Agression in OES? I'd like the scoop...
I'm curious as to how prevalent serious aggressive behavior is in this breed? I guess I'd define "serious aggressive behavior" as aggression which endangers the safety of any human or animal companions in the household. I've been reading about behavior issues as I continue to research the breed, and some of the aggression problems have me, well... frankly a little scared. Is agression a common problem in this breed? It doesn't seem that sheepdogs are bred for agressive tendencies... I grew up with shelties as a child and never noticed any agression... Is agressiveness something more common in bad breeding, or is it something that has more to do with environment? I'd really like to know what people have to say on this topic- everything I've been reading about sheepies, with the exception of this are things I'm prepared to deal with- I can deal with dirt, and grooming, and exuberance, and maybe even chewing holes in the walls, but aggresive behavior is a little scary- having only been exposed to very gentle dogs. I really appreciate what everyone has to say! Karen  |
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| Hi there,
I grew up in a family that raised Brairds, a cousin to the OES. 
Then recently, my husband and I adopted a two year old OES named Sammy. 
Like a Briard, I'm learning that these type of herding dogs are independent, powerful and intelligent. They seem to be easily trainable, although can be stubborn, especially when he believes he is right and the you/handler is wrong. Like the Briard, OES' are willing to give the handler a chance to prove a point, and are agreeable to learning a new way of doing things; however, most maintain an air of independence when doing so. I notice that my OES, Sammy, will attempt to control any situation where there is no leader. This is a great breed. (But with any breed) Sometimes, esp. in the herding group comes mild cases of bad temperaments, mostly stemming from bad breeding somewhere along their bloodline. Also these breeds are very protective, and sometimes get jealous...Like my Sammy who recently tried to bit a two year old. But this was not typical of him. He has never showed us, or any of our friends/strangers any hostility before. He just got jealous, and felt intimidated by her being eye level to him (he felt she was competition). Also when adopting- (which I plan to do forever-because I believe there are too many animals in bad situations that need love.) you will find that these dogs may have issues...that’s why they are being giving up. But know, the love that they give to their new guardians is priceless...like they know that you saved them. I hope this helps. |
| You should note that many of us who post regularly have rescue dogs. We often don't know what happened before our dogs found us, so we have to overcome insecurities and prior abuse that we know nothing about.
Even for those that have been in stable loving homes since birth, OES are relentless. Erin was perfectly correct in describing OES as willing to listen but having their own opinions about right and wrong, and most importantly, not always agreeing with their uprights about which is which. You often cannot physically overpower an OES so you must outsmart him. So right now you are probably thinking "I am smarter than any dog." Wait until it is 2 am, freezing cold, and raining and you are standing in your backyard barefoot looking at this OES who wants to play "chase me Mom" instead of coming inside and crawling back into bed. When it is me, I look at my little Henry and then I like to say it out loud just to reassure myself, "I am smarter than you." Then I try to figure out what he likes better than "chase me Mom." Henry has gotten some wonderful treats at 2 am. Patience, positive reinforcement/positive training, patience, careful supervision with anyone he outweighs (my little Henry is 85 pounds), and did I mention patience are the keys to a successful loving happy relationship with one of these WONDERFUL love puppies. |
| Aggression is not a trait that the OES should have. Breeding practices play an important role in ensuring proper temperment of the breed. Unfortunately, with the increase in dogs bred and raised in puppy mills and commercial breeders (breeders in it for the $), temperment and health aren't top priority and more and more OES are having problems with aggressive behaviors. Training also plays an important role in temperment. Proper - positive reinforcement training - is critical in the OES.
I have to say that the aggression problems that you are probably reading about aren't from the Rescued OES - many of them seem to be from young dogs/puppies purchased through a breeder. Research and find a reputable, ethical breeder that takes great care in the temperment and health of their litters and you will be ahead of the game! Meet the parents! Good Luck! Kristen |
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