SHELTIES AND CHILDREN
We are often asked, "Is a Sheltie a good choice for a child?" The answer is a resounding "Yes, they are great with kids," with some conditions.
Shelties do tend to bond to one person in the family more than others, and they are somewhat protective. If you want a dog for a child, choose a young puppy—eight or nine weeks of age. If you have a choice, buy a puppy that has grown up with a family that has children. The puppy will be used to toddlers or noisy youngsters with quick movements. Pups that have only been handled by adults may be more cautious of children.
If your child is under five years of age, he or she should not be left unsupervised with the dog. I usually advise choosing a study, heavy boned puppy for this age group. Some small, fine-boned Shelties could easily be injured by a preschooler. Choose a puppy that fits the temperament of your child or children: a quiet puppy for a shy child; a lively, active puppy for a boisterous child, a larger (and perhaps even a little older) puppy for a family with several children who are into outdoor.
Children five and over can be taught to hold a puppy correctly (supporting it’s rear and chest), to place it gently on the floor rather than dropping it, and not drag the puppy around. They can also learn how to get the puppy to come, sit, and chase a ball. Shelties can be rough-housed, can play Frisbee or ball, or snuggle quietly all day by the side of an ill companion. They do not, however, respond positively to jerking, being screamed at, scolded roughly, or struck. Children who are rough and aggressive in their playtime will probably do better with another breed, such as a terrier, Labrador or Golden Retriever.
At first, feed your Sheltie puppy away from your young child. Periodically, you should reach in the dog’s bowl and take out part of the feed, then put it back. Another lesson is to let the dog eat part of his meal, then take it away, set it on the counter for a few minutes and give him the command "Wait." If he behaves in an aggressive or unruly manner, do not give him the rest of the meal. If he waits patiently for it, place the bowl back on the floor and let him finish eating. These exercises will accustom the dog to having food taken away in case the child does reach in or take away his bowl, and are designed to help prevent accidents rather than to encourage your child to interfere with the dog’s meals. Gradually introduce the child to the dog’s area before you feed, then put the food down. Always instruct the child not to bother the dog while it is eating.
Do not expect a child to take full responsibility for a pet until he or she is ready. You must be prepared to make sure the dog is let out when it needs to go outside, fed at regular times and has fresh water available. A Sheltie will need regular exercise either in a run or yard or on a leash, and he will need to be brushed and have his nails clipped weekly. Both parents should be in agreement about the dog. I have known several cases where one spouse and the children wanted a dog but the other spouse did not. Shelties, being sensitive dogs, pick up on this and can become fearful or resentful of the person who does not want them. In most cases, the dog becomes nervous and maladjusted and ends up going back to the breeder or to a new home. A terrier breed might not give a hoot, but a Sheltie will know when it is not wanted!
The rewards of a Sheltie for a child are many: a loyal, playful, protective but not aggressive companion that can grow up with your child and eventually even teach her or him how to care for another living being, take responsibility for its livelihood, and perhaps even learn about competition and teamwork in one of the many activities available to Sheltie owners. You will not find a more devoted, gentle but playful breed given the right treatment, socialization and training.
