Rescued OES and I could use some help, advice,anything!!!!
I just acquired a 3 year old, female, OES. She is the product of a divorce and lived with her fighting owners for 2 years of turmoil, spending 99% of her time in a crate. She and a male were purchased with the intention of breeding, but when the marriage went sour, they cancelled the plans. Long story short, I have her and I am at a loss as to how to handle her. She is absolutely the most skittish dog I have ever seen, she flips out at a loud noise of any kind, ie.,- doors closing, yelling for supper, fast movements of any sort and she has a raging ear infection to boot! It looks as if she was a solid mat and then chopped up the day before I picked her up. A real mess. I don't know what shes been through Anyway, when startled, she bolts to the point that she falls all over herself and beats feet into her crate. I'm serious when I say the slightest fast movement or the closing of a door! I leave her crate open, which is new for her and she constantly runs in and out of it. She has taken to me, and she follows me everywhere and practically trips me trying to get in front of or beside me. She already nipped my black lab in the rear end because he ran by me! Can someone point me in a direction that can help me pull her out of some of this behavior? I have had a lot of different breeds of dogs and many of them, but this gals a first! Thank You in Advance for any help you can give, Blue |
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Thank you for rescuing this girl, and welcome to the forum! 
There is TONS of good advise to be found here, and Im sure that folks with more experience than me will chime in, but here's a few thoughts to start with. My girl Abby was a very skittish rescue (also crated extensively for a long period of time) and a lot of it just required TIME and patience. I'm not sure how long you've had your sheepie-girl, but its going to take some time for her to settle in and feel safe. Get that ear infection looked at by a vet, if you haven't already. Being itchy and in pain probably isn't helping her stressful state any  .
OES do tend to stick like glue to the person they bond to the strongest. Congrats on being her chosen one  You will quickly become accustomed to stepping over and around her.  |
| Thank you for saving her.
Isn't it a shame how humans can completely ruin a dog
As Laurel's recommended, get her ear tended to as soon as possible. Ear infections can be very painful and may be contributing to her anxiety. Also, if she hasn't been spayed, PLEASE schedule this ASAP!! You definitely don't want this girl to have pups. I think it will take a while for her to settle in if she's been over-confined in her crate for a long time. You might try restricting her access to one or two rooms instead of allowing her access to the entire house. The pacing you've mentioned is a sign of stress. Maybe too much unfamiliar area is making her more nervous... if she's spent too much time in a small crate, it may just be too much for her. You might try putting her crate in a quiet room and maybe put up a gate so she can securely observe what the rest of the family is doing. Then gradually invite her to participate. It might be good to allow your lab and her to interact outside (it MUST be a fenced in and secure area since she's a flight risk ). They won't feel cornered and they have more room to avoid each other if necessary. If they can play and bond it will make things a little easier... she may learn from him to be a more relaxed dog.
If she's been over-confined, I'd personally treat her as a pup... meaning limited access to the house, frequent trips outdoors, 100% supervision when she's not in her crate... until she's settled in and you know she's reliable in the home. (Speaking from experience with Panda the Wonder Dog  )
I'm sure others here will share more and better ideas on how to help your sheepie-girl settle in. If for any reason you find she's more than you can handle, PLEASE contact an OES rescue to properly place her. |
Bluediaze wrote: Long story short, I have her and I am at a loss as to how to handle her. She is absolutely the most skittish dog I have ever seen, she flips out at a loud noise of any kind, ie.,- doors closing, yelling for supper, fast movements of any sort and she has a raging ear infection to boot! I leave her crate open, which is new for her and she constantly runs in and out of it. Thank you for taking in this needy gal. Just so you can manage your own expectations, you have a long road ahead of you...But if she is only runs when she is frightened, and doesn't defend herself with her teeth, you have a good chance of winning with her. She sounds a lot like my Dixie gal, when I first got her in a neglected state from a breeder whose dogs were all seized by the SPCA. She ran to her crate whenever the channel changed on the TV, whenever the refrigerator door was opened and when the microwave beeped. What you need to do is allow her the freedom to run to her "safe spot" whenever she is frightened. Do not coddle her, or try to calm her as she will interpret that as being rewarded for her behavior. Just ignore her and let her be. She needs to explore and discover at her own pace. Bluediaze wrote: She has taken to me, and she follows me everywhere and practically trips me trying to get in front of or beside me. She already nipped my black lab in the rear end because he ran by me! Watch this interaction very closely. She may be resource-guarding, and not letting your lab around when she is near you. If this is the case there are steps you can take to get this to change, but you must be gentle, patient and never punish her for it. Or she may be nipping him because she is dog agressive. Do they get along OK at other times? Or she may be doing what is called "displaced agression" which is when she is all riled and reactive she goes after whatever is close enough to react on...And if your lab is there....he takes the hit...This is normal, but undesireable, of cource. Again, do not correct or punish her for this. She cannot help it. What you need to do, if at all possible, is to keep things very low-key so she can get used to things slowly and gradually. She is so over-welmed right now that she cannot tell what is what. One thing at a time, for her, and lots of treat, will get her used to life as we know it. And her ear infection may be paining her and causing her to reacto more than usual. Once that is under control you might see more progress. Let us know who she gets on, and if there are any specific things you'd like help with, don't hesitate to ask. edited to add: And yes, everything that Jaci said... |
ravenmoonart wrote: Get that ear infection looked at by a vet, if you haven't already. Being itchy and in pain probably isn't helping her stressful state any
.OES do tend to stick like glue to the person they bond to the strongest. Congrats on being her chosen one You will quickly become accustomed to stepping over and around her. I can't emphasize enough about having the ears checked. OES's are prone to problems and I fostered one for a while that had to have new ear canals drilled. His ears were as thick and hard as a human hand. It was very, very sad. OES do tend to stick like glue to the person they bond to the strongest, oh so very true. |
| Time and patience. My boy has been with us 10 months. When he arrived, he hid in his crate, behind chairs, or in the closet, when he was confronted with a sound or new person.
Tonight, he went with us to a friends house, behaved like a perfect gentleman, greeted people as they arrived (a bit tentative at first), took treats from our hostess, played with a Sheepie friend, and then settled on the floor to watch and wait. Time and patience. You will love the return on investment.  |
| Thank you very much, All!!
Yes, she has an appointment for her ear on Thursday. Also I see from her Vet papers that she has not been vetted since 2005!!!! I am floored! Not even rabies! I really didn't expect to spend a couple hundred bucks, but I guess I am in for it! She is a groomers nightmare, all her hair has been lopped of with a scissors and she still has tons of mats close to the skin. I will have to have her re-shaved. I think there may be a skin issue going on. Also- the advice to spay, I may not be able to do that just yet. As part of the divorce agreement, I may have to allow her to be bred by the stud they have/had. I am unsure as of yet about the legality of that!
Her AKC papers include a registered pedigree, which looks impressive, but I have no idea how to read it. I guess if I can prove she shouldn't be bred, it would help. I have already begun following the advice not to coddle her, as I was... It just seemed like I should, ya know? But I see the logic in NOT coddling her-Thank You- I have Labs, a Black and a Yellow, and they are very, very different from a sheepdog.(Both rescues!!) As far as how she gets along with other dogs- she seems to, although she is very skittish around them. She like my cat, and has shown no aggression towards people yet, although she could care less if my husband likes her and she lets him know by not stopping for a pet. I have only had her for two days, and I am keeping her crate door open for her to come and go as she pleases. My yard is fenced and she will not go out unless I walk out with her at this point. So- Is the ear infection thing common in these guys because they have so much hair or is it a hygenic thing? What do I look for to say-"this dog shouldn't be bred?" She was supposedly purchased for her bloodlines, but I know absolutely nothing about this. Again, thanks for the info!! Blue |
| I would think that the "legality" of having to breed her would depend more on the agreement YOU have with the person you adopted her from, than the divorce agreement. She IS your dog now, after all!
I certainly wouldn't want to breed her, since for all you know, some of her skittishness could be genetic. Besides....these folks who had her really don't sound like people I'd trust to be making that choice. |
| Good luck with her I hope it all works well for all!
We had a rescue Collie who was skittish and a biter when she first came to us. It just took time for her to trust us and realise she was in a safe environment where she was loved. We gave her space that was hers and when she was in that space noone bothered her eventually she used the space less and less. Your dog will also need time, patience and love. Congratulations on your new addition to your family, I hope you can get the breeding issued sorted. maybe you could say she couldn't cope with it as she is needs time. Also who would pay for the vets bills and look after the puppies etc? if you are expected to do it then would you not have grounds to say no? Good luck - hope it all goes in your favour! |
| Regarding the ear infections, she is probably not hearing very well and in pain. If you have ever had an ear infection, you know that it throws everything off and you don't really hear anything right. I have been prone to ear infection for the last year so I do identify with the poor little ones that have them. My Violet is a rescue also and for many years, she is almost 5, we delt with her ear infections. All the hair needs to be out of the inside of the ears. After many trips to the vet we finally found out she had a bactirial ear infection. After being treated for that she has not had anymore.
You say you have only had her for two days....it sounds like she has not been taken care of so with the ear problems and the skin and who knows what and when she was eating, she probably just feels terrible. As she starts healing and eating nutricious food and being bathed and attention, you will see a different dog emerge. You have to be very patient with a capital P. Good luck! |
Quote: As part of the divorce agreement, I may have to allow her to be bred by the stud they have/had. I am unsure as of yet about the legality of that! OMG... they ruin this dog yet want to continue to control it. Please tell me your lab neutered??  BEFORE you do another thing with this dog... - Take pictures of this sheepie-girl in the wretched condition she's currently in. If her ear is visibly infected, see if you can get a picture of that too. (Just so you know... mats are very painful yet they allowed her to get in this condition.) - Get her vet checked (before she's shaved down). Get your vet's opinion in writing about her condition and the care she's received. - If she has a skin condition, again take pictures after she's been shaved down. - Send copies of the pictures and vet reports to the judge IF it's truly part of the divorce agreement that this girl have puppies. If they neglected her, I doubt the judge would force this dog to continue to endure this couple's foolishness. Is it also part of the divorce agreement that they get one of the puppies??? (QUEASY emoticon would be placed here if there was one.) If by chance you have a vet that says to go ahead and breed her (I seriously doubt you do but one never knows), ask how they know her heritage doesn't hold any genetic problems like Canine Ataxia, hip dysplasia, Autoimmune Disease, Seizures, etc. You do NOT want to have a hand in creating pups that are destined to suffer. And a nervous mother will create nervous pups that may go on to be less than stellar companions. You might also talk with an OESCA breeder to see if her bloodlines are truly good. There is so much ignorance in the area of OES breeding. You don't want to add to the problem. http://www.oeshealth.org/ Almost all dogs can have puppies... it definitely doesn't mean they should! Quote: Her AKC papers include a registered pedigree, which looks impressive, but I have no idea how to read it. I guess if I can prove she shouldn't be bred, it would help. Please do NOT think that AKC papers mean anything other than, "Yup, this is supposed to be a pure bred OES". I have an OES that I could have registered... her littermates are all AKC registered (including the one with a narrow trachea and enlarged heart). All came from AKC registered parents and grand parents. THIS is the dog that could have been AKC registered- http://oesusa.com/Cleft-Palate-Puppy/cl ... -puppy.htm AKC registration papers are basically worthless in my opinion and that of so many others. They say nothing about the health nor temperament of the dog nor that of those in the dog's heritage. Quote: So- Is the ear infection thing common in these guys because they have so much hair or is it a hygenic thing? They are if the ears are not kept plucked and clean or the dog has an allergy or yeast problems. Once her ear is healed, you'll begin a cleaning them once every 2 weeks or so with a good cleaner. Plucking sounds barbaric but it really isn't The hair has got to be removed to allow better airflow and to help prevent bacteria and yeast from thriving.Quote: Also I see from her Vet papers that she has not been vetted since 2005!!!!
I am floored! Not even rabies! *** IMPORTANT: If she hasn't been vetted since 2005, PLEASE get her tested for heartworms. IF she's positive, it can be treated. Again, if this is more than you bargained for, OES rescue is always an option. Our state is on a 3 year Rabies Vaccination schedule... you can check to see what your state requires. As for the other vaccinations, some vets also adopted the every 3+ year schedule for distemper, parvo, etc. because of illnesses associated with over-vaccination of dogs. You may wish to have her titered instead to see if her antibody level is sufficient. http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/ ... evised.pdf But this vaccination schedule by no means infers that at least an annual checkup isn't required to ensure the dog's good health. I apologize if I come across so strong it's just I love this breed and I've seen what happens to perfectly wonderful dogs because of the ignorance, greed, neglect and abuse of humans. http://thesheepiestore.com/Assistance.htm |
| Hi:
I agree with getting the dog's ears treated as soon as possible. Perhaps you can call the vet and at least get some antibiotic ointment for her ears even before you see the doctor on Thursday. If you can get her shaved down before she goes to the vet, even better. That way the doctor can see her skin (which is probably in bad shape) and prescribe any necessary medications. As for her skittishness....unfortunately, she probably needs time to become accustomed to all the positive changes in her life. Now, I need to go deal with my latest foster OES who has: conjuntivitis, ear infections, a secondary skin infections and arthritis (he was badly matted and covered in fleas) Good Luck Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey |
Bluediaze wrote: IAlso- the advice to spay, I may not be able to do that just yet. As part of the divorce agreement, I may have to allow her to be bred by the stud they have/had. I am unsure as of yet about the legality of that!
Blue I have no advice to add, except to say this is a load of cr@p. Nobody can force you to breed this girl. It doesn't matter what the "divorce agreement" says. You are not part of that. And don't let the ex-husband or ex-wife or anybody intimidate you into breeding this dog. Most likely you will never hear from these people again. Thank you for rescuing her. You will be paid back thousand fold in the love she will give you. |
| You have done such a great job so far. First of all, you adopted her! Secondly, you care enough to realize that she is going to take some time and patience. She will come around but it will take time. Like mentioned above, you have found a buddy forever. She will not leave you side (even when you want her to!)
Great steps to getting her used to your house...love, exercise, love, exercise, kisses, walking, running, hugs, exercise. Oh yeah, treats, cookies, and food with an occasional side of sleep will help her warm up quickly. There are tons of people on the forum who love to help. Ask all of your questions. No question is dumb because I am sure that someone out there will have a wise answer. |
Thanks Guys!! I am finding alot of great tips and info and I appreciate it alot. 
I took her to the vet yesterday morning. I called and pressed the urgency of the situation and he fit me in. They pulled the hair in her ear and cleaned and medicated her. She is on antibiotics and no shots will be given until she is healthy. She was tested for heartworm, all is well. He said she appears fine. I go back in 10 days for a re-check and maybe shots if all is well. Also- the situation with the breeding- These people got a divorce and he took the male, she the female. The husband had been caring for the dogs for 6-8 months previous to this. He still had 'custody' of them. She got a place that would not allow dogs, so she after seeing the condition of the dog when she went to pick her up- decided to let her go. I don't know if her giving this dog up negates this agreement. So, I am not really gonna worry too much about it. I will not allow it, even if I have to be creative, if she is not a good cantidate. But, I will say she is running into her crate less and less. She is still skitzy and she won't go potty w/out me, but thats ok, too. She is still not eating very well, and I am trying to be creative, but it appears all she wants is people food- and I am a freak when it comes to that, I don't allow it. Any suggestions on that? Thanks, All!! I appreciate ALL the advice, opinions and suggestions!
Blue |
Bluediaze wrote: I will not allow it, even if I have to be creative, if she is not a good cantidate.
Just get her spayed -- that will eliminate the issue altogether. Worst that can happen is they take you to small claims court and you would prevail unless you signed something that says you agreed to have her bred. Otherwise, the husband's dispute is really with the wife. Thanks for rescuing and good luck helping to restore your sheepie's spirit. |
| Get her spayed if possible. It may help prevent mammary cancer but also pyometra http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/pyo.html (it's gross but you need to know of this possibility if you keep an unaltered female dog) .
Quote: But, I will say she is running into her crate less and less. She is still skitzy and she won't go potty w/out me, but thats ok, too. Once she settles into a routine you may be able to wean her off the potty escort. Gradually increase the distance you stand from her when she potties... reward her with a treat if she goes by herself. Quote: She is still not eating very well, and I am trying to be creative, but it appears all she wants is people food- and I am a freak when it comes to that, I don't allow it. Any suggestions on that?
Do you give in and give her human food? If you do, she's won and has learned something from you.
It might be time for some tough love. Check with your vet to make sure this approach is acceptable and safe for her... She gets nothing except her kibble and NO snacks. If she continues to refuse her breakfast/dinner after 15 minutes, pick it up and don't offer it again until the next meal. Offer the next meal the same way. In a day or two she should start eating regularly and be happy with what you give her. Good luck! |
Valerie wrote: Just get her spayed -- that will eliminate the issue altogether. Worst that can happen is they take you to small claims court and you would prevail unless you signed something that says you agreed to have her bred. Otherwise, the husband's dispute is really with the wife.
Ta Da!!! Why is it that the easiest answers are sometimes the most overlooked? We're all trying to come up with ways to fight and defend but hey, there it is!!! D'uh!! Val, the voice of reason! Congratulations again, on your new pup! Give it some time and be consistent with the previous advice and you'll end up with a great dog. |
| Sounds as though you have a new best friend and are getting off to a pretty good start...welcome to the forum.
Unless she is significantly under weight I would only offer her dog food. Just like picky children she will eat whats offered if hungry enough. I would only use small bits of treats ( cut hotdogs work great ) to train or reward when needed. Within a day or so she'll decide that the kibbles aren't so bad. Also I'll make it a foursome...just get her spayed. The hubby may be unhappy with the ex, but she gave the dog to you...it's your dog.................Kathy |
Quote: I don't know if her giving this dog up negates this agreement.
I would think a lot depends on what you may have signed or if you agreed to something in the presence of witnesses. Did she give you any sort of bill of sale or transfer of ownership papers? Hoping you can get her spayed ASAP. |
| Just an update! She is doing much better, still very skittish, but she has actually gotten a little playful. Today she was so happy to see me that she ran around in circles and dropped on the floor and rolled over on her back. Very nice to see!
Her ear is better, but it still has a way to go. She is still scratching at it, but not as much. She was for sure given table food. She is the biggest beggar I have ever seen and she is not real interested in dog food. I am trying different ways to get her to eat it and some are working. She does need to put on some weight. Her nails are claws, I have to try to trim them, but she is a snapper, so I am a little hesitant, but I will do it. Also- yes, my labs are both fixed, no problem with my boys! We will take this slowly, but she is not crazy about my black lab. She has snapped at him a few times, and I cannot put up with that, he's too old and docile. If she can't behave, I will have to find a rescue for her. I am thinking it may be the best for her, but we'll see. She is possessive of me. Thanks again, Blue |
| Just wondering how things are going? |
Bluediaze wrote: Just an update! Her nails are claws, I have to try to trim them, but she is a snapper, so I am a little hesitant, but I will do it.
If she can't behave, I will have to find a rescue for her. I am thinking it may be the best for her, but we'll see. She is possessive of me. Thanks again, Blue Most vets or places like Petsmart will trim her nails for $12 - probably should get them trimmed before they split or hurt you. Getting her spayed is vital - please call your local humane society, they will probably give you a discount on the spaying. There is a lot of good advice on this board - good luck. |
| Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to let you know how things are going. She is 80% healthy and she has really calmed down. She is still fighting me all the way on the human food issue. I have refused to give her anything but the dog food I have been feeding my dogs. I found out she was getting E-Con-O Mets. I am sure you all know the brand. I believe its mostly cellulose. She is eating a lamb & rice formula now. She is a picker- she''ll eat a few bites and then walk away. I have not given in!The worst one is still a little yuckie, but so much better, no longer red. So- she is a good girl, but she has issues that I feel the best thing for her is to find a rescue for her. She is not fond of my two labs, and especially my black who is my companion dog. He is exceptionally well behaved and not a dominant dog, but hes also not a pushover. She is definetly jealous of him and nips at him when he comes by me while she is around. I feel she would be best suited in a home where she can be the only dog. I may be wrong, but I don't think so. If anyone can let me know of a resue in the northern ohio area, please message me and I will begin making arrangements. I do have to get her back to the vet and get her shots next week. She was heartworm tested and it is negative. Thanks Again, Blue |
| I am sorry! I just looked at my post and saw a jump from her eating habits- to her yuckie ear, which you would obviously not gather from the paragraph. I was talking about her ear infection.
So sorry about the confusion. It's late and I have had a horrendous day! Thanks, Blue |
| That's good to hear she's doing better. Madeline Erickson is the Ohio OES Rescue person. If you scroll down this page: Old English Sheepdog Rescue Contacts you'll find her contact telephone number and email address under the state of Ohio.
Please keep us posted? |
| Ok, I have contacted rescue and she is looking for a home for her. I have to go get her shots and I have an appt to have her groomed.
I am just going to have her spayed if we don't find a home shortly. I have a fenced in yard and all my other dogs are fixed, but I just don't want the hassle. The person I talked to at the rescue said unfortunately, she is probably a puppy mill dog because of her mostly white color. She said most often they are destroyed because of the immune system disorders they have a tendency to carry. Awful!! Why don't they sterilize them and sell them as pets? SO, it is slow going, but she is a sweetheart so it's worth it. Thanks Again, Blue |
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