Help!!! What should I do? Are they a High Maintenance dog?

Hi, As some of you may have noticed from my other posts I have been thinking of getting an OES puppy and have put a deposit down on one. I have done a lot of research into which breed would be the best for us and OES appeared to be the one. I have however since then been told by someone at work who has a friend who owns one that they are extremely high maintenance dogs. I now don't know what to do and am looking for some advice. First I will tell you a bit about us and our situation and then hopefully some of you can share some of your knowledge with me as you all know the breed of dog best. Basically, we are a family of four; my husband and I and our son who is 6 and our daughter who is nearly 3. We live in Ireland and our home is on 1.5 acres and is five minutes from a beautiful beach that allows dogs. We live in a 200 year old cottage that has been renovated and extended. We have a large barn on the property that is insulated, we also have a part of the yard that has gates closing to form a dog pen if needed. My husband and I both work full time. My job allows me to come home at lunch and one or more quick stops throughout the day so I would be able to come perhaps two times throughout the day to let the little guy out and for a quick play. Apart from work we are basically homebodies and our kids are outside a lot playing. Do you think we are doing the wrong thing by getting this breed? I am aware that their grooming needs are great and like all dogs they crave attention and love. Apart from that in what other ways are they 'high maintenance'. This girl at work told me that her friend said that he has to clean them after every time they go to the toilet. I think that's crazy and if this is the case then I'm afraid they are the wrong breed for us. If this breed is too high maintenance then which breed of dog isn't? What do you think? Please help!!
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Well in my opinion, Sheepies are a bit on the high maintenance side, especially if you are going to keep them in a long coat, say more than 3 or 4 inches. But unless they have "the runs" (diarrhea), you shouldn't have to clean them every time.

Some say that the sheepdog has a sensitive tummy and gets diahrrea more frequesntly than other dogs, but from my experince I had one that did, and have had 2 that didn't. The frequency of the one that did was about once every month or two.

Hair grows everywhere. You will need to keep the ears clean (probably once or twice a week, and keep the hair out from between the pads on the paws (once or twice a month) and keep the area around the backside clear (also once a month).

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure others will chime in!

The afternoon visits are like any other dog -- they'll be very happy to see you, anything I say above that would only be personal opinion and biased.
I too was worried about the maintenance...there is a lot of grooming. Ron expressed it best...pads, ears and coat...they are a very loving and needy...they will follow you everywhere and beg for attention...In my opinion, Panda has turned out to be the best thing that has happened...she makes me exercise and laugh all day long...It sound as if you have the perfect set up...2 kids to keep the dog busy and a lot of yard for the furball to play....my only statement would be, If you are unsure if you can keep up, dont do it....to me Pandas grooming is no more than cleaning a room in your house...you just do it...and the poopy butt...if you keep it shaved, you'll have no problem...hope this helps :D
Yes they are high maintenance if kept in full coat, however, if you just want a family pet there's no reason you can't clip down the dogs coat a couple of times a year, and brush in between to keep the coat free of mats and debris from playing outdoors.
If the dog is fed a good quality food and not switched haphazardly, they shouldn't get diarreah leading to a messy dog (not to mention uncomfortable) Most people keep the fur around their dogs bum trimmed anyway for cleanliness.
I would advise constant supervision around small children, they can be bouncy clowns and may knock your children over.
Perhaps you can go and spend some time with any adult oes your breeder has? See for yourself if this really is the breed for you.
Good luck, and you are certainly doing the right thing by looking into it very carefully before you buy. They are a hopefully 12 year or more commitment, and for most, you can't stop at just one, they win you over in the blink of an eye. :)
I agree with all that was said. Our first OES was a rescue. We kept her shaved most of the time. We did let it get longer in the winter months.

Nothing more than a brush, a clip on the bum, and nails cut short.
Kassie was 12 when we put her dawn.

Our second, another rescue had never been groomed. The rescue did it the first time. That was this past March. Last week we took her to a groomer and had her cut down. She is easy to care for this way.

Now for our third, she is 4 1/2 months. She also gets her bum clipped.

Other than a bath and brushing for now.

They are so loving, Fergie was just laying next to me on the couch.
They love to cuddle. They give soooooooooo much love.

Deana :lol:
I don't have a problem keeping him clipped a few times a year and groomed regularly in between. I have never clipped a dog's paw hair or cleaned its ears 8O but I am willing to learn this. Is it hard to do? My Mom is a big dog person and has two Lhasa Apsos. They are very hairy but are a MUCH smaller dog than the OES (not very good with children unfortunately). Apart from these grooming needs, how is the OES high maintenance? DO they fret when left alone? DO they bark excessively and disturb neighbours? Are they hyper? If you think the OES may not be the right breed for us based on the info I provided could anyone suggest an alternative breed. I have done the internet test several times and it keeps coming up with the same breeds which all have their problems most of which are much more serious than high grooming needs. Please help. Still looking for advice although a big thanks to all who have responded thus far.
Hyper, yes.
Bark exessively, no.
Fret when alone, no.

Im basing this on Panda, so I can only tell you what I know and see every day.....
Other than coat maintenance, which is considerably less if you keep it clipped shorter, I don't think they're very high maintenance.

Trimming between the pads and keeping the ears clean is not difficult to do yourself. As Ron mentioned, a couple times per month is sufficient for the paws and I clean ears once a week.

They do want to be with you all the time when you're home and are very loving...like lots of attention. But, at least my two, don't suffer from seperation anxiety. They're fine when left alone for a few hours during the day. They have their toys and I always give them a good treat before I leave.

With the kids, Beau was a little too boisterious for them until just a month or so ago. He's nine months old now and isn't quite as rough with them as he was when he was smaller. I had a hard time teaching him they weren't dogs. Once I got the kids and the dog trained, all is well. :D

I think Willowsprite's suggestion that you spend time with the breeder's adult dogs is a very good idea. That way you'll be able to see for yourself how they act.

I commend you for doing your research first!! If you'd like we can come over to Ireland and help you learn to groom your sheepie. I'm still a novice myself, but your home sounds like a lovely place to practice!! :D :D
Thanks Beaugard's MOM, How old are your kids?
No pun intended, but cleaning everytime the dog goes sounds a little anal if you ask me. Unless that dog has the runs constantly, she should barely have to touch it!

First of all, let me begin by saying that both my boyfriend and I are very, very lazy and self-centered. We don't have children because we don't want the responsibility. We both work full-time and we hate chores, cutting the grass, cleaning-- all that stuff. With that in mind, we of all people, picked a dog that we knew would have some serious maintenance involved and, to be honest, it doesn't even phase us! We do stuff for our dogs that we don't even do for ourselves! The love we have for this dog (well, both our dogs) supercedes all of it. Clyde has the best personality-- he's a goofy little clown that loves us so much. He's an awesome companion and listens well. He loves to play and run and he's so eager to please us.

We keep him in nearly full coat so there is definite maintenance involved there but I've actually found it relaxing to come home and let him lie in my lap while I brush him. If you don't plan to show them, you can thin out the coat while still leaving it long too and it makes it even easier to work with. There is always the shaving option but I have to say, I love the hair and do my best to preserve his coat.

They are velcro dogs so they love their humans and want them around but it sounds like you have a great situation that would allow you to spend lots of time with him/her. Even though we work full-time, the majority of our free time is devoted to dog activities like walks and the dog park!

Clyde doesn't have a sensitive stomach at all so I can't speak on that. His tummy is like cast iron. He does have a tendency to get excited and puke up water though...

I definitely think this is a case that the pros outweigh the cons. Don't let a little cleaning and brushing scare you away from a great pet if those are your main worries. I'd have lots more sheepies if I had the room!

8O
They're nine, seven and six. Beaureguard now outweighs all of them and is bigger than the younger two. But, he's learned to sit for them while being petted and they can play ball with him (and Geneveive) without getting tackled (most of the time :D ).
Wow, All so close in age, where do you find the energy for them all, plus dogs?? Do you think it will be a problem with my youngest being 2, if it knocked her down could it really hurt her?
Hi Nicola,
I would say that apart from grooming, I don't think these dogs are any more high maintenance than any other type of dog. I've had sheepdogs for a good majority of my life and they have worked well while I was a child, a teenager, and now into my 20s. They just love to be around people, so when you are home, make sure to spend time with them, but they get into routines, so if you and your family are gone all day at work, they find things to do to occupy their time and will welcome you when you come home.

I wouldn't classify them as hyper. Yes, they have a lot of energy, but to me hyper would be like a little dog jumping up and down constantly. Sheepdogs prefer to run around and be active than jump in place.

I didn't know Barney could bark (not really, but...) for the first few weeks we had him. My parents' sheepdog rarely barks (if the doorbell rings, or she hears a weird noise or something). So, no, I wouldn't say they are barkers, necessarily (all dogs are different, though)

And mine don't fret. At my parents' house, when people are getting ready to leave, she just goes into her box "crate" and lies down and goes to sleep (door open--she doesn't have to be in there, she likes it)

As for the bum, we've had Barney for 6 months now and I don't think we've had 1 bum cleaning incident yet (knock on wood!).
My parents' sheepdog has always had a more sensitive stomach and I would say maybe every 3 months or so she needs to be wiped off once, but it has never been a horrible chore or something that we really thought of.

I think this forum (which I love and am addicted to and participate in regularly and has great people and information) can be a little intimidating to some who haven't had much experience with sheepiesor other dogs, for that matter. After I got Barney I felt like a bad 'mother' because I work all day and didn't feel like I spent as much time as some of the other owners on this forum, and Barney is shaved and many other things (scared of ticks, and not having enough time right now to groom a full coat), but you come to realize that the sheepie is your own pet and you raise it the best way you can.

That said, if you have any doubts then maybe you shouldn't get one right now--I've had moments of What Have I Done!! but at the same time, he/she could be a wonderful happy pet for you and your fam!
Oh, and about the knocking down, I've been knocked down a few times and I think it would hurt me more than a little one, since they are so much closer to the ground and fall down all the time anyways. The dogs don't tend to want to run through and past you, they seem to put on the brakes a little too late and end up stopping at you instead of before you...so it isn't really a direct hit (usually!)
Sorry...I should have clarified..."my kids" are actually my niece and 2 nephews. My family all lives close by and the kids are with me A LOT of the time, so I claim them as my own. :D

Yes, to be honest, if your four or five month old, 40-50 lbs dog knocked your little girl over, it could possibly hurt her. It wouldn't be on purpose, they're just silly clumsy clowns! Of course, you would never leave them together unsupervised.

Several of our members have very small children, though, and they do just fine. Elissa, Pepsi's Mom is her ID on the forum, has a new baby and she says Pepsi is great with her.

It really is mostly a matter of training both the children and the dog. And of course, always, always supervise them when together.
Thanks to you all. I'm beginning to think I may have to get an OES just so I can be a part of this wonderful forum :D I guess I do have a few concerns still but I don't think I am ever going to be 100 percent sure. It would be great to hear more from those who have toddlers or know of others who have these dogs with toddlers. Thanks again for all the people who have taken the time to answer my endless questions!
high maintance or not - think about all the bows you could put on your puppy. *grin*
London, Im not sure my husband would be too happy about the bow thing especially since it is a boy we have the deposit on but I would have some fun you are right about that lol. My two year old loves brushing and styling anyone and everyone's hair she can get her hands on so I would imagine she would enjoy that also.
hehe london is a boy - and recently jeff and i went to the vet so london could get his rabies shot.. the vet asked us which rabies tag we'd like.. i picked a pink heart but jeff was like "noooooo. he's a boy!!!" so we settled for an orange tag :(


but when london gets more hair - i willl put a bow on him :) no matter what jeff says. :)


- laural
My kids have always been raised around oes... and *touch wood* no problem, however, I don't leave them unsupervised, no one should ever leave children unsupervised with any dog, oes or not.
London :lol: That is so funny!! Sure, once you get him neutered he'll forget all about his masculinity anyway. Maybe he'll turn out to be a SNAD (sensitive new age dog ) hee hee!!! They say its good for little boys to dress up in girls outfits play with girl's toys etc; don't see why the same rules shouldn't apply to dogs :lol: Maybe you should knit him an extra large pink doggie sweater. Maybe I should think about getting a female puppy instead of the male eh??
Willowsprite, You make a VERY good point, although I imagine this might be difficult to be rigidly strict with ie. the phone rings, you're out in the yard and you just run to answer it leaving dog and toddler alone for 2 mins. It is the situation that I just described that could very easily happen and could also easily lead to an incident. I will have to be SO SO careful Not to do that sort of thing. Thanks so much for the input.
Regarding bows and Pink stuff...Look at Sir Gucci...he has a pink slipper and Panda thinks he's hotter than sliced bread!!! :D
LOL :lol: Darcy! I was just scrolling down thinking "Grant would be agreeing with all the men on this one!" Gucci is comfortable with himself and has no problem carrying around his pink slipper, ESPECIALLY since he knows Panda thinks its HOT! :D

As for the children issue with OES's, I do not have children, well uprights! But I did grow up with a sheepie, from 4years old until I was 17! His name was Raggs and he was my best friend! He is the reason I so adore sheepies and couldn't imagine having any other breed! Everyone is absolutly right about leaving dogs with children under the age of 12 alone, no matter what breed it is, it just should never happen! I really think it is a personality thing with sheepies anyways, and all are a little different! Gooch flattens out like a pancake when a little kid comes up to him and wiggles his bum like crazy. But he instictivly seems to know that he should stay down while they are there! I pretend that I trained him to do that! :lol: In actuality, the first time he did it I had to hide my shock! 8O He was only a young puppy and full of verve but still knew to lie down! 8O

I also agree that going and spending time at the breeders is the best idea and bring the kids!

Good luck with whatever choice you make, but we really would love to see pictures of the little guy with your kids...hint hint! :D

Colleen and The Gooch
Not meaning to sound like a party pooper but I have to say I am SO glad I didnt have my guys when my kids were small. Puppies nip, kids dont enjoy being nipped. As it is, Avalon who only weighs 44 pounds will bound and knock over my kids. My kids are 12,10,9 and 7. Sheepdogs like to herd. They herd the kids all the time. The kids have to not run around the dogs (I can hear you say..yeah right stop a 2 year old from running...) I am not saying it cant be done, having dogs and toddlers, but you can NEVER leave a dog with a kid. A 2 year old is not old enough to sense that the dog has had enough. My 7 year old has no clue when the dogs have had enough. I dont leave my dogs unsupervised with my kids and my kids are older and with the exception of the 7 year old the kids are very reliable with the dogs. I would wait until your little one was a bit older before getting a puppy, any puppy. Just my opinion :)
I agree with the comments about kids and dogs - always the possibility of a collision. My godson was running around with his boxer and crash! broken collarbone. Just a boy and his dog having fun, no malicious intent. These things happen.

My life is very much like barney1's, Bailey is an only dog and he doesn't get any attention during the day. He's just fine being left alone. I just have to remember to close the doors on the rooms with trash cans as they are his favorite thing right now. ("Wow! Look at all this great stuff conveniently thrown in this container for my amusement!") We also keep him very short to cut down on the grooming. He can be very hyper sometimes, which is hysterical, and can be the biggest slug other times (Zzzzzzz...). Although Bailey doesn't get a ton of attention we do make sure he gets enough exercise, we try to to be very consistent about training him, and we love him to death whenever we are with him. Wouldn't trade him for the world!
Hi Nicola,

I have to say, it sounds like you have an incredible place for a sheepie to call home!! My Max is now 8 months old and I'm very happy we have him!! These dogs are definitely active and keep you busy, but I think they are one of the most fun breeds!! I have 3 kids (14, 13, 11) and I still don't leave them alone with Max just because he can go from 0 to 60 in just seconds flat :lol: He is getting very big and very strong, so training has been very important. I'm really starting to see him calm down a little also since he's been neutured. We are also homebodies, but Max loves going with us whenever he can, the car is probably one of his favorite places to be!! Anyway, I look forward to hearing what you decide, Ireland sounds like a perfect place for a sheepie :wink:
Sharon
Clyde isn't even a year old yet so he's still very much a puppy but he's great with our 3 year old niece. He's very gentle and careful when she's around, which is pretty good since he doesn't have a lot of practice with lots of kids, just the occasional few that come to the park and in our neighborhood. I would never trust any animal 100% but I would say that he doesn't make me nervous!
OK so here's the deal. The other breed that I am considering is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I know you are all probably going WHAT?? I know these two breeds are at opposite ends of the size spectrum but it just so happens that apart from size they are two of the best breeds with children. The Cavalier has next to no grooming requirements and seems perfect in every way except that it really does not like to be left alone. That could be a big problem but apart from that it seems good. The OES seems lovely despite its high maintenance grooming requirements and propensity to knock my two year old over. I just don't think I am going to find a breed that is perfect in every way so I guess I better stop looking for it. Any thoughts on King Charles Cavalier as opposed to OES-try not to be biased :lol:
They have weird heads. :twisted:
Cavs are adorable. Very sweet doggies.
You can google them, and find more about them..but I am sure like many smaller breeds dogs...once a child hurts them they rememebr forever and tend to take the defensive role just to protect themselves. A smaller breed will require alot more child watching, IMO.

We got Remy as an adult, and we have kids...they grew up with dogs from baby's...we survived many different breeds before getting the OES. Now my kids are 6 and almost 5, so they were 4 and 3 when we got her. She knocked my son down once, and she has been great ever since. We wouldn't trade her for anything. She does not have any separation anxiety, we take her to doggy daycare if we know we can't watch her for long time periods. She also gets raw bones, the KONG, Holey Treat balls all filled with something really yummy she has to work to get it out. I never say good-bye to her, I give her the treats and leave. I also don't acknowledge her right away either...not that she isn't a priority but it lessens the excitement...and chance of peeing...

We also had a pup and he was great at the 8-12 week stage, but then they turn into 40 lb + puppies in a blink of an eye. Our six mth dog Tag, is very sweet to the kids and everything, but in the first few minutes of seeing them he is so excited, and jumpy...my daughter gets the brunt of that where he seems to ignore my son. My son is the younger of the two. She's been hurt a few times, and has had her share of scratches...I try my hardest to hold onto him, but sometimes they(the kids) don't listen and head outside before I can put the dogs into the dog run.

Once he calms down he is really great, prefers to lay down around the kids while they play outside.

You will want a Kennel, baby gates, this can be a real lifesaver if you can't watch the dog and want him/her inside the house. They want to be with the family, and do better if inside rather than outside. Females are obviously smaller...if size is an issue. But gender does not play a role in how much love they will give you...both genders are very affectionate.

I love to put bows in Remy's hair, she is also cute with pigtails. But Tag get's cool bandana's.

We don't have any issues with poo on the bum fur, just be careful of diet changes and NO GREASY foods. As the others said a good trim makes them less matinance...you can decide how long or short you want the coat.
Daisie wrote:
You can google them, and find more about them..but I am sure like many smaller breeds dogs...once a child hurts them they rememebr forever and tend to take the defensive role just to protect themselves. A smaller breed will require alot more child watching, IMO.



Daisie -- I agree with you for dogs like maltese, poodle, chihuahua, but my friend has 2 cavs with 3 boisterous girls and the cavs are completely tolerant and forgiving. They just want to be cuddled. They are not like other small dogs.
I think that the kids and the dog get used to each other. Not that that means that they can be left alone together, but most kids will tend to know how they need to behave when they are first going out into the yard to play (with regards to the dog). Our sheepdogs (my parents first got one when they were first married and we have had various ones since then) didn't really care about chasing us, unless we wanted them to chase us...
Funny thing:
I used to be afraid of dogs. I'm still wary around little dogs. I was bitten by a neighbor's dog on my bum (it bled, even through jeans!) and from that point on, forget it, I'll never get a little dog. They just seem mean to me (I know, they are all different, many people have great nice small dogs), they just SCARE ME!!
So, I'm partial to big dogs. We also had a Bearded Collie, which was a great dog. She was so gentle and (fairly) calm...smaller in size than a sheepie, but you get the general look of one...
Just like to thank you all for your advice. It has been quite a mixed bag as far as the advice and I have to admit I am still undecided one way or the other. My main concern now is not the grooming but more the danger of the dog knocking down and hurting my 2 and a half year old girl. Any more thoughts on this?
Well, kids bounce for the most part. Dogs will be dogs...
Willowsprite, Your guy is just gorgeous. That is how I would like mine's coat to look. It is so lovely and soft and fluffy looking. Just looks like a big teddy bear!!! Beautiful!!!
High maintenance, for sure. Not sure what the consensus is, but besides maybe like a commador (sp) are there any other breeds harder to groom?
May I weigh in here? Let's not forget keeping the bum clipped which isn't a big deal unless there's been a mess and the uprights didn't notice dingleberries were forming :oops:

Toe nails can be rather large, so clip often. You don't want bear claws forming.

Teeth need cleaning.

Beard needs attention more than most areas. Nothing like that wet beard being dropped in your lap. Sheepies consider their upright to be a napkin.

Tender tummies of they are counter crawlers. Jack ate a giant ear of corn, cob and all again today which I why I'm up late. I smell his gas forming which means we'll be taking some early morning walks this a.m.

Hair grooming is a biggie, but shedding isn't. With my Pyrs shedding is a big problem, but not with the sheepies.

Sheepies have big barks. So when they do let go, you'll hear it. Some also "talk". Jack is a talker, yodeler, howler.

Sheepies also like to be with their uprights: in the bathroom, shower, bed, couch, kitchen. Velcro is appropriate term.
Just thought I'd let you all know that we have definitely decided on getting the OES puppy and have decided on the boy. We are 100 percent committed despite high maintenance grooming and concerns regarding the kids and we will deal with whatever problems comes from it. Can't wait to welcome the new member of our family now. Will be driving 5 hours each way to get him next weekend so this weekend its off to the pet stores with a list of equipment we need for him. Soooo excited, just wanted to share with you all since you were all so kind and helpful in answering all my queries. I will post a photo after we have got him and settled him into the fam!!
Congrats, Nicola! :lol: Of course, everyone on this forum will think you made the RIGHT decision! Can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories!
Chris
Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! :clappurple: :clappurple: :clappurple:

How very exciting!! I can't wait to see pictures of your puppy! Have you decided on a name for him yet? :D
Nicola wrote:
Just thought I'd let you all know that we have definitely decided on getting the OES puppy and have decided on the boy. We are 100 percent committed despite high maintenance grooming and concerns regarding the kids and we will deal with whatever problems comes from it. Can't wait to welcome the new member of our family now. Will be driving 5 hours each way to get him next weekend so this weekend its off to the pet stores with a list of equipment we need for him. Soooo excited, just wanted to share with you all since you were all so kind and helpful in answering all my queries. I will post a photo after we have got him and settled him into the fam!!


Well, you'll have to stop being a guest and register as an official member of the forum then-- it's official, you're one of us now that you're getting your puppy! Besides, we all need to see pictures and you have to register for that!
I am so happy to hear the great news Nicola! YAY! A brand new sheepie boy! :clappurple: Can hardly wait for pictures!

Colleen and The Gooch
Greet choice!! Congratulations.
Hi Nicola,

Congrats on your decision, I have been watching this post, but just haven't had the time to reply. I have 2 sheepies. Jack was for my 3 year old sons birthday. (Really, for me, but hey it still worked as a present for him, and he was happy. :D ) Annabelle came just a few months later and was Ashlan's 5 year old birthday present.
Yes, they are high maintenence, but then again, most puppies are. I was lucky, I guess, my pups never nipped, they did jump a couple of times on us when they were very little, but we stopped it immediately and have never had problems since.
I am a stay at home Mom, have been for a long time, and plan on being one for a long time longer, so I do believe that it gave me an advantage to training very consistantly. I had a timer set to let me know to take them out, and as they got older the timer was set less often. Sheepies are one of the smartest dogs out there, despite the goofy look. They can learn very easily, if just given the training.
I do believe that in the beginning and when your kids are small, that the dogs and children should never be left alone. For one, Jack didn't see Joey as alpha until Joey was a little older, so if Joey gave a command, Jack just looked at him. Ashlan was older and would firm up her voice and could get Jack and Annie to both listen. If they are outside playing and the phone rings, bring your kids in with you. My kids are almost 8 and 5, and they still are not allowed outside unsupervised, even if the dogs are inside.
Now that my kids are older, and I feel like I know my dogs, yes, I do allow them together alone....well, sort of alone, Jack and Annie can go lay on their bed and watch a movie, or they can take a nap with them.....but such as playing outside. Sheepdogs are herders, and ours happen to be very natural with it....LOL They will bump the kids if they are in the front yard to keep them in a very tight "circle". The kids think it is funny, and then it can easily turn into a game of lets see how far I can get before Jack or Annie come get me. Annie is fine with it, she will bounce in front of them to stop them in their tracks, but Jack is different. He is a little more anxious of change, and our street has had new construction, so if his kids get farther than he thinks they should, you can see his demeanor change, he gets anxious, he will whine and bark at them and will bump them. If he doesn't think he is bumping them back in the right direction, he will bump harder, and send a kid, heck even me to my knees. The resolution, unless we are heading out for a walk or a ride, they aren't allowed in the front yard.
Our back yard is completely fenced with a 6 foot stockade fence, and they feel very comfortable and secure there, so we can sit back on our patio and watch the kids play chase and soccer and the dogs happily play nicely with them.
So far, no one has ever been bit or hurt from them, I don't expect that to change, unless it was an accident. I feel that even if someone broke in, that they would lick them to death.....LOL
My best advice is training, training, training and consistency with the training. Learning dog behavior helped me out a lot, through 2 books.

The Dog Listener: Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation, by Jan Fennell

The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training, by Paul Owens, Norma Eckroate

I should also say that with young children, training them to know how to act and not act around a dog is just as important.

Best wishes with your new sheepie, and Welcome to this wonderful forum!! :wink:

Stormi and co.
Great reply Stormi! :D I can just picture Jack and Annie "herding" their kids...lol....
Speaking of picturing Jack and Annie *ahem* *HINT HINT* :lol: :P
Hi nicola I am too from Ireland [Sligo} . Would be happy to help you out if you are ever stuck for a chat or advice . I too had a male . He was 12 when he died. They are such great dogs. My niece and son used to cuddle into him and go to sleep and crawl on his back . they are a bit excitable as pups but he will soon realise that they are small and hurt easy. Good luck . I can give you my number if you would like.
Hi Stephanie. I haven't been back on and just saw your post. THANK YOU. How nice to have someone in my own country to be able to rely on for advice!!! Maybe our dogs are related lol. Just an update for everyone. Jaxon is now 7 months old and is doing wonderfully. He sleeps out in the barn at night-he has his own sofa as well as bundles of toys and blankets and a huge covered in kennel for him to snuggle into at nights. The rest of the time he is in the house or out on walks or playing outdoors. He is soooo happy and lovely-I just can't tell you what a joy this dog is. He is such a big, goofy fun-loving clown and I am so glad that we decided to make him a part of our family. We always watch him every second around the kids as he is often more rambunctious around them and my little girl just turned 3 so that's not always the easiet but all in all it has all worked out wonderfully especially the issue that a few people on this forum about-him sleeping in the barn at nights. We just had him neutered and his dew claws removed so he is running around the house with a giant cone on his head knocking into everything lol. I will probably join forum soon and post a piccie of him.
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