The 6-weeks-old Sheltie in this video is playing with her father and human family.  She runs excitedly, with all 4 legs up in the air.  While she is playing with her human family, Dad is watching her from the door.

Michele Welton in Your Pure Bred Puppy writes about the characteristics of the Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie.  3 of the traits she writes about stand out.  One is the requirement for mental stimulation.  This very intelligent herd dog is best suited for an owner who is interested and has the time to provide mental challenge in the form of advanced obedience training, agility, herding, or in the least, play fetch or hide their toys and have the Sheltie look for them.

Characteristics of Shelties

Shelties are very attentive and responsive, which makes them really easy to train.  What they require from you is a calm voice and go light on the leash.  This leads us to another trait of the Sheltie–sensitivity.  The Shetland Sheepdog is very tuned in to emotions.  Our emotions.  When you are training them, use gentleness, praise them a lot, and use rewards.  They will actually correct their behavior based on your verbal communication alone.

Shelties also have quick reflexes, and may react more strongly to loud noises or sudden touches, something that children might do easily.

Shelties pick up on the emotions of the family–stress, anger, etc., and can reflect this in their behavior.  This dog needs to live in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.  Still one more trait to be aware of before you bring a Sheltie home is that this dog needs your companionship.  He does not like to be left alone for more than a few hours.  They might start barking.  Excessively.  And some individuals have high-pitched voice.  This is NOT a dog to leave outside unsupervised if you want to remain friends with your neighbors.  You can read more about the Shelties here.

If you like this video, here is another Sheltie video for you to enjoy!

Article source:  Michele Welton in Your Pure Bred Puppy