WEll I must be ready for an OES.. bcuz after your replies...

I must be ready for an OES because even after reading your replies about the chewing and destroying.. I am still Desperately in love with them.. and desperate to have one! I'll have to let you know how I feel after we have the little guy.. LOL
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Good luck! I hope you enjoy the adventure. . . :D
Just make sure you do your research.... they are an absolutely wonderful breed, but they are not the breed for everyone. Definitely a high maintenance breed.
When choosing a breeder please be very careful, make sure they do health testing, ask about what health issues they have run into.
I would suggest you contact Tarja Peters, the oesca breeder referral.
Her email is oescrazy2@yahoo.com
I've been reseaching for a month now and finally narrowed our choice down to this breed.. I do not mind the grooming etc.. I am a stay at home mom and time is what I have a lot of... The woman I was going to buy my puppy from gives a health certificate and a health guarantee... what exactly should I be asking? What is a reasonable price for a pet OES??
Most are usually around $1500.00

Sounds like you'll be able to provide a great home for an oes :)
Some breeders may not like it if you have young children, since that is one of the main reasons they are given up to rescue is because of issues with young children.
I think it is key to realize they do get big, and are rather clumsy and bouncy when they're young, and they will knock kids over. They are a herding breed, so they usually nip as well.
I've been very lucky, I've always had dogs, and haven't had problems with the kids, but my kids are taught how to behave around animals, and always supervised.
I have an almost 2 yr old and an 11 yr old.. but my children are taught to love and respect ALL animals... I expect my 2 yr old will get knocked down but she's a toughy and I think she will acclimate. She has never met a dog she didn't want to hug and kiss-- my cats are a different story.. she calls them both fino ( smeagol and fiona) and all we hear her saying is "no no no FINO!" but she still loves to pet and kiss them and she is NEVER rough with them so I think she is ready... we are going to purchase a puppy so hopefully we can find a compromise on the nipping.. and I am only looking at breeders who have little ones so that the pups are accustomed to having toddlers around.. I am a HUGE animal lover so will have no problem having patience while the pup learns.. after all he'll just be a little toddler himself...
For a guide in choosing a breeder and asking the right questions visit
www.oldenglishclubofamerica.org, click on information and choose "buying a puppy"

Plan on at least 8 hrs a week in two sessions for grooming a full coat, expenses of $1000/yr for food, vet, training, equipment, grooming. In selecting a vet, preferably find one who has experience with the breed.
Finally, expect a companion that will stick to you like velcro, lick you to death, and be full of surprises from the first minute you get him/her.

For a taste of experiences with one new OES owner's experiences, click on my profile and read some of my past threads posted since I got Barney, then Maggie. Read some of the responses and wonderful support from our members.

Best wishes and good luck. Can't wait to hear from you and see pictures.
George
You might want to contact the OES breeder referral person, Tarja Peters. Her e-mail is oescrazy2@yahoo.com and she posts here under oes rule.
I checked out the website and I will email that adress soon.. thanks so much for all the info!!
Delia--when you said you are purchasing a puppy and hope to compromise on the nipping...I think that puppies nip more than older dogs, since it is a natural tendency for puppies to do it and haven't been trained otherwise, while an older dog should be. Just a thought.

My parents had sheepies when my brothers and I were little--you just have to watch out for the dog and the kids. My dog Barney is the sweetest dog ever, but he is so full of energy and doesn't realize how big he is, so he might come bounding over to your little girl...I think it's great that you've taught your children to love animals, but I don't think it's a love issue with the sheepie--they won't be mean to your children, they just might be overly effusive in their show of love to them.

Just some thoughts...not trying to talk you out of one, 'cause they are the greatest and have so much love and are good for 'pony rides' when the kids are little!
I have a 3 Year Old Boy, a 8 Mo Old OES and a 7 Mo Old Baby. Benjamin doesn't so much nip my oldest but [i]run him over[/i]. Keep in mind he runs on the adults too. However, we brought the pup home shortly after I had my youngest son and the pup knew from day one (on instinct) that he was to be gentle with the baby. I have no complaints. I would recommend that you pick a breeder that you can visit often before picking up the pup. We were lucky enough to get our pup from a friend, we had pick of the litter and took our time visiting and doing "puppy tests" to pick the right one for our family. I must say, Benjamin, is a handful. There is alot of upkeep involved, but the outcome is well worth it all. This breed is by far the sweetest and funniest of anyother. Good Luck to you!
Good Luck with your new OES Delia, they are a fun breed, my children have grown up with them since babies and they are a joy to have as part of the family. :D
Good luck with the puppy.

As for toddlers and puppies, it is gonna be a challenge somedays. YOU have to be in constant watch over how she treats the dog, and how the dog responds. As long as your pup has a safe place to be alone, and sleep like in a kennel or gated to the kitchen some of the time, then your chances of a successful match are higher.

Pups play rough, they like to bite the head especially, and if she lays around pn the floor then it will jump, climb, scratch, and they have razor sharp teeth. Keep the nails trimmed short. This is for every breed tho, but the bigger dogs grow so quickly, that the little bundle of fur you brough home, isn't so cute when you can't control it.

My advice is to make a plan, do you wnat the "dog" on the sofa/bed...if you don't don't play with it on the sofa as a puppy. If you don't want it to chew your shoes, don't give it one to play with...it won't understand the difference. If you don't want it to chew your hands don't play mouth games with your fingers.

A no chew spray is a great thing to have, it discourages them from chewing the wrng things. I use to spray the kids feet, and clothes to help stop the puppies from chewing on them.
That's VERY good advice daisy.. I intend to really read up before we get the puppy... and I am very watchful so hoepfully it will pan out.. I have to say though.. I have never regretted any of the animlas I have had even with their various quirks so I am sure we can make it work...
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