i have been researching shetland sheepdogs for the past 5 days, everyday. i have asked other peoples opinions about the breed, and i have known the basics.i have even seen 12 websites of breeders in my area, and have mailed to them all and many have already replied me.im aware that they need lots of exercise, early sozalization, that they tend to bark but can be trained not to do so, that since they originate from a herding family, they tend to herd or chase any moving object, and that they shed alot. i know that a puppy comes with joy but also a great sence of responsibility. im 13 and if i get the puppy, it will not be my first one. i have not taken the desision yet because i want to be completly sure that im ready for a second 4 legged friend. i will be living in an apartment soon, but im willing to give the new puppy all my attention, as wel as to the other dog. my family owns a house outside the city, and the place is full of fenced areas (but big,) , so,am i redy for a puppy?
Answers:
Well, you sound like you are probably ready. The only problem, big dog, little apartment = trouble. Don't keep him pent up if you can help it. If you aren't going to ahve a yard for the pup I would wait till you do!
maybe but if u reli wan a dog u must think super careful , i think u are 50% ready , 50% not ready
Well, I think (I am a dog lover) that you are most likely ready. As long as you know and are positive what kind you want and are sure you know a TON about the breed. Like, are you sure your house (or yard, wherever it would spend it's time the most) is big enough. I also suggest that you hook up with someone or a group that's a Shetland Sheepdog rescue or organization and have them do a "puppy check"- it's where they come to your house and make sure it's okay to get one. And I also suggest you should research for a few more weeks-one week at the least. Your best bet would be about a month. Hope this helps.
if your lonely i think you should get a dog to comfort you
Just remember that this will be a commitment to the dog for its whole life. You are young. Do you know what you will be doing in 10-13 years? And will the dog fit into your plans?
Good for you on doing your homework first.
If I were you I would wait. I made that mistake. I was a responsible owner but then I graduated high and moved out and when to college. You'll see your dog less and less and if you move away after high school you probably won't be able to take him. You have to think of your future as well as the dogs.
Only You can tell that. Be aware that having a pet is a great responsibility. They have demands for attention just like humans, so if you don`t have too much of free time, and still want a pet, try something easier to take care of, for starters. I have 2 fishes, a baby cat and a dwarf bunny. They r a lot of fun but also an obligation.
There may be a bunch of breeders in your area but, are they good breeders? Are they just breeding for money? Or are they breeding to better the breed? Are they testing for genetic conditions?
This is something to be aware of. Do you know the health conditions that shelties have?
It is good that you are doing research. I am glad that you are researching and have decided to buy from a breeder but, beware because not all dog breeders are nice and friendly. Some lie and breed dogs that shouldn't be bred. So just be careful.
Before you make a final decision on a dog I always suggest you and your family go to a dog show. Talk to some people there and ask them if they have any pets available. Or if they know of any rescues.
If you are moving to an apartment and planning to take the dog with you than I would be concerned. not dog should have to live in such a small home as an apartment. it's not natural for them to only be outside when they have a leash on.
It's a hard lesson to learn but you really need to be settled and own a fenced yard before owning a larger dog. Moving a lot can be stressful for the dog if you haven't decided where you want to live, and if you are going to school you will be too busy to give him the proper attention he deserves.
However if you are planning for your dog to live with your parents and for you to visit regularly then that might be a better option, but then really it will be your parents caring for hi and training him (since training really never stops)
Perhaps you should wait until you are finished your education and have a long term plan for what you wan to do with your life before dragging an animal along with you if your lifestyle is not suited for that dog.
The thing that I see happening a lot with dogs and kids in high school is that they end up going off to school, or getting into a relationship or moving etc... and the dog becomes neglected or given away and that is a horrible experience for a dog. they are pack animals and get very stressed when they are separated from their family (you) and if you neglect his needs (exercise and attention) he will become depressed and sick and that is just not acceptable.
I'm not saying that these things will for sure happen to you. But the COULD, and that is what I want you to consider before getting your puppy.
It sounds like you are giving lots of very mature, intellegent thought to whether this is going to be good for you and a puppy, and I want to let you know how much I admire that! MANY adults ask questions here that aren't a smidge as responsible as you are being! I think you are smnart enoujgh to make this decision with no help form us.
I do want you to be very careful WHO you get a puppy from. There are a ton more irresponsible sheltie breeders than there are reputable ones. If you'd like, you may e-mail me the addys of the ones you've been looking at, and I can tell you if I've had any positive or negative experiences with them. Any breeder you get a puppy from should test the parents for VonWillebrand's disease, have them OFA'd for hips and CERF'd for eyes, and be sure they are clear of thyroid issues thus far. They should be able to tell you if any of the line has had dermatomyositis. If they have no idea what this is, or tell you it's not important, do not buy from them.
Good luck, and if you do get a pup, send me a pic. I looooove puppies, but am not in a good position to be breeding right now. %26lt;sigh>
Could be. Honestly tell yourself what you think. Shelties are small so could go into the apartment. Shelties are one of the finest dogs in my opinion and they're great none-the-less. You couldn't get a better dog. (i just mainly wanted to comment on the breed)
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