons I waited to get a sheltie until we had a house was that renting with dogs is extremely challenging in this area. While some landlords take cats, there are only a few that accept dogs and the extra costs can be prohibitive. I realize different areas of this country and other countries (you mentioned Wales so I suspect you do not live in the US may have better options.) I know my niece just paid a hefty pet deposit where she lives, but she was fortunate to find a landlord who was willing to take the pet, many do not.

Bailey went to puppy daycare until I started to work from home. Again I cannot speak for other parts of the US or other countries, but we were surprised that daycare was cheaper than a dog walker. Bailey and now Katy still go once a week for play groups. By keeping the relationship going we reserve a slot when we need to travel, have an emergency, etc. for overnights. Bailey tried the Vet's kennel once and it was not a happy camper experience. They both do much better at what we kindly refer to as "puppy camp." They recently had a day visit to the Vet's kennel and they extremely stressed when they came home.

It sounds great that the dog can go with your boyfriend to work, too. Bailey would LOVE to go to work with my husband. He would be the perfect work dog. Katy would love the idea, but would be bored and drive my husband nuts in about a half an hour. She would not be able to handle it.
 
Bailey's Mom said:
I have only one question, how simple is it to get housing with dogs where you live?

One of the reasons I waited to get a sheltie until we had a house was that renting with dogs is extremely challenging in this area. While some landlords take cats, there are only a few that accept dogs and the extra costs can be prohibitive. I realize different areas of this country and other countries (you mentioned Wales so I suspect you do not live in the US may have better options.) I know my niece just paid a hefty pet deposit where she lives, but she was fortunate to find a landlord who was willing to take the pet, many do not.

Bailey went to puppy daycare until I started to work from home. Again I cannot speak for other parts of the US or other countries, but we were surprised that daycare was cheaper than a dog walker. Bailey and now Katy still go once a week for play groups. By keeping the relationship going we reserve a slot when we need to travel, have an emergency, etc. for overnights. Bailey tried the Vet's kennel once and it was not a happy camper experience. They both do much better at what we kindly refer to as "puppy camp." They recently had a day visit to the Vet's kennel and they extremely stressed when they came home.

It sounds great that the dog can go with your boyfriend to work, too. Bailey would LOVE to go to work with my husband. He would be the perfect work dog. Katy would love the idea, but would be bored and drive my husband nuts in about a half an hour. She would not be able to handle it.
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I won't be moving out of my parents house until my boyfriend and I can afford a house deposit to put down on a home we fully own with a mortage :) So we won't have to worry about not being able to take the dog with us, as anwyhere we buy will allow dogs :) And yes, you are right, I live in Wales.

I've never heard of puppy daycare. It sounds adorable though! If we go away my parents should be able to look after the dog, if not, then good quality boarding kennels where our cats also go. The people there are lovely and genuinely love the animals! It's a lovely environment, and they take al the dogs for walks everyday as well.

Yess! i'm working on my boyfriend taking the dog to work with him, but we shall see! He needs to graduate and get a job first!
 
We own 2 shelties and both were house trained in less than 2 weeks. We work 8 hours a day and they don't seem 2 mind. They do need a lot of exercise, however having 2 shelties make it easy as they chase each other (and any thing else that might move) around the yard for hours. I have one that barks a bit and the other is very quiet. Very intelligent and easy to train to do tricks. I do find them very demanding at times like if they want to go for a walk they will bug me till I take them. How ever as for size they are not all small. I think my male is a giant at just over 19" Can't really figure it out as his parents are small.
Becky
 
I think you will be just fine, provided that you aren't discouraged by anything the people here have to say about Shelties. That poem from the rescue is very accurate and a good go-by, although not all of those qualities apply to all Shelties. Additionally, some can be improved or erased by persistent training. For example, my Sheltie is not all that barky and rarely barks around the house. However, we worked very hard on training that one when she was little, and we still continue to work on keeping her herding instincts under control. She sometimes herds our feet or small children if we let her get away with it.

While each Sheltie is different, you can get a pretty good idea of personality by meeting the dam and sire. My breeder was totally honest with me when I asked what Layla's mother was like. "Bossy." Layla was a bossy puppy, but now is as sweet and gentle as her mother is.
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I think this is very accurate. When you go to pick out the puppy, make sure you like the dam. Spend some time playing with her; don't just spend all your time with the puppies, although I know that is tempting. :yes: If the sire is around, meet him too. Because that is what your puppy is going to be like, most likely, when it grows up. Also pay attention to the other dogs at the breeder's house. If they are bratty, (and/or if you don't like how they look and they don't look like "real" Shelties) go to a different breeder.

Edited to say: My husband and I both work full-time and have since Buffy was 5 months old. We get a dog walker midday when necessary, and Buffy goes over to my mom's house 3-4 days a week. Also, he's a teacher. Anyway, though, I think a Sheltie would be just fine with your schedule, provided that you do have the time to exercise and groom him/her regularly.

Do you know whether you want a boy or a girl? I'm sure the people around here can give you some good advice on that, too.....
 
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Thank you for the advice :) That's rgeat about the house training not taking long! I know house training problems would irritate my dad/boyfriend if they couldn't be trained to tell us when they need to go/ gowhen we take them outside.

I'm glad the time issue doesn't seem to be too much of an issue in most of youe opinions :)

Diana said:
Do you know whether you want a boy or a girl? I'm sure the people around here can give you some good advice on that, too.....
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I don't really know! :lol: I don't know how much difference there is between them in terms of personality? I think I have a possible inclination towards a male, as I hear they are more affectionate towards you (and that's certainly true of the male dogs I have had in the past), but I don't know really. If anyone has advice on that, that would be great too :)
 
I have read this thread as it has evolved,and I to want to say I feel you would make a very good owner. You seem very sensitive,and have really looked at key points to sheltie ownership.

We both work here.Brian works 7pm-7am. I work all kinds of shifts,so all the pups here are left for varying amounts of time,with no issues.

At times,we know we will need a dog sitter,we have a wonderful neighbor that takes the role.And we have used her many times,especially if we are going to be gone for really long periods.

We have 3 shelties,two are males which are half brothers.And also a double merle,that is blind & deaf.
Our lab is the oldest,and also we have a blind himalayen cat.

Wishing you the best on your search for your forever pup~ I have preferance to males.I have always had males,and with this breed I find they are such love bugs.My Trapp is a mommy magnet,never leaves my side.

Our double merle is a female,and to be honest when we first saw pictures of her,I was not totally on board with bringing a female here.My hubby was the one who really pressed about applying for her,and hoped to being her home.
But now 5 months later,I could not imagine not having her here. Pure sweetness!
 
angel_night said:
Thank you for the advice :)
I don't really know! :lol: I don't know how much difference there is between them in terms of personality? I think I have a possible inclination towards a male, as I hear they are more affectionate towards you (and that's certainly true of the male dogs I have had in the past), but I don't know really. If anyone has advice on that, that would be great too :)
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I have three girls and one boy. Layla is all sweetness -- a really Mommy's girl. Annie Laurie is all about her Daddy and wants to be with him all the time. Bitsy Boodle adores her Mom, my DS, but her heart belongs to her plush ball. She's our big tomboy and not into cuddling except early mornings. But Beckon, my big boy, is a total lover: kisses, wants to please, Mr. Foot-Snuggler! :biggrin2:

When I got Layla, the first, I asked my breeder what the dam was like. And Layla is her Mommy all over again (Ch Norwood Nenana). That's a good, though not perfect, indicator. I would say, though, if you want kisses, go for the boy. :wink2:
 
angel_night said:
I've never heard of puppy daycare. It sounds adorable though! If we go away my parents should be able to look after the dog, if not, then good quality boarding kennels where our cats also go. The people there are lovely and genuinely love the animals! It's a lovely environment, and they take al the dogs for walks everyday as well.
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There are quite a few "Doggie Daycare' places around here. Max goes twice a week & comes home completely exhausted. All the people there love him as he herds all the other dogs & trainers. :rolleyes2:
 
By the sounds of it then it is a boy that would probably be more what I'm after, personality wise! Though I bet I will end up falling for a female now, hehe. I do love lovey dovey, kissy dogs, so a male probably will be who I set my heart on when looking at puppies :smile2:
 
I just emailed a breeder who seems lovely and genuinely concerned about the welfare and quality of home that her shelties go to! i told her about myself, the lifestyle, when I would be looking to welcomea new member of the family into my life and why I liked her as a breeder. I haven't asked too many questions as I'd like to know if she thinks I am suitable first. :)
 
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