Prepare for unexpected vet bills
A cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shetland Sheepdog, the Cocker Sheltie is as adorable as it is friendly. These affectionate canines boast gorgeous looks and a gentle nature, which make them a wonderful companion for a wide range of owners.
However, as any Cocker Sheltie owner will be able to tell you, these dogs are not only very intelligent but also quite active. As a result, you'll need to be willing to put in the time and effort needed to give your pooch all the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy.
The good news is that there are stacks of activities your Cocker Sheltie will absolutely adore. Here are a few of the best.
Your Cocker Sheltie is an athletic, energetic and intelligent dog, all of which could help them excel at a variety of canine sports. Agility is one sport your dog will likely love, and it's an activity that should give you a good workout as well.
The basic premise of agility is teaching your dog to tackle a pet-friendly obstacle course. They'll need to jump hurdles, crawl through tunnels, weave in and out of poles, and negotiate a range of other obstacles. It's a whole lot of fun for pooches as well as being grrr-eat exercise for canine bodies and minds.
Here's how to get your dog to channel their inner ninja warrior!
We'd all love to take our dogs with us everywhere we go and keep them entertained 24/7. Of course, that isn't always possible, which is why it's good to have a few boredom-busting activities up your sleeve for those times when your dog is home alone.
This is especially the case with intelligent and active breeds like the Cocker Sheltie. If left to their own devices for too long, your canine companion could become bored and potentially destructive.
This is where interactive puzzle toys come in. They offer an intriguing challenge for your dog and also the reward of a tasty treat simply for using their brain power.
If you're ever stuck inside on a rainy day and looking for ways to entertain your energetic Cocker Sheltie, this is the activity for you. As anyone who has ever spent time on the stair machine at the gym will tell you, climbing stairs is a wonderful way to get your heart rate pumping, and that's what this easy activity taps into.
This is essentially an indoor game of fetch but with one key twist: your dog has to climb the stairs to retrieve the ball. You'll obviously need a two-story house if you want to play this game, but other than that, it's a simple solution to rainy-day boredom.