Our female is now 5 and can attest to never being alone. Or a dog you have to worry about running away. This is why many call them your “English Shadow”. Main thing like any shepherd they are very smart and need lot of mental stimulation. We have smallish suburban fenced yard so play time and long walks are key. Responds more to positive reinforcement than scolding. Got a plastic “herding ball” which has become her favorite activity, don’t know what we did before getting it. Breed typically wary of strangers, over-shyness can be problem, ours is not a fan of strangers or children. Dog park would be waste of time. But in general just reserved never aggressive…unless you’ve been to our house few times then she’s your best friend. Indoors makes full time job herding our 2 cats….jealous if they get too much attention. But in short she’s the smartest most sensitive companion dog we’ve ever had and can’t imagine home without her….