QuestionThis is our second Sheltie. He is 5 months old. We want to train our Sheltie to Come when he is called and we also want to train him to stay on our property. Do you have any advise on the training and the best way to go about it. He is a smart dog but quite perkey. I've read about walking them around the property over and over, but I thought I would check with someone who may have hands on experience. Thanks.
AnswerHi Terri:
The cool thing about having a 2nd Sheltie (besides giving the 1st a playmate) is that the second tends to pick up things from the first.
Come commands are nicely reinforced with treats. Whenever he hears his name and comes to you, give him a treat, and the older one too. Basic Pavlov training. Wean off the treats after a few months with occasional surprise positive reinforcements.
Yes, walking around the yard, pulling the pup back in with a "no" or some negagtive reinforcement when he goes out of the boundary will help. Every day, repeatedly until he gets it. Followup training once weekly after he gets it will help.
I taught my first to go do his business in the pastrue that our first home was cut from. In our 3rd home, he goes into the undeveloped woods behind the house now and he's 4. So does the 2nd one who is 3. Love that trick!
Helpful tip: Be wary of who is in charge. Make sure to keep the pack order straight with the old sheltie first for everything (treats, love, name calling, food....everything!)and the young one second. That prevents its own problems.
You're on track. Good luck!
'sneezes
Dave
