danisgoat
Moderator
I didn't welcome you in my last post! But welcome to the forum. I am sure that in due time the perfect little sheltie will come your way. Just keep your eyes and ears open.
It's never going to be "her", is it?
- Thread starter MaybeSomeday
- Start date
MaybeSomeday
Forums Novice
Ahh no Barb, you're fine. 
I do accept that some dogs have a higher prey drive than others. I think that is a good bit genetic, so if mama and daddy are death on any small animal in their path, I am not interested in Junior. That's all I mean. Not like I'm calling up folks saying "I want a pup I have to do no work on, want it to look like X, and poop gold rainbows." LOL, figure they get plenty of that!
Unfortunately, the last few years I have been exposed to a great deal of poor pet ownership. Some of it has left a bit of a mark on me; I've seen things happen to cats and puppies when people do not train their dog. Beyond horrible. So I am a bit leery of the potential for harm. Does the average dog kill cats; truthfully, I would say yes it does, at least in my town. A puppy though, raised with them, is different. I'm not really looking for a baby though, so I expect we're going to have to teach an older pup/dog not to hurt the cat. Now you've all got me leaning towards a baby for that reason alone, though instead of waiting until next year, I'm more likely to wait until my DS is four or five for a baby pup. Or if DH's work schedule settled down a bit; he works long hours. I don't have consistent *other adult hands* so can just see puppy needing out RIGHT NOW and DS needing the toilet RIGHT NOW. No thank you!
And yes, by "shy" I meant timid. My petstore pup, Sasha, had a rough start. My father was, further, unkind to her. I have no doubt she would have bitten a child just out of fear. She was epileptic as well, and though I did teach her to accept my cats, I never ever would have been able to leave her alone with them in a room. More than once I saw her staring at one from across the room and had to "Sasha, NO. NO. Stay." she listened, but I always had to watch her like a hawk. I really don't want to live like that again.
I do accept that some dogs have a higher prey drive than others. I think that is a good bit genetic, so if mama and daddy are death on any small animal in their path, I am not interested in Junior. That's all I mean. Not like I'm calling up folks saying "I want a pup I have to do no work on, want it to look like X, and poop gold rainbows." LOL, figure they get plenty of that!Unfortunately, the last few years I have been exposed to a great deal of poor pet ownership. Some of it has left a bit of a mark on me; I've seen things happen to cats and puppies when people do not train their dog. Beyond horrible. So I am a bit leery of the potential for harm. Does the average dog kill cats; truthfully, I would say yes it does, at least in my town. A puppy though, raised with them, is different. I'm not really looking for a baby though, so I expect we're going to have to teach an older pup/dog not to hurt the cat. Now you've all got me leaning towards a baby for that reason alone, though instead of waiting until next year, I'm more likely to wait until my DS is four or five for a baby pup. Or if DH's work schedule settled down a bit; he works long hours. I don't have consistent *other adult hands* so can just see puppy needing out RIGHT NOW and DS needing the toilet RIGHT NOW. No thank you!
And yes, by "shy" I meant timid. My petstore pup, Sasha, had a rough start. My father was, further, unkind to her. I have no doubt she would have bitten a child just out of fear. She was epileptic as well, and though I did teach her to accept my cats, I never ever would have been able to leave her alone with them in a room. More than once I saw her staring at one from across the room and had to "Sasha, NO. NO. Stay." she listened, but I always had to watch her like a hawk. I really don't want to live like that again.
Hi and welcome
I do feel a great deal of empathy for what you are going through. I'm fortunate to still have my 'soul' dog still with me and hope to do so for many years to come, but one day, he will not be here. I hoped to have a son from him to make the loss more bearable, but it was not to be...
Finally came the realisation that what I wanted was impossible. Even if I cloned Revel, the clone would not be the same wonderful dog. No magic in the world could give me what I wanted which was Revel by my side forever. Once I had got over this understanding, I also recognised that in trying to 'renew' my special boy, I would have placed far too high a burden on any puppy, trying to be something it could simply never be. It would probably have tarnished the relationship as no sheltie could have matched my expectations.
No two shelties are ever alike and each has something special and unique to offer. Looking too hard for something which simply cannot be, may prevent you from seeing the wonderful qualities of what is there.
My two shelties are good around kids, considering they were not brought up around them. While your son is a toddler it may not be quite the right time to bring a new dog in, but you can use the time to do some groundwork, consider really carefully what you are looking for, continue to make enquiries with a view to the future, then when the time comes, you will not make a hasty desicion which you might regret.
Good luck with your quest. I firmly believe in things being meant. When the time is right for your sheltie to come, you will certainly find him/her waiting for you.
I do feel a great deal of empathy for what you are going through. I'm fortunate to still have my 'soul' dog still with me and hope to do so for many years to come, but one day, he will not be here. I hoped to have a son from him to make the loss more bearable, but it was not to be...
Finally came the realisation that what I wanted was impossible. Even if I cloned Revel, the clone would not be the same wonderful dog. No magic in the world could give me what I wanted which was Revel by my side forever. Once I had got over this understanding, I also recognised that in trying to 'renew' my special boy, I would have placed far too high a burden on any puppy, trying to be something it could simply never be. It would probably have tarnished the relationship as no sheltie could have matched my expectations.
No two shelties are ever alike and each has something special and unique to offer. Looking too hard for something which simply cannot be, may prevent you from seeing the wonderful qualities of what is there.
My two shelties are good around kids, considering they were not brought up around them. While your son is a toddler it may not be quite the right time to bring a new dog in, but you can use the time to do some groundwork, consider really carefully what you are looking for, continue to make enquiries with a view to the future, then when the time comes, you will not make a hasty desicion which you might regret.
Good luck with your quest. I firmly believe in things being meant. When the time is right for your sheltie to come, you will certainly find him/her waiting for you.
tofu pup
Moderator
I absolutely understand your concerns... no one wants to have something awful happen. However, as a breed, I would say that I don't see Shelties as being cat-killers. On the whole, they don't have a high prey drive. (Now, this is a big generalization, but. I'm just saying.)
My own (intact) male spent a season at our co-breeder's home in Nova Scotia when he was eight or so. The breeder has a lovely ragdoll cat. Mark (the dog) had never in his life seen a cat - and, by all accounts, was actually afraid of her for the first week or so. After that, though, they got to be great pals, and would sleep together on the couch. I don't think the co-breeder had to do any special training or supervision to get to that point; Mark is a very laid-back dog, and the cat can apparently hold her own. Anecdotes don't count for much, but I'm throwing this out there for you to think about.
Silaria
Forums Sage
I think you've hit the nail on the head here... poor training. ANY dog, even from the #1 breeder in the world, with the temperament of an angel could turn into a total terror if the owners don't bother to train the dog. We have friends who coddle their Jack Russell when she misbehaves (toy possessive). They'd "correct" her by picking her up, petting her and saying is a cutsie baby voice "now you know you shouldn't do that". We stopped allowing are dogs to socialize with theirs.
I have friends who are cat lovers and have problems with dogs because they jump on people are are generally obnoxious creatures. EVERY ONE OF THEM loves my dogs (my current Shelties and the Finnish Spitz and Malamute-mix we had prior to them) because we took the time to train them.
I do disagree that the average dogs kills cats, it really depends on the temperament of the dog. Sure, some dogs will attack cats but just as many will snuggle up and go to sleep with them. And sometimes its the CAT who is the aggressor.
All of my dogs have been curious around cats but never attacked them. One of my dogs, the Finnish Spitz, was trying to just sniff at my brother-in-law's cat, slow and cautious movements because she'd never really been around a cat before. That cat clawed her nose and drew blood. Sorry, the cat was the aggressor in this case, not my dog. That said, Edan will chase the neighborhood stays off the property but that's because they are in his territory and they are not part of his herd. He stops at the property line or if called back. IF we had cats in the house or were visiting someone with cats, Edan (and CJ) would be on a leash until a comfort level existed. That is the difference between a responsible owner and an irresponsible one.
siiiiigh... was 50% through my long reply and lost it 
Anyhooo... long story short...
I understand what you mean about wanting a "sane" dog. I think shows like Dog Whisper and the like have given the impression that shelter/rescue dogs have all kinds of issues... agression, timidness, anxiety, overly high prey drive, etc. Sure there are lots of rescue dogs out there that have those issues... but not all. Don't give up ... there are lots of great dogs out there that just need some love and stability to become the dogs of our dreams.
Also, I wanted to weigh-in on the cat issue... I wanted to say that a lot has to do with the cats themselves. My dad always has rescue dogs and cats... and he always has 2 of each. Those dogs and cats didn't grow up together and their histories are unknown.. but peace is always found somehow. Of course an extremely high prey-drive isn't a good thing (luckily, I don't think it's a common trait in shelties anyway)... but a skittish cat isn't any help to the situation either. A low-prey-drive dog and a confident cat... even if they meet as adults... will almost always sort things out in a very short time.
Dog... sniff sniff sniff... I'm curious about you.. sniff sniff sniff... I'd kind of like to play with you... sniff sniff... can I touch you with my paw?
Cat... I'll let you sniff a bit.... that's enough now... c'mon, I said enough now... don't touch me... WHACK!!... I told you that was enough!
Also... as a mom of 2 (my youngest is 9 now)... I can honestly say that for the sake of everyone involved (especially you and your sanity)... I would wait until your son is about 3.5yrs old. They're soooooo much more human by that point!
You can reason with them... they're eager to please you... they understand their actions a bit better (ie. when you sit on the puppy it hurts him... you don't want to hurt him do you? he's just a baby.)
Best of luck and welcome to the forums!!
Anyhooo... long story short...
I understand what you mean about wanting a "sane" dog. I think shows like Dog Whisper and the like have given the impression that shelter/rescue dogs have all kinds of issues... agression, timidness, anxiety, overly high prey drive, etc. Sure there are lots of rescue dogs out there that have those issues... but not all. Don't give up ... there are lots of great dogs out there that just need some love and stability to become the dogs of our dreams.
Also, I wanted to weigh-in on the cat issue... I wanted to say that a lot has to do with the cats themselves. My dad always has rescue dogs and cats... and he always has 2 of each. Those dogs and cats didn't grow up together and their histories are unknown.. but peace is always found somehow. Of course an extremely high prey-drive isn't a good thing (luckily, I don't think it's a common trait in shelties anyway)... but a skittish cat isn't any help to the situation either. A low-prey-drive dog and a confident cat... even if they meet as adults... will almost always sort things out in a very short time.
Dog... sniff sniff sniff... I'm curious about you.. sniff sniff sniff... I'd kind of like to play with you... sniff sniff... can I touch you with my paw?
Cat... I'll let you sniff a bit.... that's enough now... c'mon, I said enough now... don't touch me... WHACK!!... I told you that was enough!
Also... as a mom of 2 (my youngest is 9 now)... I can honestly say that for the sake of everyone involved (especially you and your sanity)... I would wait until your son is about 3.5yrs old. They're soooooo much more human by that point!
You can reason with them... they're eager to please you... they understand their actions a bit better (ie. when you sit on the puppy it hurts him... you don't want to hurt him do you? he's just a baby.)Best of luck and welcome to the forums!!
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Me again.....I didn't touch on the cat issue in my last post, but I agree with the last few posters.
Shelties are generally not cat-aggressive. In fact, I find that most Shelties tend to like cats....as they are somewhat cat-like themselves.
My boys, who rarely encounter cats, can go to my groomers where they have loose cats all over the place, and they don't even blink an eye. "Sniff, sniff...who are you? Oh, a lump of fur....I think I'll move on to the treat aisle, thank you - much more interesting!"
I truly you don't have an issue there.
And another comment. I got Bacca when he was 8 weeks old and went through all the hassle of crate training, potty training, etc. When I decided that Bacca needed a buddy, I opted for an young adult. Indy was 10 months old when I brought him home. Same age as Bacca. He was already socialized and trained. Yet still young enough that he was not set in his ways.
Many excellent breeders have pups in this age range available. Breeders will hold pups in the hopes of growing them out into show dogs. These dogs are well-bred and well-trained, but for whatever reason (e.g. exceeding size) are no longer eligible for show. I would get in contact with show breeders in your area and put yourself on a waiting list.
I hope this all helps. But if you still feel the way you do, then I maintain you are not ready.
Best of luck to you.
Shelties are generally not cat-aggressive. In fact, I find that most Shelties tend to like cats....as they are somewhat cat-like themselves.
My boys, who rarely encounter cats, can go to my groomers where they have loose cats all over the place, and they don't even blink an eye. "Sniff, sniff...who are you? Oh, a lump of fur....I think I'll move on to the treat aisle, thank you - much more interesting!"
I truly you don't have an issue there.
And another comment. I got Bacca when he was 8 weeks old and went through all the hassle of crate training, potty training, etc. When I decided that Bacca needed a buddy, I opted for an young adult. Indy was 10 months old when I brought him home. Same age as Bacca. He was already socialized and trained. Yet still young enough that he was not set in his ways.
Many excellent breeders have pups in this age range available. Breeders will hold pups in the hopes of growing them out into show dogs. These dogs are well-bred and well-trained, but for whatever reason (e.g. exceeding size) are no longer eligible for show. I would get in contact with show breeders in your area and put yourself on a waiting list.
I hope this all helps. But if you still feel the way you do, then I maintain you are not ready.
Best of luck to you.
Hi Jen, Welcome to the forum. I had my first Sheltie for 14 years and died at 16 years of age. She was my older son's dog to grow up with and they both did. If you ask me she was totally perfect and she has passed two years now. I miss her all the time. I wanted another Sheltie to help mend out hearts. She was sable. I ended up with two male puppies that are tricolor, and look nothing like her, I thought that was the best way to go. I sometimes she personality traits of hers in each of them. I thought my younger son deserved a Sheltie to grow up with, but we all needed it. I could not find a Sheltie here from a rescue- there where like 3 in the whole state and all about 10 years old and better. I ended up going to a breeder, finding one in Kansas, a long way away. I have accepted that no two dogs are alike and I find joy in my young boys. I hope you find the special dog for you and your family.
Donna
Donna
Just weighing in again, I agree with what everyone is saying about shelties and cats. I have 2 cats living with my dogs.
Everytime a new dog comes in here, there is the initial 30 second hey, what the heck are those things, let me sniff you...hmm slightly different smell..let me sniff you again, tolerant cat says ok thats enough im rolling over to get better leverage on your back leg in my mouth and you cant get away!
There ive made my point now we will only have a relationship on my terms! and I'll occasionally let you clean my head/ears
Than I have Satan kitty, who lives in my room, so the dogs cant get to it, comes out once a day hisses from the second she hits the other side of the gate till she makes it out the door with front legs flailing in every direction to hit anyone! Shes kinda mean...and the dogs are all afraid of her, if shes on the other side of the pet door no one will come in, it will be a giant traffic jam on the other side until I physically move her. Or if their toy rolls near her its like when the ball goes over the fence on the crazy ladies yard its considered gone!
But all in all, shelties are not like terriers/hounds which have a high prey drive and will hunt any moving object down, granted it doesnt mean squirrels arent fair game, but thats mostly a herding get off my fence thing.
Everytime a new dog comes in here, there is the initial 30 second hey, what the heck are those things, let me sniff you...hmm slightly different smell..let me sniff you again, tolerant cat says ok thats enough im rolling over to get better leverage on your back leg in my mouth and you cant get away!
There ive made my point now we will only have a relationship on my terms! and I'll occasionally let you clean my head/earsThan I have Satan kitty, who lives in my room, so the dogs cant get to it, comes out once a day hisses from the second she hits the other side of the gate till she makes it out the door with front legs flailing in every direction to hit anyone! Shes kinda mean...and the dogs are all afraid of her, if shes on the other side of the pet door no one will come in, it will be a giant traffic jam on the other side until I physically move her. Or if their toy rolls near her its like when the ball goes over the fence on the crazy ladies yard its considered gone!
But all in all, shelties are not like terriers/hounds which have a high prey drive and will hunt any moving object down, granted it doesnt mean squirrels arent fair game, but thats mostly a herding get off my fence thing.
Totally agree! I have never seen 3 shelties that get along so very well with Bumper.And vice versa as well.
Bumper will seek them out just for fun,and roll & pull herself along the floor for nudges,and sometimes from Mia..a bite on her tail.
Mia & Bumper are 2 peas in a pod,.both blind,but are very well aware of each other in the room.Bumper can hear,but Mia is deaf.
I have often said..hum I wonder what Bumper would think if she REALLY knew just how big Earnhardt was.But I am sure she can sense it somehow.
I have always just loved the characteristics of the shelties,as they are in many ways cat like.
Bumper will seek them out just for fun,and roll & pull herself along the floor for nudges,and sometimes from Mia..a bite on her tail.
Mia & Bumper are 2 peas in a pod,.both blind,but are very well aware of each other in the room.Bumper can hear,but Mia is deaf.
I have often said..hum I wonder what Bumper would think if she REALLY knew just how big Earnhardt was.But I am sure she can sense it somehow.
I have always just loved the characteristics of the shelties,as they are in many ways cat like.