Wanting to place an OES in a home with kids
 I am thinking of purchasing a OES and wonder if anyone has advice.I want learn as much information as I can to help me learn more about there desposition. And any odd behaivor they have. and if there is any perferences to male or female. I have three kids 81/2, 7,21/2. I have hear they are great family pets what make th  em great pets?I would like to place one from rescue in my home I would look too hear from anyone who has done just that. How big do they get  I so excitied that i found this place Thanks alot Shawn |
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| Hi Shawn,
I have a 9 month old OES and 4 kids - 9, 6, and twins who are 4. I, like you, wanted to be sure that the Old English sheepdog was the right breed for my family. They are great family dogs if you are willing to put in a lot of time and effort and train the dog and your kids. They get very big and they are very playful and could knock your kids down without even trying! You mentioned that you have a 2 year old. A 2 year old can and probably will be knocked over very easily. My 9 month old female is aobut 60 pounds and the males can get much larger. Did you know that the main reason that an OES is given up for rescue is because of children? I do believe it can work otherwise I never would have added one to my family but you must be committed to spending the time and money to train the dog (and your kids) properly. I began taking my dog to training classes when she was 3 months old and have continued ever since. She is still a work in progress but is doing terrific. It also takes alot of supervision with the kids. My youngest are 4 and I could never leave them in the yard to play with the dog unsupervised because she is much bigget than them and what starts out as a game could easily end in tears(she's just playing but one jump up and down they go!) . I always have to be there to make sure it doesn't get out of hand. In addition to the time training, you must also be sure that you have to time to groom the dog. They are definately a high maintenance breed! I brush my dog almost every night and still have to work out mats. If you don't have the time to groom a dog - don't get an OES! I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm just trying to be honest. With a lot of dedication and work, an OES can be a great addition to your family. Just be sure that you have the time to spend to make it work. Good luck! Ann (and Phoebe too!) |
| Shawn:
I know this is late, since you posed in July. If you haven't decided about an OES, I can tell you, we have had 2 OES and they have been with our children from birth to the present. My daughters are now 20, 18 and 15. Our dogs have been always gentle with our kids and although never agressive, I always felt secure leaving them home alone with the dog. Knowing he'd keep them and the house safe. 
Yes, they need a lot of maintenance but we get our's groomed on a regular basis. If anything happens to the OES we have now  , I'd get another.
odo's mom |
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