When you say "sheepdog" are you talking about Shetland Sheepdog? Both Mini Poodles and Shetland Sheepdogs are high energy dogs, which is one of the reasons they excel in sports like agility and obedience. The idea that either breed could be kept sane and happy with no more attention than 2 short walks a day is somewhat mind boggling. Yes, they can, and frequently do, develop and "off switch" with maturity and training, but at only nine months, your guy is still a baby. He needs mental and physical stimulation. He needs exercise. He needs training.
Most herding breeds tend to be nippy and mouthy. It's one of their methods of controlling livestock. To counter that, you need to institute some strict protocols. Namely, his teeth on human skin ends all interaction. You stop paying attention to him, and walk out of the room or else pop him in his crate for a few seconds.
And no, neutering probably won't have any effect on his need for exercise and mental stimulation.
Most herding breeds tend to be nippy and mouthy. It's one of their methods of controlling livestock. To counter that, you need to institute some strict protocols. Namely, his teeth on human skin ends all interaction. You stop paying attention to him, and walk out of the room or else pop him in his crate for a few seconds.
And no, neutering probably won't have any effect on his need for exercise and mental stimulation.
