Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide

Book excerpt: The author of the hit website, Sheltie Planet, introduces you to the smart, sensitive, and spirited nature of Shetland Sheepdogs. Built on expert advice and rounded with personal stories and photos, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide is the ultimate user-friendly guide to raising, maintaining, and training the furriest—and smartest—of small dog breeds. This 150-page illustrated guide covers everything the pet owner needs to know: - Types of Shelties - Naming Your Sheltie - Ultimate Puppy Checklist - Growth & Development in Pictures - Step-by-Step Grooming & Bathing Tutorials - Five Stages of Dog Training - House Training and Obedience - How to Manage Excessive Barking - Socialization & Sheltie Games - Nutrition & Oral Health - Inherited Disease & DNA Tests - Benefits & Timing of De-Sexing - Fun with Dog Photography About Shelties Shetland Sheepdogs were originally bred as working dogs in Scotland in the 1700s. Today, they retain strong instincts for herding and hyper-vigilance, as well as being eager and highly trainable. They’re an agile and active breed, yet unlike many working Collies, their small size means they don’t seek to run around all day long. Shelties are quite happy with an hour of off-leash exercise, then home to snuggle up with the family as loyal and affectionate lap dogs. Sophisticated, playful, and idiosyncratic, Shelties excel in many roles: as service dogs, in the show ring, in agility, and as photogenic canine actors. They’re the sixth smartest dog breed on the planet, capable of learning hundreds of words, responding to facial expressions, and even social gestures like pointing (a skill that’s beyond chimpanzees). Armed with this inside information on Sheltie intelligence, you can teach your dog how to play hide-and-seek, perform amazing tricks, and even categorize and tidy her toys. Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner’s Guide is a labor of love, detailing every aspect of caring for your pet from puppyhood to old age. Enjoyed by new Sheltie adopters and long-time fans alike, you’ll revel in the 140+ gorgeous Sheltie photos from pet owners all over the world, while following the story of Casale’s own two English Shelties, Howard and Piper.