QuestionI've noticed you using the term "sneezes" often. Is this also a Sheltie behavior. I've noticed Missy sneezing, but her health is good according to the vet...and I always seem to be the person to get sneezed on.
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-----Question-----
I adopted a 3 year old Sheltie at the Humane Society. She had previously lived with an older couple with a second dog. They were given up when the owner went to senior housing and couldn't take them.
Missy is a beautifully behaved dog. She's great with little kids, well house broken, stays off the furniture (unless invited up) and doesn't chew up anything other than her toys. We have two rabbits who could not interest her any less - she totally ignores them. We've been going to obedience training and working on the excessive barking, heeling, stay, etc. She's making good progress with that.
She generally places herself between me and the door, so I'm presuming she's protecting me. What boggles my mind is her behavior at the dog park (off leash). The first time I took her, she stayed by my side barking (almost constantly) at every dog that came anywhere close to me. So - I decided - "OK she's protecting me from the other dogs". The next time, I brought my daughter and granddaughter and we walked separate directions to see what she would do. She stayed right by my side (almost in heeling position) and kept walking with me, but not looking where she was going. She kept barking (in her special voice that I consider "talking" because it's different than when she actually barks at someone at the door.)
I want her to run (she needs to lose weight and I can't run with her because of a bad back) and have "fun" - which she doesn't seem to be the least bit interested in. From what I've read, Sheltie's are an active breed. Missy, however, isn't interested in running or playing with other dogs...why do you think she won't play at the dog park? She doesn't seem to "dislike" or be afraid of other dogs and gets along with my son's Golden Retriever. She just won't run and play.
How can I tell if she's happy?
Thanks
Cheri
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Hi Cheri,
Thank you for generously opening your home and adopting a Sheltie.
I'll address the easiest answer first: if the activity is low cut back on the food. Feed her about a cup of high quality dog food once a day. High quality meaning with meat as first ingredient not corn.
The more challenging question is the behavior. You are seeing something she learned with a previous owner to be protective. This is not a bad quality nor does she seem to be doing anything wrong. She just perceives this to be her job and is apparently very good at it. She doesn't reduce herself to play like the other silly dogs when she has a job to do protecting you.
If a Sheltie is doing good work that Sheltie is happy. I'm not sure how I would go about encouraging her to play at the dog park because you are going against her learned/accepted behavior.
She needs a new job. That ball that you keep throwing needs to be brought back to you. Fetch is excellent exercise and can be done inside or outside. If she doesn't know the game, take her to the hallway, close all doors, sit at the end and work with her and treats until she gets the game.
I hope that helps!
'sneezes
Dave
AnswerFINALLY!
I have been waiting for this question for 5 years.
Many dogs (not all) will sneeze as an expression of laughter. You must be pretty funny to your Sheltie. Try sneezing back at her when you are playing and see if she doesn't go sneeze crazy.
'sneezes
Dave
