3 Common Shetland Sheepdog Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, sensitive herding dogs who notice everything. Give them confidence-building work and gentle guidance, and they'll become the devoted, responsive companions they were bred to be.

Where Do Shetland Sheepdogs Come From?

Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) were developed in the Shetland Islands of Scotland in the 1800s to herd sheep, ponies, and chickens on small crofts (farms).

They needed to be smaller than mainland collies due to limited food resources on the isolated islands. They're essentially miniaturised rough collies, though not directly related. They were refined through selective breeding to maintain herding ability in a smaller package.

What were they bred to do?

Shetland Sheepdogs had demanding herding work:

• Herd sheep, ponies, and chickens on small Shetland crofts
• Work in harsh island conditions (wind, rain, cold)
• Control multiple species of livestock
• Use vocal commands to move animals (barking was essential)
• Protect flocks from predators
• Work closely with crofters in confined spaces

Their size was kept small due to limited food availability on the islands.

Key breeding traits:

Shelties have miniature size with full herding ability and vocal nature (barking was essential for moving livestock). They have extreme sensitivity to sound and movement (needed to detect predators), strong handler focus and responsiveness, and intelligence for multi-species herding.

They have a tendency toward shyness with strangers (isolated island life with minimal outside contact) and alert watchdog nature. They were bred to notice everything and announce it vocally.

Why Do Shetland Sheepdogs Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Sheltie isn't being difficult. They're still occasionally used for herding but mostly companions now. They're extremely popular in dog sports (agility, obedience, rally) where their intelligence and handler focus excel.

Modern breeding has emphasised companionship over working ability in many lines, intensifying sensitivity and reducing confidence. Without proper work outlets, their herding drive manifests as anxiety and reactivity.

Understanding they're hyper-sensitive by design is crucial.

Problem 1: Excessive Barking & Vocal Behaviour

What's happening: Your Sheltie barks constantly, seems impossible to quiet down, or vocalises at every sound or movement.

Why it happens: Shelties were bred to herd on small crofts where vocal commands to livestock were essential - their size meant they needed to use their voice more than body to control animals. They needed to alert crofters to predators and strangers on isolated islands where threats were serious. Vocalisation was a critical job function for moving sheep and protecting flocks.

The fix: Teach "working bark" vs. "quiet time" discrimination where barking is allowed during training/play but not rest time. Practice having them bark on command ("speak"), then immediately teaching "quiet" for a reward.

Implement "speak and quiet" as paired commands so you control when vocalisation starts and stops. Use "bark for purpose" training where they learn selective alerting: doorbell gets one bark then quiet, but cars passing get ignored completely.

Provide outlets for vocalisation during herding games (treibball, herding balls) then enforce calm afterward - this gives appropriate outlet for their vocal genetics.

Accept some barking is hardwired - this breed is incompatible with quiet households or apartments with strict noise requirements. They were bred to be vocal.

Use "Thank You" commands and actions to show which movements they should be alert to, and which they should not.

Constant barking driving you mad? Shelties were bred to be vocal herders. Join our free Skool community for "speak and quiet" training protocols and get realistic expectations from other Sheltie owners during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Noise Sensitivity & Anxiety

What's happening: Your Sheltie reacts fearfully to household noises, seems anxious about sounds like hoovers or fireworks, or shows stress responses to normal noise.

Why it happens: Shelties were bred on isolated islands with minimal stimulation, making them hyper-alert to changes. Their herding genetics required vigilance and quick response. Modern Shelties bred primarily as companions (not workers) have intensified sensitivity without building confidence through work, leading to fearful responses to normal household sounds.

The fix: Implement "sound desensitisation" protocols gradually introducing various noises paired with high-value rewards: start at very low volume, play sound, immediately give treats, stop sound. Gradually increase volume over weeks.

A very common issue is around the hoover. Follow a defined progression that makes the hoover a non-event.

Avoid coddling fearful behaviour (picking them up, soothing voice, excessive attention) as this rewards the fear. Instead, completely ignore the fear response and act normally.

Make small steps when introducing things like the hoover. Provide progressions that make it easy for them to understand there's nothing to worry about.

Noise sensitivity getting worse? Shelties are naturally hyper-alert. Inside our Skool community, you'll find sound desensitisation progressions and can troubleshoot specific noise fears during live weekly webinars with experienced trainers.

Problem 3: Shyness with Strangers & Fear-Based Reactivity

What's happening: Your Sheltie is shy, fearful, or reactive around strangers, or shows fear-based aggression toward unfamiliar people.

Why it happens: Shelties were bred on isolated crofts with limited human contact outside the family - they needed to be wary of strangers who might be sheep thieves. Modern breeding has emphasised this sensitivity without building confidence. Lack of early socialisation in companion lines has increased shyness dramatically, creating dogs that are fearful rather than just cautious.

The fix: Prioritise early high quality socialisation (before 16 weeks) as absolutely critical - this is the most important intervention possible. Expose them to 100+ different people/dogs in various contexts before the fear period solidifies.

Implement "neutral observation" where they walk calmly on a loose lead when you go past strangers. If there's any pulling, stop and complete a figure 8 loop and continue back walking.

Practice "controlled introductions" where strangers ignore them initially: person enters, completely ignores dog (no eye contact, speaking, or movement toward them), tosses treats without looking, only interacts after dog is calm.

Accept they'll likely be one-family dogs, not social butterflies - this is genetic. Never force interactions as this increases fear and creates reactivity rather than confidence.

Sheltie fearful of strangers? This breed is naturally reserved. Join our Skool community for early socialisation protocols and get advice on managing shyness from other Sheltie owners who understand this sensitive breed.

Is a Shetland Sheepdog Right for a New Owner?

A Shetland Sheepdog might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

One of the most trainable, intelligent breeds - Shelties excel at learning complex tasks and commands. They're outstanding for obedience training and respond beautifully to positive methods with their strong handler focus.

An athletic companion for dog sports - If you're interested in agility, obedience, rally, or herding trials, Shelties dominate these activities. Their intelligence and responsiveness make them natural competitors.

A devoted family dog for active households - Shelties need 1-1.5 hours of daily exercise and thrive with families who can provide mental stimulation. They're very good with children and form deep family bonds.

A smaller herding dog with big abilities - At 6-12kg, Shelties are more manageable than larger herding breeds but have full herding instinct and intelligence. They're perfect for people wanting herding dog qualities in a smaller package.

A beautiful dog with stunning coat - Shelties are gorgeous with their flowing coats and expressive faces. If you're committed to daily brushing during shedding seasons, you'll have a stunning companion.

If you can handle heavy shedding, accept their vocal nature, and provide early socialisation plus mental stimulation, a Shetland Sheepdog will be the most devoted, intelligent, responsive companion you could ask for.

Get the Full Support System for Your Shetland Sheepdog

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Shetland Sheepdog is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Shetland Sheepdog and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Shetland Sheepdog owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Shetland Sheepdog.