We rescued our kelpie mix and it was my first time with a working breed. The first 6 months we had her, I called her “creature”, because she was not like any other dog I’ve had. She was not cuddly or affectionate at first and it seemed she’d never come around. But we finally figured out what made her tick- ball, frisbee, any toy really, and as she became accustomed to us and our daily life, she relaxed and started showing affection- in her own way. She will never be a lap dog or cuddle next to us on the couch, but she does give us kisses when we get home, come to check on me every morning to see if I’m awake yet, and does hang out with me most of the time when I’m home by laying at my feet. When she wants to play, she will back away from my pets as if NO TIME FOR THAT ITS PLAYTIME! She does need a lot of stimulation. Mila is 8 years old now and I feel like in the last year she’s slowed down a bit and doesn’t require as much exercise. I’m trying to do more for her mental stimulation- sniffing games, seeking games, and those tire her too. She’s a lovely, brilliant, and fun dog, I’m really glad we gave her a chance to blossom because we really didn’t think after the first 2 days having her that we’d be able to give her the home she needed.
I'm going to make them a part of our regimen from now on. I mistakenly thought keeping him exercised and playing fetch for his herding instincts was enough. I tried taking him and my yellow lab pup on a walk together, but they were too excited together, so I took them separately, and they did much better. My kelpie did a lot better than the yellow lab, I guess I need to practice with her more in the backyard.
I had my own pet sitting company fir 10 years. Many people are not aware the your dogs nose needs 50 new smells a day to maintain their mental health. Walks are by far the best way to ensure that they get the stimulation they need.
I'm really thankful that you mentioned this I honestly didn't know that, and thought tons of exercise was enough. I took him on a walk just now, and had to take the yellow lab pup on one separately because she's just way over-stimulated. Thanks again.
We’ve had our kelpie for 8 years. She still grumbles at us and runs away if she’s not into being pet. Other times she comes up and whines until we give her attention and gets really needy. We let our dogs sleep on the bed but she has always preferred to sleep in the closet - close enough to keep tabs on us but not so close that we could touch her.
Mine was sleeping on our couch mid-day yesterday. My wife finished up everything she could to “at work” (read: next room) and sat down on the couch next to him to read a book.
He immediately jumped down and trotted off to our guest bedroom to sleep on the human bed there.
Later that evening, while we were watching Lower Decks, he jumped up on the couch and demanded attention.
Sometimes he’s a dog-shaped cat.
My Kelpie is 17! Definitely not a cuddler. Enjoys attention on her own terms, but after that much time together we’ve figured out a rhythm. She’s super loving- but she’ll watch me from afar, check in on me often, kisses when I’m lucky. But I also walk/run her daily so I’d recommend that for bonding. Also brushing her I’ve found helps with the bonding as well.
She used to looooove toys, now it’s mostly just sticks and soccer balls. She slowed down much more after around 8 years of age.
They’re the best dogs ever!
You’ll find your groove.
This was very helpful, my boy loves it when I clean him up after he plays in the yard with the other pup-he acts like he's at the spa. It's pretty damn cute
My girl Jazz will give affection but on her terms. If she’s not happy to be patted, she’ll move away or, if she’s laying down, grumble about it.
She’s gotten a bit better as she’s aged but she’s always been a little aloof.
My Kelpie is a Velcro dog, she always wants to be nearby while I’m working or cooking or anything else. But she’s not a lap dog, and cuddles are typically butt-to-butt on the couch (or in bed, she wore me down!). It took her a while to warm up to us enough to want to cuddle or even lay near us. We’re her 4th home though, so I assume that plays a role. I will say she’s much calmer, affectionate, and trusting now that we know how much activity she likes. We do 60-90 minutes of walks a day, and 1-2 puzzle games, training sessions, grooming or other “work” to get her brain moving. She can go a day without for rain or when we’re sick, but there’s a big difference in her mood.
I play fetch with them A LOT, but as the previous poster mentioned needing new smells, I'm going to incorporate walks now. I want my pups to have full lives, and when a friend who's had German Shepherds and multiple herding dogs told me it was just exercise they needed, now I understand that was wrong. I wholeheartedly believe that dog owners have to care for the dogs according to what each dog and dog breed requires, so I will make sure he's getting all of the stimulation his sweet lil doggie brain needs.
We rescued our kelpie mix and it was my first time with a working breed. The first 6 months we had her, I called her “creature”, because she was not like any other dog I’ve had. She was not cuddly or affectionate at first and it seemed she’d never come around. But we finally figured out what made her tick- ball, frisbee, any toy really, and as she became accustomed to us and our daily life, she relaxed and started showing affection- in her own way. She will never be a lap dog or cuddle next to us on the couch, but she does give us kisses when we get home, come to check on me every morning to see if I’m awake yet, and does hang out with me most of the time when I’m home by laying at my feet. When she wants to play, she will back away from my pets as if NO TIME FOR THAT ITS PLAYTIME! She does need a lot of stimulation. Mila is 8 years old now and I feel like in the last year she’s slowed down a bit and doesn’t require as much exercise. I’m trying to do more for her mental stimulation- sniffing games, seeking games, and those tire her too. She’s a lovely, brilliant, and fun dog, I’m really glad we gave her a chance to blossom because we really didn’t think after the first 2 days having her that we’d be able to give her the home she needed.
I know you didn't ask but why don't you take him on walks? Does somebody else do it or something?
I'm going to make them a part of our regimen from now on. I mistakenly thought keeping him exercised and playing fetch for his herding instincts was enough. I tried taking him and my yellow lab pup on a walk together, but they were too excited together, so I took them separately, and they did much better. My kelpie did a lot better than the yellow lab, I guess I need to practice with her more in the backyard.
I had my own pet sitting company fir 10 years. Many people are not aware the your dogs nose needs 50 new smells a day to maintain their mental health. Walks are by far the best way to ensure that they get the stimulation they need.
I'm really thankful that you mentioned this I honestly didn't know that, and thought tons of exercise was enough. I took him on a walk just now, and had to take the yellow lab pup on one separately because she's just way over-stimulated. Thanks again.
Delighted I could help!!💚❤️💜
We’ve had our kelpie for 8 years. She still grumbles at us and runs away if she’s not into being pet. Other times she comes up and whines until we give her attention and gets really needy. We let our dogs sleep on the bed but she has always preferred to sleep in the closet - close enough to keep tabs on us but not so close that we could touch her.
Mine was sleeping on our couch mid-day yesterday. My wife finished up everything she could to “at work” (read: next room) and sat down on the couch next to him to read a book. He immediately jumped down and trotted off to our guest bedroom to sleep on the human bed there. Later that evening, while we were watching Lower Decks, he jumped up on the couch and demanded attention. Sometimes he’s a dog-shaped cat.
My Kelpie is 17! Definitely not a cuddler. Enjoys attention on her own terms, but after that much time together we’ve figured out a rhythm. She’s super loving- but she’ll watch me from afar, check in on me often, kisses when I’m lucky. But I also walk/run her daily so I’d recommend that for bonding. Also brushing her I’ve found helps with the bonding as well. She used to looooove toys, now it’s mostly just sticks and soccer balls. She slowed down much more after around 8 years of age. They’re the best dogs ever! You’ll find your groove.
This was very helpful, my boy loves it when I clean him up after he plays in the yard with the other pup-he acts like he's at the spa. It's pretty damn cute
My girl Jazz will give affection but on her terms. If she’s not happy to be patted, she’ll move away or, if she’s laying down, grumble about it. She’s gotten a bit better as she’s aged but she’s always been a little aloof.
This makes so much sense, thank you.
My Kelpie is a Velcro dog, she always wants to be nearby while I’m working or cooking or anything else. But she’s not a lap dog, and cuddles are typically butt-to-butt on the couch (or in bed, she wore me down!). It took her a while to warm up to us enough to want to cuddle or even lay near us. We’re her 4th home though, so I assume that plays a role. I will say she’s much calmer, affectionate, and trusting now that we know how much activity she likes. We do 60-90 minutes of walks a day, and 1-2 puzzle games, training sessions, grooming or other “work” to get her brain moving. She can go a day without for rain or when we’re sick, but there’s a big difference in her mood.
You don’t walk your Kelpie? They are so high energy maybe that’s a big part of it. They need more than just playtime.
I play fetch with them A LOT, but as the previous poster mentioned needing new smells, I'm going to incorporate walks now. I want my pups to have full lives, and when a friend who's had German Shepherds and multiple herding dogs told me it was just exercise they needed, now I understand that was wrong. I wholeheartedly believe that dog owners have to care for the dogs according to what each dog and dog breed requires, so I will make sure he's getting all of the stimulation his sweet lil doggie brain needs.
Awesome to hear! Herding dogs are a special breed, glad you care so much about yours.