Teaching a dog to play!

**Pam** · 07-20-2002, 06:40 AM

Karen I think the advice so far has been excellent and I think in time the sheltie and the poodle might "come around." What size is the poodle--toy, miniature or standard? I am picturing the poodle being a toy and perhaps just a "little annoying thing" to the sheltie right now.

As you know I have had all 3 sizes and those little guys are just bundles of fun and a sheltie that has lived with an older dog might find all of their energy a bit too much at first.

My neighbor had a sheltie who was extremely shy. She had told me that it was a trait of the breed, although I do believe that environment plays an equal part, even if that is so. I just got some info from a dog breed website that I frequently visit. Here's what it said about shelties:

The Shetland Sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog with a delightful temperament. Gentle, sensitive, loyal and dainty. Very lively, intelligent and trainable. The Shetland Sheepdog is one to the smartest breeds, very willing to please and obey. These dogs are so smart that many fanciers consider them to have almost human intelligence. Loving, loyal and affectionate with its family, but suspicious with strangers, especially with children, but they will put up with a lot from children in the family. The Sheltie is known to not allow themselves to be touched by strangers and will display noisy persistent barking. It is a good guard and watchdog. Socialize extensively as a puppy. This breed needs people and must be raised in a home where he can have a lot of companionship.

It may still at this point consider the poodle a stranger. I think it might take a little work to get the two to seek each other out in play but hopefully in time they will do just that. I remember Leslie's Graham and her pug, Cassie, didn't play and there wasn't much she could do about it although she tried. I guess dogs, like humans, have their own personalities and sometimes just don't "click." Please keep us up to date on the progress of these two.

**Karen** · 07-20-2002, 09:51 AM

The poodle is miniature, smaller than the sheltie, but not too much smaller, if you discount the Sheltie's added size that's all fur!

**AdoreMyDogs** · 07-20-2002, 04:46 PM

Thanks to Pam I found this thread, otherwise I would have missed it. Thanks Pam

Graham and Cassie were together for close to a year and not once did they play. They also see each other about 2-3 times a week and they acknowledge each others' presence but that's about it. After over 2 years of knowing each other they still don't play. I think Graham tried playing a few times but Cassie was very unreceptive to the idea. She really didn't have the desire. Since my mom got Ritz, who is an active, playful little 14 month old shih tzu, she has played with him very, very little. Occationally Ritzie will pester her to no end and she'll eventually blow up and growl and chase Ritz away aggressively. But for the most part she's so tolerant of Ritz attempting to get her to play.

Cassie is just not playful with other dogs and there was little I could do about it. I was told to "wait it out" and that they will eventually play, but it never happened. I just accepted that and stoped trying to get them to play. I took Graham to the dog park when he really wanted another dog to play with. I just don't think Cassie is the playful type, regardless of how wonderful of a play partner Graham, Ritz or Kersey are. She's content watching Kersey play with Ritz and Graham play with Kersey.

I think that it's always nice when dogs play, but it's ok when they don't. The young fella will learn that his brother is not the most playful pup, and he'll use a bit more descression with his attempts at forcing play upon the sheltie. As long as they aren't fighting, their relationship being a non-playful one is still healthy I think. Cassie is a very happy dog. As is Ritz, even though he knows that he can't play with her. As is and was Graham when he lived with her and was unable to ger her to play.

I would suggest taking the little poodle to a play group or doggie daycare as often as possible so he is able to play with other dogs, stay socialized, and get some of his pent up energy out, so he's more wiped out when he's around the sheltie. That's what I did with Graham and that's what my mom does with Ritz so he can get a chance to play with other dogs like he so much enjoys to do.

They may also eventually start playing, but if the sheltie is anything like Cassie, it's not going to happen. I think dogs are great company to each other regardless of if they play or not.

I hope this helps

I sure do wish I could see those dogs, especially that little poodle

**Karen** · 07-20-2002, 06:08 PM

The two dogs don't live together, they just go to work at the same office, the poodle just comes two days a week. So it's not like there's constant interaction, anyway. The humans in the office do play with the dogs, I try to play with the poodle a lot when he first gets there if I can, to tucker him out a little.

**Pam** · 07-20-2002, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by Karen
The two dogs don't live together, they just go to work at the same office, the poodle just comes two days a week. So it's not like there's constant interaction, anyway. The humans in the office do play with the dogs, I try to play with the poodle a lot when he first gets there if I can, to tucker him out a little.

Oh would my Bella love to play with that little poodle! They could tire each other out!

In fact certain members of my family are strongly hinting that I bring another dog into the house for her as the cats sort of act like the sheltie when it comes to playing.

I guess since the sheltie and the poodle are only together two days a week it will take some time before a relationship will be established, if ever. At least there is no hostility between the two of them so that's a start! LOL! I too would love to see some pictures of both of these sweeties. PULEEZE!!

**lovemymaltese** · 07-21-2002, 05:59 PM

How old is the Sheltie? I know that my dog is 8 and does not like to play with other animals and my roommates bassett hound puupy loves to play. My point is Tango would not play and will never play, the basset hound has just gotten used to that fact. Maybe your situation will be different.