The Shetland Sheepdog comes in all personalities from shy and docile, to stubborn and energetic. The one thing they all have in common is they want to please their owners, are extremely loyal and make great companions. Sometimes, though they may be fearful, have separation anxiety, nip at strangers and bark incessantly. This is when you need to consider enrolling your dog in a Shetland sheepdog training program.

The first thing your dog should learn in his Shetland sheepdog training class, is to respect you as pack leader of your home. If you have a family, they should all be considered pack leaders too. Dogs are pack dogs with one lead dog who sets all the rules. The other dogs are happy and satisfied to know their place in the pack because it makes for a more orderly group and eliminates fighting and chaos. So when you bring a dog into your home, you need to become the pack leader .If you don’t take that place in the pack, your dog will. This leads to a maladjusted dog who growls at you, won’t allow you near his toys and snaps at you when you attempt to remove him from your favorite chair.

Secondly, your dog should be socialized. This just makes for a happier, more adjusted dog because, he will get to go more places with you if he is not tugging on the leash or trying to bite or lunge at every animal or human that passes him by. If he is socialized and taught to walk properly, he will become a much calmer, contented dog. Skills for introducing your dog will be taught in his Shetland sheepdog training group, where dogs will meet and greet one another, other humans and learn to get along.

Third, your dog must be trained in simple commands such as sit, stay and lie down and not to bark so much. When a dog obeys commands immediately upon request, it may save his life. For instance, if he escapes from the front door and is dashing down the street toward traffic, a quick command from you should bring him to a screeching halt. He then should return to you when you give the word “Come!” When teaching simple commands, remember that some dogs are very stubborn, so you may wish to consult a professional which can be found by researching Shetland Sheepdog training centers. With love, patience and consistency, your little dog will become a perfect gentleman or little lady in no time.