How to Care for a Shetland Sheepdog Puppy

Although Shetland sheepdogs were bred in Scotland for the purpose of herding sheep, they can be a delightful addition to a family as well. As pets, these dogs are friendly and patient around children. They are active and enjoy playing with their human families and also enjoy spending time with other pets. Shetland sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, have few major genetic health concerns. If well taken care of, they can live up to 14 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Puppy food
  • Bones and chews
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Food and water dishes
  • Dog toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      House train your Shetland puppy as soon as possible. Shelties are social and do best if allowed to live indoors with the family; otherwise they can become lonely. If your puppy has an accident in the house, interrupt it and take it outside. Reward it for going "potty" outside each time it does this successfully.

    • 2

      Socialize your Shetland sheepdog puppy from a young age. Shelties are friendly with family members and other pets but can be wary of strangers. Introduce your puppy to as many new people in as many different circumstances as you possibly can to help it overcome this aloofness.

    • 3

      Feed your Sheltie a puppy formula dog food for at least a year before switching to adult food. Puppy foods contain higher levels of protein that are necessary for energetic young Shetlands to grow. Feed your puppy two or three times each day at regular times to help regulate its digestive system. Check the label to see how much you should be feeding your puppy daily. A fully grown Shetland should weigh approximately 20 pounds.

    • 4

      Walk your Shetland puppy every day. This is an energetic and intelligent breed that needs a walk to expend extra energy and exercise its mind. Shelties that do not get enough exercise can become bored and destructive. Play with your puppy each day as well. When you aren't playing, provide your Shetland with other ways to occupy its mind, such as bones and chews.

    • 5

      Brush your Shetland puppy every other day. These dogs have long coats that can tangle and become matted. To keep your puppy's coat looking healthy, remove all tangles with a dog brush known as a rake. This will also help remove extra fur that will otherwise shed all over your home.

    • 6

      Train your Shetland puppy at a young age. These intelligent dogs are obedient and eager to learn. Set rules for your Sheltie to follow in the house, and get started immediately on basic obedience commands such as sit, down, come, and stay. Consider enrolling your puppy in an obedience class. This will give it a good start with basic training and a chance to socialize.

    • 7

      Get your puppy the required vaccinations to prevent potentially fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Make your puppy an appointment to see a vet early on. Young Shetlands may need to see a vet every few months in their first year of life to get all of their vaccinations and checkups.