does anyone have oes's and toddlers?
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| As with any breed and toddlers, you just have to make sure that you never leave the two in the same room together alone. When they get used to each other and how to act around each other, it will be easier, but you will need to train your daughter as much as your dog. At 20 months, your daughter is probably very active, running around, screaming and playing. This can be confusing for a dog, who could view it as threatening. Or even if the dog views it as play, a sheepie will be much bigger than your daughter and could knock her down in the name of playing. Puppies also mouth when they play, and that could scare your daughter.
Have you ever owned a sheepie? If not, just realize how much work they are, coat-wise. They are beautiful, furry beasts, but it does not happen without work. Please browse through the whole forum for all kinds of information on grooming, temperament, etc. They are indeed the best of breeds (in my humble opinion), very intelligent, easily trained, but they do need to be worked with constantly. That said, as long as you commit to training both together, and pay as much attention to one as the other, they will learn to love each other and will become the best of friends. Good luck in your decision, and if you do get one, please come back and share your experiences with us! Chris |
Hi!! We got our Bob 2 months ago. Our youngest is going to be 3 in August and we have a 5 & 7 also. I agree with Chris, you'll need to train your daughter as much as the dog. We got a puppy, so we've had the nipping and jumping issues. I think you'd have that with any dog though. The biggest problem we've had is that Bob thinks my daughter (the youngest) is his toy!!  We're just careful to never leave the kids alone with the dog, but we're also trying to get him to accept kids behavior. We've all been taking his food away from him when he eats and touching him when he eats - stuff like that. He's the greatest. Absolutely loves kids. Wherever we go, when he sees kids the butt starts going and that's where he wants to be. As long as you do your homework on the breed, and I think training would be a must for these guys. In training they'll show you how to teach the dog his place in the "family pack". That would be the only other thing I would suggest - make sure he knows the kids are above him in the pack. O.k., I'm really babbling. Good luck with your decision and be sure to come back and tell us about it if you decide to get one!!! 
Karen |
| I had my first oes when my kids were toddlers, and she was a crazy dog, but was still awesome with the kids. She was so hyper we sometimes wondered if she ever settled even while asleep...lol.... but around the kids she was careful, loving and protective. I wouldn't dream of leaving them alone though, because you just never know, with any dog.
Now my kids are teenagers, and I notice my two oes now do accept commands from the oldest three, but not my youngest. They must feel he comes after them in the pack order. |
| I have a 2.5 yr old, a 4 yr old, and an 7 month old OES puppy. At first, the nipping was an issue (it's a natural instinct). Once we got that stopped, he has been AWESOME with them. He'll let them do anything and just lick them. He herds them some, but he never tries to hurt them. They love chasing him around and playing with him. I think getting him was one of the best things I've done for my kids yet, and he's definitely their favorite "toy". |
| Hi,
I used to do educational programs for the Humane Education Society, one which was called Bite Free. Many children are bitten by dogs each year as they break doggie ettiquette rules. I'll explain why: Kids and maybe some adults make a lot of screaming and yelling noises which may be frightful to a dog. They reach down quickly to pet a pup or dog, usually running quickly up to them which in turns startles a dog - who then may bite out of fear. Fear biters are the ones that cause more accidental bites to kids than an aggressive dog that shows teeth and warns people. People understand those signals and back away. It's not as easy to pick up the cues that a dog is fearful.(This is more in regards to meeting a strange dog rather than the family pet) However, just be careful about the little ones visiting your home to play with your daughter. Your daughter may be taught how to safely approach the pup, but be careful with other children visiting your home. You must always observe the interaction. Kids love to hold dogs faces and hug. This is a big NO NO in dog language. It's seen as a sign of dominance to a dog and they may react. It's why children are often bit in the faces than other parts of their body. Teach your child to approach the dog from infront and never behind, raise arm slowly, then pet but don't hug. Hugging imobilizes the dog and they may react to that sign of dominance. Your dog may allow your child to do this but may react negatively to other children coming into your home and copying this. The friends may have observed your child hugging their furball and think they can do it too. You always need to be viligant and supervising, to watch the interactions. Staring into a dogs eyes is also in their language as a sign of a challenge. It's why it's usually children that suffer more dog bites than adults each year in North America. Children are often at the height level of large dogs and unknowingly do this. There is a difference to looking at something than staring at it directly in the eyes, so as not to confuse any of you. Dogs are very sociable and are pack animals, growing up in your home they will see themselves as part of the pack. A heirachy exist for all dogs and like some of the posters mentioned your dog may see it'self as equal or above to your daughter. Little pups nip with razor sharp teeth (this is their form of play) You will go through this stage with your pup until they learn how to inhibite their bite. A well adjusted social dog will outgrow this by your teaching. Hands are off limits but toys are okay. At age two your child may and will be often down on the floor with the dogs toys and food. It is IMPORTANT that you will need to often pick up the pups food from early on and "play with their food" to prevent food aggression in later life. You will not play tug a war with the pup as they may involve your child in this form of play and in dog life the winner is seen as the dominant one. I realize I sounded a bit tough and I apologize but it's better to have all the info to make an informed decision as to, if a dog will fit in your family at this time. Some rescue groups base the above reasons on why people shouldn't have a dog in the house until a child is five. A child of that age can usually fully understand the rules of having a dog in the home. Your dog may be the friendliest dog (no matter what the breed) but like the other posters above said, never leave your dog unsupervised with your child or their friends. Old English Sheepdogs love to herd, that is genetically inclined disposition in this breed. It's very heartwarming to watch this type of dog round up the kids and not allow them out of the yard.  In England, it's why they were given the nic name of Nanny , like in Peter Pan. However some hip check in order to do this and can send a small tot flying without meaning to.
This breed is generally known for a sweet and loving disposition. They are considered the clowns of the dog world and will keep you laughing at their antics with their big goofy loving characters. Their coat is considered one of the hardest to keep up however unless kept in shorter coat. Long coats require daily grooming to prevent mats, but personally I find this a wonderful time for one on one bonding and relaxation. I have two OES when my children were young and at that time wasn't as knowlegable. They turned out fine so my negative sounding post at the beginning was not meant to scare you but to inform you of any potential dangers. My female OES did bite my 2 yr son once, when he was a tot and had cornered her. I repeatedly told him not to do this and as with all accidents, I turned my back for a second and she bit his foot. Luckily it was not a bad bite, breaking no skin. Very fortunate for me that he didn't need medical treatment . In my area all dogs that bite even once, are immediately put down and given no second chance. It's why I sound a bit tough regarding how children with dogs should behave around one another. Educating kids is possibly life saving to the dog and prevents a child from suffering a bite. Good luck to you! Marianne and the boys |
| OES are DOGS. They will behave like DOGS. There is ALWAYS a possibility that they will nip, or bite, either by accident or if sick, or being hurt. Some will even be dogs that are agressive. You just can't tell. Just being in the same room, even if your eyeballs are glued to the pair of them, you wouldn't be able to stop a quick bite reaction from the dog. Some dogs just don't give warnings.
It is always a risk to have any dog near children. OES are big dogs, so the risk is gerater, just because of their size. The risk with OES is smaller than with some other large breeds that tend to have a bite-and-hold approach, in my opinion. But the risk is still there. Be sure to neuter your dog so hopefully there will be less of a chance of the dog becoming dominant/agressive. Issues between children and OES are the NUMBER 1 REASON that OES' wind up being turned into rescue†. That's not all due to aggression. The OES is big and boisterous and especially under 2 are not necessarily the most calm and gentle breed. They can knock kids down and injure them quite easily by accident with their paws. All that said, most OES don't end up in rescue. Just the ones that do are usually related to children. Good luck in your decisions. †According to NEOESR |
Ron wrote: OES are DOGS. They will behave like DOGS. Be sure to neuter your dog......
"Mounting" is another issue with smaller children. They seem to be the right height. 
My son was about 5 when we got our first OES. When riding his bike, the dog always ran in front of him causing him to fall (herding instinct). So the dog came in to avoid injuries. Dogs are animals, with animal instincts, and should NEVER be trusted 100%. I once refused to sell an OES puppy to a lady because of the lack of training her 3 year old son displayed at my home. I "knew" he'd torture the pup, eventually get bit, and the dog would pay the ultimate price, its life. You've received excellent advice. Good luck. WARNING: Once you get an OES, you'll NEVER want anything else!!! |
Ron wrote: OES are DOGS. They will behave like DOGS. Be sure to neuter your dog...... mouthypf wrote: Dogs are animals, with animal instincts, and should NEVER be trusted 100%.
There's been already lots of great advise, so there's not much to add to this. All I can say is that at one point Danita and I were a little concerned about our OES and furture babies because we've heard too many stories from people who did not handle their dogs properly. We followed the guidelines posted before when our little niece comes and visit, and at the beginning was kinda tense, sice Lennon is a very dominant dog. We taugth her not to look at Lennon or Sofa in the eyes (Which is something children LOOOOVE) and to pet them from behind so she could read their languaje in case they showed from disconfort or got bored from being pet by her. Once we overcame that, it's been great with every visit and she's been developing a tighter bond with them, along with her very own adopted sheepie, Frida. Good luck once you take the plunge for your OES, you'll see why everyone says that once you go OES, you'll never go back. |
| I rescued my dog Pepsi when I was 7 mos pregnant he was 11 mos old. My daughter is now 5 1/2 mos old and I have a 7 yr old son. Pepsi has been nothing but wonderful with both of them. He adores the baby and would give his life to protect her. When I put her on the floor he comes and sits at the edge of the blanket... I think to make sure she doesn't roll off. She did yesterday and he got really nervous and stood up and looked at me...as if to tell me to fix the problem. Then he laid down on the blanket with her face to face. My daughter was so excited and reached out and put her little hands on his chin fur. He batted his eyelashes at her and just looked like he was in heaven. Then started to bathe her with his huge tongue...lol
She kicks her feet and he comes over and licks them which starts the giggles. He also cleans her face after eating if I don't get back to her in time with a washcloth. She loves it. I have to say the two of them are very close. Hopefully they will have each other for many years to come. Funny little fact... My parents rescued our families OES Daisy when Mom was 7 mos pregnant with me and their dog was a year old. My Mom was also the same age I am now... They would put me on the floor and Daisy would curl her body around me... My big Sis! NOTE: Always supervise your dogs with the children |
| Elissa that is so sweet!! Pepsi is such a good boy!!!
Karen |
| Pepsi's Mommy,
Please don't be offended, but as I read your post I was reminded of another telling of a newborn mauled by a family pet. Can't give details. But, noone seemed to know why it happened. I think the baby was 6 days old. My thought was as I read your post, that perhaps these dogs do as they would if it was their newborn pup. You know, how they pick them up and carry them. Of course, a babies head is larger than that of the pup, which might explain the extent of the injuries if the dog really had no intention of hurting the baby. It would have to apply more pressure for the weight, etc........ Never trust any animal 100%. No matter how loving, just as with people, you never know whats going to set them off or when.  |
| I don't know what time frame you are looking at but my recommendation would be to wait another year. Your child is very young, and it might be difficult to get her to understand how to handle a dog during the "terrible twos". Right now she is unable to understand the reason for the things you would ask her to do and that is a safety issue. OES are great with children but they are still animals. |
| We just had to return to Rescue a sweet 2-1/2 yr old OES. We have twin 2 -1/2 yr old girls who are used to and gentle with large dogs. But the OES was used to a quiet structured home with children just visiting for short periods. Seemed like by the end of a busy household day, she didn't want any attention at all, and started some serious snapping when my husband or kids went to pet her. All the work involved in an OES turned out for me to be not that big a deal--I'm used to it after raising twins for several years.
Anyway, we're in there looking for a better "match", an OES raised with small children, and plan to be careful, too, so it's a happy, and safe, arrangement for 4 and 2-legged family! Good luck! |
| Michelle,
That's too bad it didn't work out for you, but it sure sounds like you made the right choice for everyone! Can I ask you to which OES Rescue did you return the dog? Good luck finding a better situation! |
| hi,everything Chris said is true,we have twin 3yr old grandkids,our Auggie just turned 9months,we got him when he was 3months old,the twins and Auggie have grown together the last 6months,the only problem we had was Auggie wanted to sleep in there beds,We put a gate up at the twins door,this way he can look in see that they are fine,Auggies cries when the kids go home,but after a few moments he's ok,Our OES is the best dog,he loves everyone,his trainer has a ranch,and she had him with every animal there,horses,cows,cats other dogs,she did this because our Auggie is deaf,LOTS LUCK |
michelle wrote: ........But the OES was used to a quiet structured home with children just visiting for short periods.
I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. I wish you lots of luck in finding one thats perfect for your family. My earlier experiences were great with kids (my son was a toddler). But, as he and he friends aged, the dogs I had were not around small children often enough for "me" to trust them. I just wasn't willing to "take the chance." Those I trusted were very young pups that were raised with my son. They were both taught how to interact with one another, and at the same time, my son was larger than the puppy so the pup looked at him as the alpha. Then, by the time the pup outweighed him, they knew how to treat one another, and how to play together. OES are large, playful, hyper (at times), and perhaps a bit clumsy. 
My son has three sons of his own now. So my hubby and I live in that "quiet structered home with children just visiting for short periods." I've just had a two day "stayover" with my niece and nephew. We'll take them home tomorrow. We've had lots of fun, but,..............it's the end of a busy household day, I don't want any attention, and I'm about to start some serious snapping of my own! Love all the kids with all my heart, but well, I guess its the same with people as it is with dogs. Guess thats why it works out better with pups. Us old folks ain't got what it takes no more. |
| I agree with the previous advice. Train the dog, train your kids and ALWAYS supervise. Once that's done, you will more than likely fall in love with your OES. I run a home daycare, we have 2 OES and they are constantly exposed to toddlers. We got our female as a pup when my son was an infant. Our male was "adopted" as an adult dog. Both have been well-trained around children. Both are very protective of the kids, and they both have a tendency to bark at, or "seperate" the older kids from the younger ones if they think the older ones are getting too rough. All in all, I don't think I'd choose another breed. These dogs (if trained properly) are the best-behaved I've seen around small children |
| Ron, I returned her to Northern Cal Rescue (Pam Henry).
Michelle |
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