Puppy blues
 But i am trying to keep my hopes up that the perfect puppy will fall in our laps. |
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| Im sorry that you are having the puppy blues...i truely know how you feel.....
remember though, the perfect puppy doesnt fall into your lap. There is a lot of investigating and information seeking that you should be doing before hand...ie checking out breeders, reputations, blood lines and lots of other good stuff... dont give up though, the perfect puppy is out there for you... |
| So what has happened that you've been let down? Bad breeder, no pups available?
Oddly enough, on December 15th and 16th, we will be back at Lehigh University for a show; just like the first time you posted! The invitation still stands for you to come out and visit us. There will be several of us from the forum there and we may be able to chat and give you some advice. But definitely tell us a little more of what seems to be happening that you are lucking out with puppies. |
| Thanks...i know we will get one. I didn't mean literally fall in my lap...hehehe. But if it is meant to be then it would happen. We are still contacting breeders. There aren't really too many out here. Or maybe im just not looking in the right place |
| There are good breeders out there, you just have to know where to look. So, if you let us know what routes you've gone down or the problems that you are having, we may be able to help. |
| Well we had thought we had a puppy for a while and then when we contacted the breeder they only wanted the puppies to go to show homes...so we were obviously not in that arena. We have kept in regular contact, but now there are no more puppies on the horizon.
Oh yea i remember that dog show...I am going to talk to my fiance again about it! That would be really neat! |
| for a first time OES owner an older dog might be abetter way to go. My first OES was a rescue from the local humane society that no one wanted because of the hair and his headstrong nature. he was the perfect dog for us and I believe he found us when th etime was right. |
| You know we tried to go that route. When i called a rescue dog place the lady was actually very discouraging. She said because we would eventually want kids that on oes would not be the way for us...but we kind of took it to mean that maybe a rescue one may not be the way to go. What do you think should we keep this open as an option? |
| Yes, if you're interested in a rescue, please do keep that option open and contact more than one. I know we frequently adopt to couples with children or who will have children. It just depends on the dog and the family. |
| Am i limited because of where i live. Or does that really have a factor. I mean paying for shipping is not an issue for us....but i feel kind of nervous because i wouldn't want to hurt the dog any.
We are in Jersey city, NJ. |
| If you're refering to rescue, I don't think you're really limited as far as your location - within reason. We've placed dogs out of state when the situation was right. Usually, though, the adopter picks the dog up at the foster home. So, you would have to do a bit of traveling. |
| I live in NJ and got my puppy 2v1/2 years ago from Morgansville West Virginia. We drove there and picked her up. Took us a long time. I did try a couple of other breaders but some were really strict.(I understand why) I found one in Pa and I think they wanted everything and some of our dna...
I had 3 kids at the time and was pregnant when we took that ride. We love our dog!!! Just for a quick maybe boring story... My mom actually was getting us the dog and messed up the directions and mapquested morgansville PA. First we went to Morgansville PA and she realized her mistake, then we called breeder and they started driving towards us and us towards them. OMG it was an 14 hr day. But well worth it. Can you guess what we named her??? |
| I encourage you to fill out some applications with different OES rescues. There are some great dogs that go through rescue... you might just find a rescue sheepie that's shared his/her life with kids and is good/calm with them. And if you get a sheepie that's past the puppy stage, you'll have a much better idea of his/her temperament as Ann has said. They seem to be calmer by the time they reach 3 years though they are a goofy and exuberant breed.
We adopted Panda from New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue http://www.neoesr.org/adoptionform/ back in September of 2005. Her previous homes were in New Jersey and she flew to us at 10 1/2 months of age. http://oesusa.com/Panda1126072.jpg All of our sheepies have flown to us and I think the key is to find a direct flight with a good airline that has no stop-overs and someone to stay with the dog until the plane takes off. Good luck to you with your search... try to be patient no matter which route you take. It will be well worth it. |
| Jersey City, is really in a good location to many breeders within driving distance.
Regarding the rescue groups, who discouraged you since you said you were maybe having a family in the future. You have to understand that a lot of people give up their dogs because of new children and rescues want to ensure that their dogs are in a home forever. Just something to think about. This breed really demands a lot of time devoted towards them. |
| I would have to take some exception to the statement regarding rescues not working with people who plan on having a family because some families give up their dogs when they have kids. SOme people give up their dogs when they have to move, or lose a job or get sick - seems to me like it would leave everybody out as potential homes then. |
| I dont believe this dog demands anymore time than anyother breed except for the hair and if you keep it in a short cut its isnt really that hard.I could understand a rescue being concerned about giving a dog to a family if the dog they rescued has a problem but if that dog has come to them without a bad backround why not give it to someone who plans on having kids one day. I didnt plan on it but gave a deposit on my dog then found out I was pregnant. It was great my baby and puppy are growing up together. Granted he has in the past sat on him or bumped him down but never in a mean way. |
| Our basset rescue goes on a case-by-case basis. Each dog and each prospective family is seperately evaluated. We have one volunteer who's job is "matchmaker". She talks with the fosters to learn as much about each dog as possible. Then she makes pairing suggestions to the family based on the family or individual's needs and lifestyle. It works quite well. |
kerry wrote: I would have to take some exception to the statement regarding rescues not working with people who plan on having a family because some families give up their dogs when they have kids. SOme people give up their dogs when they have to move, or lose a job or get sick - seems to me like it would leave everybody out as potential homes then. I made the statement based on the rationale of most rescue groups. They do intensive screening to make sure that the dog does not end up getting disposed of again. Obviously, there are exceptions to this, like anything else, but there are plenty of facts to prove the nonchalant reasons people give up their dogs so easily. Unfortunately, this is a breed that can easily bump or herding nip a child and some parents just freak out about this. mindarissa wrote: I dont believe this dog demands anymore time than anyother breed except for the hair and if you keep it in a short cut its isnt really that hard.I could understand a rescue being concerned about giving a dog to a family if the dog they rescued has a problem but if that dog has come to them without a bad backround why not give it to someone who plans on having kids one day. I didnt plan on it but gave a deposit on my dog then found out I was pregnant. It was great my baby and puppy are growing up together. Granted he has in the past sat on him or bumped him down but never in a mean way.
This breed does demand a lot more time than a lot of other breeds. They don't do well being ignored, and some people just like their dogs to sit happily in the corner of a room. They demand a lot of their owner's attention and devotion-far past the grooming. The really need a lot of stimulation and activity, especially in their younger years. These are the aspects of the breed that I love, but there are some that aren't crazy about tripping over their dog every time they try to move about the house. I personally think every OES should have a kid to grow up with them, but it takes special families to understand the quirks of the breed and not mind that their child will most likely get bumped down regularly by a young dog. |
| It is true though... some people are turned down by rescues because they haven't had a sheepie before so have never experienced their inherent herding behavior and exuberance. Personally, I would never trust mine around small children... they've never interacted with them. Not that they would ever intentionally hurt a child but they can be rambunctious. I won't set any of my dogs up to fail and have always been overcautious.
Rescues are placing dogs that people have some how failed in the past and they are responsible for making a lifetime match this time around. Some dogs are wonderful with children... they've been exposed to children from a young age, they're properly trained and properly supervised, etc. It's all about finding the right dog. |
| I was turned down by rescue because I didn't have a fenced in yard. I was "teased" with several dogs by rescue but in the end didn't end up getting them because of that one thing.
I went out and bought my first show dog because these rescues kept choosing other people over me. About 2 months after I bought my dog, Grannie Annie called and said she had a rescue dog for me. I told her she had to be kidding because I wasn't good enough for a rescue dog for the past year so I just went and bought one. She was shocked. She told me that she had always thought that I was a great home, just couldn't get passed the unfenced yard. Sometimes rescues are stressed and busy and can get burned out and you end up just being a application or a piece of paper. Make sure that they get to know you. Volunteer with them, keep communication with them, make yourself a person and that could make a big difference. |
| I guess that's the thing with some rescues and some good breeders... you need to know the secret handshake (meaning you must have an "in") if you don't meet all the qualifications. Actually, I think it's more that you have to prove yourself which is understandable.
But you're right... it's not fair to someone who will be doing everything right and will take extra precautions if they fail to meet all of their requirements. Everyone needs to understand that if someone is repeatedly turned down yet determined to bring an OES into their family, they will find a way. Hopefully through a good breeder or another rescue... but we all know that BYBs also fill the need. For many, life without an OES is simply unacceptable. |
| I don't know any breed that really enjoys sitting corner being ignored unless of course they are stuffed. lol I have had 3 oes and 2 mutts they needed attention too. Anyway if you cant get a rescue dog go to a breeder that you can drive to. |
| You guys have been so wonderful and helpful. I feel like we are a great canidate for this breed. Granted we don't have a backyard for the dog to run around in, but we do have a park less than a block away. My fiance works from home, and if he does have to go in to the city then it is only for a couple of hours. But he is mostly home during the day. We are both young and love doing things outdoors and are ready and willing to devote time to our dog! While I personally haven't had an oes my fiance has had numerous ones while growing up...in fact his most recent oes, Duke, just passed on, i know he was so upset. We are talking about filling out adoption forms for a few different oes rescue places...any recomendations? We are limited in our travel style, we don't have cars here, but if the dog was right we would be willing to look into renting a car. It was encouraging to hear the good experiences with rescueing. I totally understand how important it would be for them to want to place the dog in the right home. I am feeling so much better now! Anymore good advice feel free! Or if anyone knows of any dogs needing a home please feel free to let me know! I am keeping up on petfinder.com as well!
Thanks again guys!!!!! |
VerveUp wrote: [This breed does demand a lot more time than a lot of other breeds. They don't do well being ignored, and some people just like their dogs to sit happily in the corner of a room. They demand a lot of their owner's attention and devotion-far past the grooming. The really need a lot of stimulation and activity, especially in their younger years. These are the aspects of the breed that I love, but there are some that aren't crazy about tripping over their dog every time they try to move about the house.
Boy does that sum the breed up well! I think I need to print that paragraph and frame it... Conversation at Mad's chiro vet's with a woman with an older schutzhund trained GSD in the waiting room: "Wow, your sheepdog is really well behaved" (not - she was being a pain in the patoot) I must have looked surprised, because she continued on: "No, really. I don't normally see them this well-behaved. They're usually bouncing of the wall and they never seem to listen to their owners. They aren't easy to train, are they?" (apparently not  )
"I thought not. I've had other more challenging breeds. I'm glad I got my GSD. I was due for an easy dog". As we chatted on we shared dog stories and by the time I explained that they have to be near you and that they follow you EVERYWHERE, including the bathroom given half a chance, she was firmly, yet politely, convinced the OES would never be for her. I forget that not everyone considers that a charming quality in a dog 
Kristine |
| I don't think I've been to the bathroom by myself in the past three years. I didn't know it was an option. |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: I don't think I've been to the bathroom by myself in the past three years.
I didn't know it was an option. ME NEITHER!! Frankly, I don't think it is. I'm just glad I live alone so I can leave the door open. The downstairs bathroom is a very tight squeeze for 5-6 OES. Some of them have to stand in the shower
Kristine |
Maxmm wrote: I went out and bought my first show dog because these rescues kept choosing other people over me.
Join the club, Mandy.  Just for a different reason. I was working with rescue (transport) but "encouraged" not to bother to apply. I didn't buy Belle, rather I (legally) stole her, but otherwise the story sounds familar.
That's OK. These things have a way of working out for the best. Kristine |
| Mine all apparently picked up the sheepdog bathroom issues. We have one bathroom, and it is NOT spacious (about twice the size of yours Kristine, but that includes a tub!). The door is one of those hokey accordian pleated things, and my dogs all know how to use their nose to push it open. Even Tazz the 7 pounder! Guests are shocked when they are using the toilet and the dogs all join them. Even my dog friends are a bit startled, as they don't expect a min pin in their lap........
Todd and I never bother to shut it...why??? And I ran into the rescue problem too. Except they thought I was a hoarder  ...Why else would someone with 6 dogs want to adopt a basset??? They did a home check, and came to the conclusion that we had a dog mecca. We could adopt, and would we please foster too?! |
 if only we could train them to bring extra rolls of toilet paper into the bathroom with them 
Izzie always naps outside my open bathroom when I shower. She is there incase anything happens. If I use extra lotion she is there to lick it off
She always sticks her head in...I think it is to check the water temp 
She even occasionally attempts to gently pull me out of the shower. She assumes I dislike bathing as much as she does  |
| Barney likes to guard the bathroom door from the outside, so at least he doesn't come in. I'm SO glad we moved, though, because at my old house the master bathroom door opened OUT, which meant that I frequently was a prisoner to my 100 pound dog...Luckily the door opens in now |
| OH MY barney that is soooo funny. I could totaly see that happening!! |
| Not to scare anyone off: OES can be successfully trained that they are not allowed in the bathroom without traumatizing them. I've never allowed mine in the bathroom with me. I raised 4 kids and learned to really value my privacy.
If I am in a bedroom and they are not, they will wait to be invited (unless something excitging is going on. (If it's really exciting, the door is definitely closed. Tightly). However, they have no problem going into any room with a door ajar if there's no one there to tell them no. Given the option, almost all of mine would follow me (or hubby) anywhere. Archie, however, is unusually self-sufficient for an OES: he does love attention and being where the action is, but he's also always valued his quiet time, too. So, there is some difference in levels of velcrocity in an OES. |
| You guys are cracking me up! We don't close doors at our house either, but mostly because it's really hard to sign "NO! BAD BOY!" through a closed door, while Oscar is battering the other side.
There is no way a rescue group would place Oscar with us now, as we moved and are no longer able to have a fenced-in yard.... a huge no-no for a deaf dog. However, as responsible deaf dog owners, Oscar is NEVER off-leash, and is trained not to exit a door or vehicle without a sign from me. You do what you gotta do. Laurie and Oscar |
| and that was kind of my point. Dogs can and should be trained. Rescues that only give dogs to people with fences make no sense. dogs get out and get hit by cars because people with fences don't always think they need to train their dogs or put them on leashes. |
| Blueshire Old English Sheepdogs? Does anyone have puppies from Amber or her mom? I just wanted to hear any great stories about her puppies! She has two puppies that we are considering...Thanks guys!!!!! |
| Amber and her dogs are very nice. I was lucky enough to meet her at Nationals this past fall. She is also a member here too!
A few people here have her dogs that I know of. |
crystalandjoe wrote: Blueshire Old English Sheepdogs? Does anyone have puppies from Amber or her mom? I just wanted to hear any great stories about her puppies! She has two puppies that we are considering...Thanks guys!!!!!
Yup, one of her dogs just peed on me last week. Despite that, I still like him! One of our members (who can never actually log in) owns him. He's a huge sweetie. Very wiggly and happy. Nice looking boy, too. Amber is also nice and I think you'll find her very helpful in answering all your questions. Oh, and here's a pic of Gabriel just for fun.  |
The pee kid belongs to me  . Amber is great, have you contacted her yet? Wendy has Nigel out of Willow and Chicus. Gabe is out of Morgan and Chicus. |
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