Are You Ready for a Shetland Sheepdog Pet?

Before you grab your wallet and ask how much is that cute shetland sheepdog in the window, take time to consider if you are completely aware of the impact of a bouncy, mind-reading sheltie on your (already busy) life! Here are six points to consider before you decide there is really an overwhelming need for such a unique dog.

1) time commitment - this translates to a day-to-day commitment. Shelties demand that they be near their human family members. The very essential housebreaking and socialization will not materialize when you are concentrating on busy weekdays. So if you really need a puppy but work full time, you need a sitter's help or that of a dog day care. But there is no replacing somebody at home who guides and teaches; if you work a long day, perhaps you are better off without the dog. Besides, Shelties won't settle for a few minutes of fetch and ball-playing. What really makes their day are a few hours worth of walk, fetch, training, classes, a new sport, and-or combinations of any of the above.

2) day-to-day expenses - In the long-run, you will see that sustaining your mini-whirlwind is serious business. Just among the things you have to think of are food, medical care, training classes, food, grooming supplies, toys, treats and other stuff that in sum will exceed your dog's price tag.

3) your future - Be able to picture out a real, stable way of dealing with a shetland sheepdog's situation in case some unforeseen event enters your life, e.g. a new baby, new work, etc.

4) pros and cons - people have this idea of owning dogs that is at best a rosy-colored view: a dog that does not need to be trained and who will react and respond accordingly as if on cue. But it is unfair, since reality is that dogs need training. Are you as dog-owner ready to give/support your dog's getting a class of manners? Right now, almost all shelter websites are one and the same in condemning those who got a puppy only to throw it out only due to a lack of dog-raising knowledge.

5) purpose of the dog - what is your main motive for getting the shetland sheepdog: a working companion, or a sports companion? Or are you getting some breed you don't care to know more of, for as long as the kids stop nagging you?

6) Consensus among family members or roommates - If a spouse brings home a new dog, the other needs to know also a good amount of time beforehand to prevent the dog from being a subject of disagreement and neglect.