The Complete Guide to Shelties
By Becky Casale
A heartwarming look at Shetland Sheepdogs and a must-read for new fans that includes practical tips and insights into raising this sensitive, intelligent, agile herding breed. With a rich history as working dogs and as pets, Shelties have a legacy as beautiful, alert, sensitive companions. It's no wonder they're still one of the most popular small dog breeds today.
Researched from interviews with Shetland Sheepdog breeders, trainers, pet owners, and the scientific literature, Sheltie Planet creator, Becky Casale, takes an in-depth look at raising and training this unique small dog breed, including:
- The unique characteristics and quirks of Shelties
- Dog training and housebreaking strategies for Shelties
- Choosing the best brushes, food, and toys for Shelties
- Socializing nervous Shelties with other dogs and people
- Essential advice on genetics and long-term healthcare for Shelties
- Grooming techniques that every Sheltie owner should know
Shelties are among the top ten most intelligent dog breeds and it’s easy to see why. They are attentive, eager, and quick to learn, making them excellent pets for first-time dog owners. This book provides you all you need to know about how to look after these double-coated beauties, whether you live in a city apartment or a country farmhouse.
In The Complete Guide to Shelties you'll learn about the best and worst ingredients to look for in dog food brands, the psychology of dog training strategies, inherited diseases and lifestyle risks, common mistakes that damage a dog's health, grooming techniques, long term dental care, and the pros and cons of neutering or spaying your Sheltie. Delivered in the familiar, easy-to-read style of Sheltie Planet, the book is illustrated with 100+ photos from Sheltie owners from around the world.
You'll learn about the coat colors of Shelties, Sheltie genetics and inheritance patterns (a must-know for future breeders), and the 300-year breeding history that produced today's standard Shetland Sheepdog. The book is dedicated to hands-on advice like what to do when you bring your Sheltie home for the first time, how to build trust before you start obedience training, and how to keep your Sheltie busy to curb boredom, barking, and anxiety. Topics include:
- Preparing for a new Sheltie puppy
- The easiest way to housebreak a Sheltie
- The history of the Shetland Sheepdog breed
- Exercising and training your Sheltie
- Advice on nutrition and dental care
- Grooming your double coated dog
- Inherited diseases and vulnerabilities
- The risks, benefits, and timing of de-sexing
Written for new fans and seasoned enthusiasts alike, The Complete Guide to Shelties is much loved by those who followed the adventures of Howard and Piper Woofington Moon, the inspiration behind Sheltie Planet. Designed to teach the essentials of training, grooming, and caring for Shelties with lots of reader photos along the way, this book is a goldmine of information on these unique furry friends.