Thank you Karen and Mamabear
The reason I would like a sheltie is that I have a profound hearing loss and don't hear much without my hearing aides. The hearing dog association will not place one of their dogs with me because I have Pebbles - it is against their policy to place dogs where there is another dog. They did suggest a sheltie would be a good choice for me to get as a puppy as all I want is a home companion who will naturally let me know if anything is going on. Bamm Bamm did all these things for me...while being my beloved pet. I have gotten an alarm system that will vibrate my pillow if the fire alarm goes off...but that is dependent unpon the power working and would not notify me if someone was at the door or trying to break in. (Hubby works nights) I have also gotten stairs for Pebbles to get on the bed to wake me but I fear she would just hide under the bed..she doesn't like the stairs much The main reason I would like another dog is that my heart is so empty without Bamm Bamm...I will always love him but feel I am ready to give my love to a new pup. Pebbles is my baby and loves me but she is hubby's dog. We went to see a 7 week old Sheltie last night and what a nightmare...it was my first exposure to what I would call a puppy mill. The dogs were not properly cared for and there were cages everywhere. Their outside dog was so badly matted I'm sure it hurt him. The house and yard was disgustingly dirty. I am seriously considering calling animal control.
We are going to look at another sheltie on Saturday. I have told my hubby that I will walk again if things are not right. We are not in a rush...we will take whatever time it takes to find the right puppy.
Joy
Shelties are usually very vocal. Most are talkers. They usually will come to you and stick like glue when they sense something amiss - either barking or growling at the same time. You can feel the tension in their bodies. They were bred to lead the sheep and notify the shepherd when the wolf approached. They were not bred to destroy the wolf - that's the shepherd's job. So in that respect, I think you're on the right track wanting a sheltie. Fair warning though, the 'something amiss' might just be a fly on the wall or headlights shining through a window at night. They really don't like it when their environment changes. Christmas trees cause quite a bit of consternation in my house. Moving furniture is out.
One other thing - is your family one that stays together in the same room, or do you have many people scattered throughout the house? A sheltie's job is to watch over the flock. If the entire flock isn't in the same place, they will be constantly checking everyone out. This is why they have a reputation as pacers. It drives some people nuts, mainly, I think, because they don't understand the behavior.
BTW - I agree; call animal control
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
k9k is right and so is tam. I agree with the whole hearding thing, but I will have to add that if the puppy is taught and well socialized to the house and the oustside you should be ok with someone sleeping elsewhere. You will have to do some serious training with this puppy. But the great thing is that since she/he will be a puppy and training will be playfull and happy not a real job at least in his/her eyes.
I will pm you with a link that I would like you to print out and what ever type of dog you get this will greatly benefit their socialization training. I will send it when I have time and will give you some tips for the type of training you would like to do with him/her.
Also please do not forget that since this pup is going to be for a specific reason you will get what you pay for. And you did good with leaving when you saw the way they treated their animals. That was not a breeder at all and I would call the spca as well on them .
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Tambrey, Karen, and Mamabear...thank you for your replies. I called Animal control and reported animal abuse. I gave them all the contact information I had. Hopefully they will shut them down.
Karen...lol...I've been through that with Bamm Bamm...I always got up and checked to see what he was telling me. I'd just say 'Thank you for telling me Bamm Bamm' and tell him that it was ok for us to back to bed. He was so proud of doing his job well He used to 'heard' to. Maybe he had some sheltie in his background. There are only my husband and I here...we do stay in the same area most of the time except for when I am on the computer...Pebbles places herself in the dining room where she can see both of us. I am lucky enough to work from home so am there most of the time.
Mamabear...thank you...I sent you a PM
We are going to see another puppy on Saturday. This one is a 16 week old tri colored male. I am impressed so far with my interactions with this breeder...we'll see.
Take Care
Joy
I'm just curious, is there any reason why you don't adopt from a shelter or reputable rescue organization? Shelter pups/dogs often make excellent companions, and mixes are perfectly wonderful dogs. A rescue organization can also tell you the temperament of the pup/dog in particular (providing the org makes the effort to establish temperament testing in their by-laws, etc)
Hi Traci,
I do have my name on the list for our SPCA and rescue organizations in our area for a small dog. They have mostly larger dogs and that is not an option for us for two reasons...1. Pebbles is small and it is my job to protect her from larger dogs who see her as prey. (This has happened once to my husband's pom...he said it happened so quick he didn't have a chance to do anything...he will not let Pebbles around larger dogs at all)
2. We live in a townhouse with a small yard. It is securely fenced but would be too small for a large dog.
I have researched Shelties and really like their character traits. I would also like have a puppy to raise. I do understand about adopting from a shelter as all my pets (and I am 50 so there have been a few) have been adopted from shelters - including Bamm Bamm - except for Pebbles. I am trying to do this responsibly by searching for a reputable breeder that breeds for health and temperament.
Hope that answers your question.
Joy
Oconnerjoy, dont forget that you would like to train this puppy as a service dog and that is best done from 7-8 weeks of age. Socialization in any puppy is critical at that age to make sure you have clear sound dog. Good luck today and remember to look for signs of a clear headed breeder. Not one that will push the pup on you. Some breeders will put you on a list for their next litter if they are serious about wanting you to adopt their pups. they will take the time to listen to what you have to say and what you want and why you want it and help after they have listened. Ones that say Oh yeah dont worry we do all of our socialization here, if they really do they will be willing to tell you what they specifically do from ages 8-21 weeks. If those pups are 16 weeks old, then ask them what they have done so far to prepare them for socialization. They should have no problem telling you or hesitate to tell you. Also at 16 weeks if they have socialized a the pups make sure they have fired off a few blanks from a firearm as well. THAT is very important for a hearding dog. They should not be scared at all of any noises. Alerting you will be different when you are home but fear should never come into play there.
good luck let us know how today goes.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Shelties are wonderful, and I really don't think you can go wrong there. The likelyhood of any sheltie hurting another dog intentionally is very slim (all dogs can get a little rambunctious and hurt another unintentionally when playing). Since there is a spot in your house were the dogs can sit and watch both of you, you will have a very content sheltie. It will see when you leave the room and will follow you everywhere - including the bathroom - to make sure you're OK. That's their job and they take it very seriously
Good luck finding the right dog!
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Thanks for elaborating, I didn't know the shelter didn't have small dogs, etc, a bit unusual. Have you checked with breed-rescues in your area? I just ask because breed-rescues may have dogs who are already "adjusted" and social, etc.
The main reason I would like another dog is that my heart is so empty without Bamm Bamm...I will always love him but feel I am ready to give my love to a new pup. Pebbles is my baby and loves me but she is hubby's dog. We went to see a 7 week old Sheltie last night and what a nightmare...it was my first exposure to what I would call a puppy mill. The dogs were not properly cared for and there were cages everywhere. Their outside dog was so badly matted I'm sure it hurt him. The house and yard was disgustingly dirty. I am seriously considering calling animal control. 
at least in his/her eyes.
He used to 'heard' to. Maybe he had some sheltie in his background. There are only my husband and I here...we do stay in the same area most of the time except for when I am on the computer...Pebbles places herself in the dining room where she can see both of us. I am lucky enough to work from home so am there most of the time.
