Why SHOULDN'T I get an OES?
So... why shouldn't I get an OES? What are the drawbacks of owning one?  I just want to be prepaired for the road ahead! |
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| Well, let me start by saying, I think they are the best dogs in the world and all of mine have dubious pasts because they are all rescue. However, I do think you need to consider:
size grooming time for grooming learning to groom they can drool they can herd you and your family and friends they can be obstinate you will need lots of patience lots of love they will try to walk you when they want to go to bed, they want everybody to go to bed too. they don’t believe that they are dogs, so be prepared for a furry person not a dog Obedience classes and more obedience classes and if that isn’t enough, try some more. They are lots of work! But here is the upside. You will have the biggest reward. They love like no other dog can love, they will look you in the eyes with their soulful eyes and you will melt. They are the best friends you can have. They are the best traveling companions too. They love to take long, long walks, they will listen to you for hours, and will be loyal to you and your family, they are also one of the most adaptable breeds I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. In short, I am hooked on this breed. Each one of mine has a different personality, much like your children do. I try to give each one what they need to feel complete and loved and for mine it is different for each of them. So please enjoy if this is the breed you choose, but know that they are lots of work, I would rather you know that up front than get one and decide that they are not for you because they take too much time. Oh, I forgot to say, if you don’t like to meet new people, don’t get an OES. When you walk an OES, EVERYBODY wants to meet your dog, pet your dog, talk to your dog. It is the rare time that people will ignore them. So I hope you are a social butterfly, cause an OES will make you in to one. Best of luck on your decision, |
| If I had been warned, I wouldn't have two... LOL
These dogs are the best companion, but also require a lot of grooming and attention. Keep in mind their social nature, the worst thing you can do to this dogs is to keep them outside and alone. Their playful nature can turn them into a handfull if you don't have the energy and patience to train them, since they want things their way. They are ver, very smart and will pick on your routine and habits pretty quick, it's like having a child that walks on 4 legs and does not talk... Then there's the grooming and care... I feel naked now if I leave with no pet hair on my clothes.
But like TylersMom said, these guys are the best companions you can ever get. Our Sofi is a rescue dog and she is always reminding us that she is soooo grateful by licking our faces, and Lennon is our guardian angel and alarm clock. He sleeps on a balcony watching the park just in case anything dares to hurt us, and in the mornings, Lennon takes care of waking us up (If I could theach him to take care of the coffee too... sigh) Bottom line, these dogs are very demanding and require a commitment from you to be owned by one, but the rewards are worth it. If you can, look for people who own OES in your area so you can get hands on experiences before comitting, but if you decide to get an OES, get ready to have the time of your life... unconditional love comes in a hairy, big package. |
| Thank you for the replies! ^_^ I checked off your list to see if I can handle it all.
TylersMom wrote: size Check! TylersMom wrote: grooming Brushing hair is so calming! TylersMom wrote: time for grooming Will have lots of time for that! TylersMom wrote: learning to groom Maybe a bit more difficult - but I had to learn to brush my Himalayan - so I'm sure I can figure it out (with a little help that is) TylersMom wrote: they can drool I've had so many dogs drool on me... hehe... TylersMom wrote: they can herd you and your family and friends Sounds like fun! TylersMom wrote: they can be obstinate So can I... mwa ha ha ha... TylersMom wrote: you will need lots of patience Double check! TylersMom wrote: lots of love Lots to give! TylersMom wrote: they will try to walk you
I knew that one was comming hehe. Those (and the others) were a lot of what I heard. I think I'll be able to get this dog... and have lots of fun! |
| I don't think I've seen....
POOPY BUTTS (Dingleberries! lol) on anyone's list! Come on - that's the first thing I thought of! 
Kristen |
| yuck! I forgot about those.
How about permanent paw prints on your just mopped floor? I you are really lucky, mud, grass and dirt come free with every purchase.  |
| LOL
At least one expensive thing chewed. Some people get dogs instead of having kids because they don't talk back, but they do! Dancer is such a saucy girl! I wouldn't give any of it up for the world, puddles and piles and all! |
| Hey willow, talking about puddles...how is Dancers house training going? Sorry, off topic. LOL |
| Actually both Dancer and Sky are doing great in that deparment. Still puddles, but not as often. Usually if there is a puddle it is our fault for not taking them out soon enough. I wish Dancer would let me know when she has to go, but she doesn't very often. *shrug* Maybe that will come with time. At least she pees outside when I take her out, and she will hold it all night, and hold it all day while I am at work. The only time Dancer has an accident is if I am in another room for too long. Sky has puddles occasionally, but again, only if I wait too long to take her out. She knows she is supposed to pee outside and prefers to do so. |
| Willowsprite,
One of the things you could try with getting Dancer to "announce" that she has to go out - try getting her to speak right before you take her out - and associate her "speaking" with going outside. Then, when she has to go out - she may make the connection and "speak". You could also try using a "ringing bell" at the door. Just a thought. Kristen |
| Thank you Kristen, I have been thinking about the bell idea... Dancer is a bit of a barker, so I don't want to encourage that more than she already does. LOL |
| I'll second Brit's poopy rear downfall. It also doesn't help that a lot of OES's have sensitive tummies which goes hand in hand with poopy butts. Both of my sheepdogs had/have excitable tummies too. Whenever taking a walk I can always count on perfectly normal hard stools turning to soft /runny stools in a matter of minutes which like to stick to the hair. (Yummy topic!) Poor Frank gets his rear end hosed off at least twice a week. Plus the neighbor's dog that he plays with is a slobbery boxer and she's always getting drool all over his head which hardens a little when dried.
But the upside are the big black nose nudges, watching their big bear-like paws negotiate toys & bones, having people drive or walk by with a big smile on their face when they see your dog running around. ...And all the kids in your neighborhood will always remember your dog's name even if they don't remember your own. |
| I Think you all covered that quite nicely, and I'm sure there are still some more we missed. |
VerveUp wrote: I'll second Brit's poopy rear downfall. It also doesn't help that a lot of OES's have sensitive tummies which goes hand in hand with poopy butts.
My Himalayan is the same way... He's got the fluffiest hair... and the worst stomach imaginable! Two whole months of nothing but runny poop (on food he was used to! Nothing wrong... no worms... nothing!) We finally found a food that keeps his stomach sound... Canned Wellness. If I just give him an ounce a day - along with his dry - his stomach does worlds better (the results were instant!) Whenever I forget though... his tummy gets upset again. After 2 months of having to wipe his fuzzy butt or submerging it in the tub - its sort of desensitized me to the sight and smell of poop (thank god!) I hope the love for my dog wins over my squimishness (sp?) - it probably will anyway. |
| I agree with all of the above- sounds like you have thought through the grooming, work, poop butts, everything, the only thing I would add is that the OES is not for you if you are looking for an independent dog, they are not terriers. Chelsea wants to be with me ALL of the time, so when I am getting stuff done around the house she is constantly at my side- I think this is WONDERFUL- but you may not.
My last OES learned to open door knobs with her paws and chin, you couldn't keep her out if you wanted too, (she also learned to unlock the back gate with her nose too!) So I guess my point is if you don't mind constant attention and a big rug following you up the stairs and out to the garage and into the laundry room - YOU WILL DO FINE with an OES. Chelsea likes to follow me into the bathroom when I shower too! Sometimes I ask my husband to keep an eye on her so that I can have a little privacy, if he doesn't distract her she lays down outside the bathroom door and 'hits' the door with her nose trying to open it, it can be a little startling when you are naked on the other side, sounds like a bull trying to break in! Good Luck with your decision! Up. |
| Oh yes, the shower! Or tub, (or hot tub) or toilet. They must keep track of everything.
Also watch for the flying kisses. I'll be here at the keyboard and suddenly Harry comes barging under my arm, plants a few kisses, and then is off again. sheepieboss |
 It must be something about fuzzy animals - because my kitty is the same way - if I'm away for even a second... to go to the bathroom or shower - he screaches until I either let him in or leave the bathroom.
I guess once I get my own house without a ton of people milling through it I can leave the door open so they can come in and bug me. I actually love needy animals - having them follow me around and wanting my attention 24/7 - which is sometimes irritating if I trip on them (mostly makes me worry because I think I hurt them) - but makes me feel loved. I've gotten used to tripping around my 5 and 20 lb cat - maybe with the dog being bigger I'll be able to see her a little better at least.
In which case they sound like an even better dog than before! I was so worried my puppy was going to be super independant and not need me except for food and a couple of scratches now and then! Flying kisses... hehe! |
| your legs, shorts, pants, etc will ALWAYS be wet.
Because right after your OES drinks his two gallons of water in which he just dunks his entire snout in, he will forget to close his mouth and dribble out at least a gallon all over the floor, generally on your feet. Then he'll stick his sopping wet chin on your lap in that oh-so-cute-but-really-soggy way. I don't think I've had dry clothes the entire time I've had Roofus. Oh, and it gets on your furniture too!! Your butt will never be dry again! |
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