OES Advice

I have been investigating getting an OES and wonder what you think? My wife and I live on 2 acres with a swimming pool in Northern Westchester County NY with our 4 kids, 2 dogs and 4 cats. The kids are 17, 15, 9 and 2 1/2. The dogs (Heinz 57- we got them from the pound 8 1/2 years ago) are from sisters, a Beagle mix, friendly and very attached. The kids all love the animals. We have an electric fence, though not in use- one dog won't venture beyond, the other was going through it anyway.

I fell in love with OES, but we had a bad experience a few years ago with an Australian Shepherd- he was a beautiful, faithful dog but a biter- he'd nip (alright bite) strangers in the rear and then retreat. We tried everything to no avail before finding a 100 acre farm in Pa. for him to roam.

Would I be putting myself in the same position again with an OES. I think part of the problem before is we bought the Australian from a store in the mall (I know0 I should be shot for that one) and this time want to do it the right way. Any suggestions?
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OES are herding dogs - just like the sheperd. They can be difficult - but with the proper training - can make wonderful family companions. You need to make sure you have the time for training and grooming! Grooming requirements of the OES are worse than any other breed! OES can often have issues with young children - because of their size and herding instincts.

I would recommend finding a reputable breeder in your area and visiting some OES to see what you might be getting yourself into. The AKC recommends the OESCA and Breeder Referral person of Janet Loehr.

http://www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamer ... ferral.htm

Research a breeder and attend some dog shows in your area! A good breeding program can mean all the difference in the world in a dog's temperment and health!

Best of Luck!
Kristen
Thanks Kristen
I had already filled out that referral slip and am waiting to hear back. Do you think there would be any problem of an OES relating to the other 2 dogs- they are small to medium sized
Donh wrote:
Thanks Kristen
I had already filled out that referral slip and am waiting to hear back. Do you think there would be any problem of an OES relating to the other 2 dogs- they are small to medium sized



I don't think the OES would have a problem - it would be more likely that the two other dogs - especially if they are older - may have a problem with a rambunctious OES puppy that is 80+ lbs in no time.

Are there any dog shows in your area? www.infodog.com has listings of upcoming shows and that's a great place to see some OES and meet some of the breeders - or get a referral for a breeder from one of the exhibitors.
Hi Donh,

I haven't had the nipping that many people talk about, but mine will bump like no other. 8O They got their gold medal in bumping. LOL They have gotten better though, they don't come full throttle and ram into our knees anymore. I was afraid I would have full knee replacement in my 20's. We got our sheepie's when our son was 3. The dogs seem to just naturally calm down around our kids, but we can still have an occasional bump when they get to close to the street or they start screaming.
I think you are doing right by getting as much information as you can. Welcome to the forum, I hope you will keep us informed. Good luck to you and your family. Stormi and co.
Welcome :D


i totally understand the fear of nipping I have a collie and an OES,so I know all about nipping.I have to say my collie was ALOT more worse than my OES w/ nipping.My daughter would take off running and playing and my collie would chase her and just nip her,we broke him of that by smacking him under his chin,he was very hard headed but a very good boy.My OES is 5months old and the only time he nips is when we play,and when im rubbing his belly.

I would NOT base getting a dog on the nipping,especially when your talking about a hearder,because 98% of the time you can break the nipping,just like having to teach your puppy everything he/she needs to be a part of the family.I however have been converted I was a total collie lover altho I still love collies,BUT the OES has grabbed my strings and I willbe getting another OES in the years to come... :D
Thanks for the advice everybody- does anyone know of a reputable OES breeder in the NY area- I don't mind traveling a bit for a good breeder; also, it is not that important to me if the breeder currently has OES available- any time within the next 6-8 months would be okay.

I am going to take your suggestion and try and find a local dog show to visit.

Thanks
When I was looking for a breeder, I went to the OES website and got the names from there. However, they didn't have puppies due at the time I was looking for. So, we got our pup from MI! Long drive! LOL But she was worth every minute! Goodluck!
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