AboutDave Expertise My wife and I are active Sheltie owners. Helpful hints on discipline, training, disposition, selection, and of course acquisition. We think like dogs, so we can help you understand yours!
Experience 2 Shelties currently owned. Rescued and placed 9 dogs (3 non Sheltie).
Expert: Dave Date: 3/30/2008 Subject: sheltie ears
Question Hi Dave, we have a 5 mos. old male and have tried to tip his ears a few times. He's purely a pet with no shows in his future so we're not even sure we should be doing his ears at all - although we do like the way it looks. However, when we do try it (moleskin, glue, etc) he goes ballistic and tries to bite in a very aggressive manner. When that happens we hold him down to make him submissive and he eventually relents, however, it doesn't feel good to treat him like that. My question is; first what are your thoughts on tipping ears for house dogs, and second, any suggestions on how to handle his resistance and make this a more relaxed process.
On a different topic, we've heard that as working dogs Shelties can benefit from a job. Our dog gets morning and evening walks and hours of play time daily but we're curious about what a 'job' would be for a Sheltie.
Thanks in advance and we really enjoy reading your responses.
Chuck
Answer Hi Chuck,
First, keep up the dominance. That's not healthy for dogs to be that aggressive toward those who should be his superiors in pack order. Do the dog momma thing and grab the neck and growl deep and loud NO.
Second, ears are nice to do right. It is not a crucial part of their overall personality but I really do like them too. We put a lot of effort into ears, but do quit trying after about 10 months.
Job: you don't have a farm with a heard of sheep or even a pond with a few ducks? Shelties do love to work. If you don't want to get into agility as a hobby, teach him to fetch a ball (Frisbees are great exercise but they encourage movements that can be detrimental to the hips.) Do it regularly every day after you teach him inside. It will be a long term commitment on your part.
Jobs at our house also include:
Stopping the blanket monster from digesting the human
Attacking fire making devices
Nip the cats when we yell at them
Carrying or retrieving items for us from one human to the other
Sit
Stay and of course playing dead with "BANG"
