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Originally Posted by gracielove  I believe that dogs like the Sheltie and Collie have an inbred need to bark. They are herding animals and also used for protection. It is cruel to use punishment to try to stop an animal from doing what they are supposed to do. I have had both a Collie and a Sheltie. They both loved to bark out in the back yard when they were running and playing with my kids. The Sheltie loved to referee a good game of touch football. The collie barked when someone would come to the door. I would not think of punishing them for doing what comes naturally for them. They were limited as to how long the barking persisted but we expected they would bark sometimes. We had a big yard and didn't live real close to our neighbors so it was fine to have a dog that needed some room to run. I think sometimes people try to make a house pet out of a dog that has a true desire to do it's job. They need to be able to fulfill their inborn instincts. If they are expected to sit around and not get proper exercise, both mental and physical, then there will be problems. People blame it on the dog but the dog is just doing what it is supposed to do. |
I absolutely agree! But some do need to learn when it's not appropriate - I've had a few rescues that would bark non stop until I started teaching them when they could and couldn't. I also don't think ANYONE should own a collie or Sheltie that doesn't intend to do SOMETHING with it - obedience, therapy work, agility, doesn't really matter what - but they realt need a job and to be kept busy! They're working dogs! And if you don't give them something they WILL have behavioral problems!