Journey
02-23-2008, 12:58 PM
Hi there...new to the forums.
We THINK we have narrowed down our choice of breed to the Sheltie, but have a few open questions.
* Never having owned a Purebred, is there a "typical" contract used by all breeders in the UK? Any examples available and/or is there is list of "must-have" guarantees on health?
* Some breeders say that, if the pup is found to have life threatening congenital defects they will replace it with one of equal value and same sex "as soon as available". This seems a bit open, rather like someone saying they will repay a loan when they get the money. The contract is void if they never get the money (yup, we watch Judge Judy!) What happens if the breeder doesn't have pups available again for months or years?
* Just how stand-offish to non-family ARE Shelties anyway? Those we've met thus far seem fine, but they are still with their mum and siblings. There are only us two older adults in ourhousehold. We visit with friends in-house 1-2 times a month, plus 1-2 times a month stay overnight at friends, who vary greatly. Will the pup be able to handle frequent visits to other people's homes without freaking out? We do plan to socialise him, but how often is enough to ensure the pup doesn't become too timid?
* Is it a good idea to elevate food and water off the floor like you do with large dogs?
* We hear that the breed, like many others, needs lots of mental stimulation and "a job to do". Besides playtime, walks and training, what would this mean during a typical rainy day or evening when we're sat in front of the tele? Are chew toys and cuddles enough?
Hope these queries aren't too silly. Looking forward to any and all advice!
We THINK we have narrowed down our choice of breed to the Sheltie, but have a few open questions.
* Never having owned a Purebred, is there a "typical" contract used by all breeders in the UK? Any examples available and/or is there is list of "must-have" guarantees on health?
* Some breeders say that, if the pup is found to have life threatening congenital defects they will replace it with one of equal value and same sex "as soon as available". This seems a bit open, rather like someone saying they will repay a loan when they get the money. The contract is void if they never get the money (yup, we watch Judge Judy!) What happens if the breeder doesn't have pups available again for months or years?
* Just how stand-offish to non-family ARE Shelties anyway? Those we've met thus far seem fine, but they are still with their mum and siblings. There are only us two older adults in ourhousehold. We visit with friends in-house 1-2 times a month, plus 1-2 times a month stay overnight at friends, who vary greatly. Will the pup be able to handle frequent visits to other people's homes without freaking out? We do plan to socialise him, but how often is enough to ensure the pup doesn't become too timid?
* Is it a good idea to elevate food and water off the floor like you do with large dogs?
* We hear that the breed, like many others, needs lots of mental stimulation and "a job to do". Besides playtime, walks and training, what would this mean during a typical rainy day or evening when we're sat in front of the tele? Are chew toys and cuddles enough?
Hope these queries aren't too silly. Looking forward to any and all advice!