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| Actually I find that the opposite is mostly true. Sheepdogs tend to be mother hens about the whole family, although if you have more than one OES, the subordinate one sometimes looks to one particular member of the family for extra attention. |
rfloch wrote: Actually I find that the opposite is mostly true. Sheepdogs tend to be mother hens about the whole family, although if you have more than one OES, the subordinate one sometimes looks to one particular member of the family for extra attention.
My experience exactly. In fact, as far as rescue goes, I think we are a bit lucky that most are not strongly one person dogs because except in special cases, often senior dogs, most of us might be a little offended to know that even most of our own OES would leave us for a kind heart; cookie in one hand, car keys in the other - and barely look back... In a family setting they can some times become obnoxious about making the pack behave. I also think that characteristic is what some times gets them in trouble if not checked so the round'em up, control'em instinct doesn't get out of hand. Now, they may listen to one person more than another, but that's because they know who they have to listen to and who they can walk all over 
Kristine |
| Our first OES was absolutely my dog, although he was utterly devoted to the entire family and would have done anything for any of us. But there was a special bond between us.
Archie and Sophie and Sherman are all the dogs of the whole family. They seem to see us in different roles: I am definitely the disciplinarian. My daughter is in her first apartment but comes home frequently to eat our food, help with the dogs or just hang out. They have a special bark when it's her coming in the door, vs my husband, me, or any of the boys when they are back. They definitely do know who they have to listen to and who they can walk all over. Also know who's the soft touch for an extra treat or bit of something under the table. |
Mad Dog wrote: rfloch wrote: Actually I find that the opposite is mostly true. Sheepdogs tend to be mother hens about the whole family, although if you have more than one OES, the subordinate one sometimes looks to one particular member of the family for extra attention. My experience exactly. In fact, as far as rescue goes, I think we are a bit lucky that most are not strongly one person dogs because except in special cases, often senior dogs, most of us might be a little offended to know that even most of our own OES would leave us for a kind heart; cookie in one hand, car keys in the other - and barely look back... Kristine This is very true....I think they will finally find a "Hobo" gene in the OES because I know for a fact some days, with Violet, the dominate gene. lol |
| I don't know...my childhood Sheepie, who was my neighbour's dog would escape from them to come over to our place. If we weren't at home (he could open doors if it was unlocked!), he would lie down in front of our door and would not move.
When I took him to a dog park, he would stand right next to me, he would not go play with anybody, he didn't care about anybody but me.  He was MY dog.
Boni on the other hand, wants everybody together so he is more our dog.  |
| Our first two sheepies were family dogs but Dutch is were I am, even when the boys come home she is so happy and wiggly to see them and is all over them till I leave the room then it's the heck with company and she is right behind me |
| Bingley is most content when the entire family is home. He sometimes even mopes when one of us isn't home . . . and then does a sheepie spaz when we walk through the door!! |
Winny is generally very interested in herding all things (guests, our other dog, our cat, tennis balls...) But she is most concerned with me... In the morning she won't leave our bedroom until I get up, even if she really needs to go the bathroom. This is especially frustrating when it's my husband's turn to let the dogs out and my turn to sleep in  |
| Toby loves everybody, but he is definitely a mama's boy. Every time he's out with my husband, as soon as he hits the door he comes tearing through the house to find me and is most unhappy if I'm not there. If I go upstairs, he goes upstairs, even if he's in a dead sleep (or appears to be). When I go downstairs...well, you know.
Our last OES, Katie, was adopted at the age of 8 from a single woman and was initially terrified of Don. But she soon came to be HIS dog, and sat by the door every time he left until he came home. Our other dogs (non-sheepies) seem to have their preferences, too -- I think it's just a doggie thing. |
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