The Sheltie is a very elegant and intelligent breed. In everyday life, with just a little training, it can fit smoothly into family life. Because the Sheltie is highly intelligent, training is usually not very difficult, and puppyhood is often the best stage to begin because learning ability is especially strong then. The following practical ideas can help many owners.
Training the Sheltie to come back
Recall can be trained during walks. Call the dog once, and if it comes to you, praise it immediately. If it does not come or runs away, try again after a little while rather than becoming angry. In daily life, when you allow the dog some freedom, teach it to stay within roughly ten meters of you so it develops the habit of remaining close to the owner.
Training the Sheltie to sit
When you first give the sit command, the dog may not understand it. You need to gently press down on the rear part of the body while giving the command until it understands how to sit quietly. When it does well, give a small treat.
Training the Sheltie to shake hands
Begin this only after the dog already understands the sit command well. Once the Sheltie sits calmly, lift either the left or right paw gently while giving the shake command. Repeat until the dog understands and responds to the cue. Practice every day, but do not rush to teach several skills before the current one is understood.
Training the Sheltie to lie down
If you want to train the dog to lie down, choose a quiet place. When it is already sitting calmly, gently draw the front legs forward into a lying position. If the dog trusts the owner, this is usually easy to teach. Pat and praise the dog afterward.
Training the Sheltie to stand
Help the dog stand upright with all four feet on the ground while giving the stand command and making the matching hand signal. Ask it to hold the position for about ten to fifteen seconds. Then reward it with a favorite food item. Repeat the process until the dog stands promptly when it hears the command and sees the signal.
Training the Sheltie to use a designated toilet area
Place an item carrying the dogs urine scent in the chosen toilet area so the dog understands that this is the place for elimination. As with other training, praise and reward whenever the dog does it correctly. If the dog makes a mistake, correct it decisively but clearly. Once the toilet location is chosen, it should not be moved casually.