help!!
Teal |
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| Well, you could try doing what I did. But I'm 21 so maybe I wouldn't have gotten away with it at thirteen. Basically, I told my parents that I had already put a €400 non-refundable deposit on a pup and if I backed down, I'd lose the money.
Not very mature, I know but I was desperate and had wanted a sheepie since I was 7 and met the Dulux dog at a DIY store opening. Anyway- give your Mom some time. She probably has a lot on her mind already with the move coming up. Maybe a dog isn't her biggest priority at the moment. Talk to her and show her you're serious about wanting a sheepie. Research the breed. Tell her how much you've learned about the ups and downs of sheepie-life. The grooming, feeding, vet's bills, nightly wake-ups, messes, grooming, grooming and more grooming! They're hard work and, at 13, your Mom probably wants to make sure you're responsible enough to care for such a big animal. How about you make an agreement with her? Tell her that you want a sheepie and are prepared to spend your own money looking after it. Then, give her six months and, in that time, help extra around the home. Do you have younger brothers and sisters you can help her with? Show her you're mature enough to handle the responsibility of having your own dog. Lookling back now, I know I wouldn't have been able for it at your age and I was a pretty mature kid- as you should show your mom you are. She doesn't want to punish you by not letting you have something you want. She just doesn't want you to get a puppy and not take care of it properly. Now, I'm not saying this because you're 13- I'm saying this because I have a mom too and she's a tough cookie. When she says no, she means no. But prove to her that you're growing up and taking responsibility and, maybe a few months (or years- but if you're serious about wanting a sheepie, it'll be worth it) down the line, she might be more willing to see eye-to-eye with you. |
I know how you feel as a kid growing up for every holiday I would beg my parents for a dog.I finaly got one for my sixteenth birthday.(I had just gotten a job with the local vet) The best advice I can give you is that dogs are a big expense so trying to get a baby sitting job or somthing that might help with the vet bills.Show them how much you want one by knowing as much about the breed and how to get one as possable.These dogs are expensive to buy start a savings account to purchase one with your own money.It may take a few years but it will be well worth it I just purchased my first sheepdog and I am 27 years old now.(my parents gave me a beagle from local hunting stock).Also you might try volentering at the local vets or shelter to get dog expereance.Good Luck  |
| You probably have a tough row to hoe to get your mother to agree to a sheepie.
My brother's 13 1/2 year old daughter wanted a dog: She told him how she'd keep up the dog, feed the dog, walk the dog (in all weather) love the dog, bathe the dog, etc., etc. I told him that this scenario was unlikely, that a huge number of dogs are turned into rescue because of kids and time issues and the like. So I made a suggestion: Ask her to walk around the block for 20-30 minutes every day at 6 AM for 6 months -- no days off, no excuses (except for stay-home-from-school illness). I said it didn't matter whether she wanted a dog or not, it would probably be good for her health anyway. He thought that was too harsh. My brother relented and bought her a dog from a rescue situation. My brother now walks Squirt every morning, his wife walks Squirt nearly every evening, and arguments abound within the family nearly every darn day and night as to who is taking care of the dog. But they do love Squirt -- just nobody wants that much extra work in their lives right now. So.... think about it. Think about the 15 year committment you are making -- where will the dog go when you're off to college? What about when you're older and you want to go out and party with your friends, but have to come home and take care of your dog? Even after you get a job (remember, this dog will live until you're around 28 ), you won't be able to go out after work, you'll have to come home and care for your dog every night. What about weekends? Won't be able to go out skiing, or on other trips where dogs aren't allowed, and you'll want to be with your friends, but they won't want you and your dog along on the trip. Then again, it might work out. |
| I think you should play the "guilt" card and tell her that you won't have any new friends in your new town and the only friend you will be able to count on is your dog.
Sorry, I know that's evil. Seriously though, just like the posts before me, owning an Old English Sheepdog is a HUGE responsibilty. They are not the type of dog that is happy laying out in the backyard all day by themselves. They want to be with their human companions constantly. If they are neglected, their emotions can really suffer. |
| haha, helen thats genius. im 21 as well and have been begging for years. my first sheepie passed away when i was in jr high, and i dont think i let up for the entire 8 years before my parents finally gave in.
what i found worked for my parents was researching the breed, talking to trainers, and finding a good breeder with pictures of the cutest puppies possible (this is crucial, you need to show them pictures so their hearts melt!) so a mix of showing that you took on the responsibility to find out about the dog, and appealing to everyones weak spot for puppies might help you out! but dont give up! i had to put "a sheepdog named walter" on every birthday/christmas list for 8 years!! it finally paid off this year! |
| Hello,
I thought Ron had a lot of good points. I had a dog when I was younger, and while it is wonderful to have a furry friend, there will be days that you have school and a lot of homework and if you have any extra activities your day is almost gone and you still have someone counting on you. I stayed a lot overnight with my friends at your age, who will watch the dog at those times. When the dog gets diarrhea (both of mine get it very often.) they have to be washed off and then with a sheepie depending on how short you keep the coat there is a lot of daily grooming. I lost my dog after my parents separated and refused to move with him. I think it should be a family decision to get any pet, because everyone will pitch in on the care no matter how responsible you are with one. I am 26 and have been married for over 7 years and it was my husband and I who decided together to get our pets. I do wish you luck and hope that your parents decide they want a family pet, it is great when everyone pitches in and everyone loves having him/her around.  Stormi and co. |
| I must say Ron made great points I think the waliking around the block idea would be a great point maker for your parents.It proves to them how devoted you are but make sure you explain to them what you are doing.I had a Beagle at 16 and I would never have given him up It was great and yes my parents baby sat him once in a while when I went to a friends house but that was not often.One of the hardest decisions I ever made was to leave him behind when I went to school I even ended up getting anouther dog while at school.I also was only gone 2 years and when I came home my dogs both lived with me.In collage I was very poor but my dog never went with out good food and vet care I worked extra to make sure she had the best.These animals are your first children make sure you have time and patients to be a first time parent.(my dog from collage is still with me 8 years later My beagle however has gone on to the rainbow bridge) |
| having and oes is a lot of work...their fur needs brushing ALOT and if it gets too matted you have to shave them and depending on where you live that can cost a lot of money .. i tried to shave her myself and it took me 2 days!! they slobber everywhere...i have 3 kids 10,12,15 and they dont want to help at all now that she is not little and cute (well she was never really little!) i would tell you to find someone close by the has one and hang out there and see how they are...you might choose a different type dog after that...maybe when your a little older and your mom is willing to help you but you must make sure your mom is willing to help and you've made an agreement to do so TOGETHER!!!
sorry im a mom with an oes and its alot of work..but she is my dog not theirs and when she came into our family she was mine from the beginning!!! but if she were given to my kids i would still be doing all the work!! so go easy on your mom!! |
| Teal, it's nice that you want a sheepdog. Ron made a ton of excellent points to which I might add. Who is going to watch your puppy while you are in school every day? Puppies need lots of attention and also they have to go out to do their potty every few hours. Who is going to groom this dog? I don't just mean the brushing, what about the daily eye cleaning, the ear cleaning, the bum cleaning? It is a lot of work for an adult to groom, I know you are 13 and I am not suggesting that you cannot handle the responsibility, I just want to know what you will be getting yourself into.
I'm a mom too and my kids have birds, fish and our dog, Merlin. Guess who takes care of all these pets? ME! I guess counting Merlin in is not fair to the kids because he is my dog, I was the one that wanted him. Anyway I would wait until you are older,I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but these are not the easiest dogs in the world to take care of. |
I love animals, and ALWAYS have. at 13 I had a sheep a pig and a steer (all as show animals) and I did very well getting up at 6:30 to feed them, clean pens, exercise,and after school work with them for the ring. Even with all that work,I can almsot guarantee and OES is more! cooper is a doll, the love of my life  but I would not have been able to care for him all the time if I was in school, and my mother certainly woul;d have not done all the grooming or brushing. I think everyone gave great advice, but as a young adiuly (am 24) with two kids, adn an animal lover, I want to remind you that if for some reason you can't care for you pup, like you want to go to a friends/dance/school finction, will your paretns willingly do it? do they enjoy animals? what kind of tension will this cause on the home front? Also OES are expensive..if you go on vacation you can expect boarding to cost 25.00 or more per day, at the end you may have to apy upwards of 100.00 to get your baby groomed, will your paretns pay for this?
I don't mena to be a downer, if all of the abov seems okay,then go for it,your OES will love you and your fmaily like crazy! good luck. |
| thank you all for the suggestions...I guess there is more to owning an oes than i thought, but i still think that i can do it. i am currently taking care of a pony(mine) and a mule(dads) and they require a lot of daily care and i've had them for 4 years. i will have to sell both of them this spring when we move. If anyone has some extra time , would u care to type up a basic schedule with grooming, eating, excercising, vet bills ..etc...
i am not going t try to dump my oes on my mom, but she is a stay at home mom, and she also loves dogs, so i do not think that she will mind doing some basic things for me and my sheepie. once again i really appreciate your suggestions, gotta go... Teal  |
| Wow Teal!
What a great response! My 13 and some year old was very upset when she read everyone else's responses. She is asleep now, but boy was she upset earlier. She thought several responses were rather pessimistic and showed a poor outlook towards children and young adults. She has been a great co-owner of Abbi. Both of my daughters help with the grooming, feeding, and maitenance including scooping poop. A schedule? That depends on the age of the dog. But to answer your original question. Tessa convinced me that she could take care of Abbi, her parakeet, fish, and the finches by taking care of what we had at the time. She was so faithful about picking up after Abbi, feeding her, trying to walk her and teaching her new tricks; that I had to agree to let her have the birds and fish. She helps me even to this day, and it has been 2 years since she asked for them. Give your parents a little time to settle. Make sure they are aware of your help and your goal. If you have extra money, buy a BIG food bowl and set up a water trough for your future dog. Save money and show them your research ..... go through this forum until YOU know what a schedule for pups to adults would be. Read training books and articles on the web ... work on training yourself. Try to join a 4-H group or volunteer at a vets or at a shelter. (all suggestions mentioned already, I know.) Persistent responsible people generally achieve their goals. But as you are always told, be careful what you ask for .... There are other furry loveable breeds that are easier to train than an OES. Make sure IT is an OES that you want ... as long as you are going to have to wait anyways. Check out Newfoundlands and Bernese Mt. dogs. They are both huggable big dogs that love the family life. Believe it or not, even standard poodles are easier to train than an OES. And include your parents in the decision as much as possible. We are all kids at heart. Everybody likes to be included. As far as the dog interfering with your social life? Fiddle sticks. We take Abbi to school, parties, on trips, and especially to PETCO and Petsmart. When we go out, we leave Abbi behind. When we shop, she's left behind. She is a dog, not a baby. You cannot neglect her, but let's get real, dogs can and are left on their own somewhat every day. Abbi is. I have other things to do besides pet her. She does seem to stick to my side most times though, even when I ignore her. Since she is a bigger dog than most she can and will get into bigger trouble. And her size will have her discriminated against from time to time. When a big dog nips it is considered vicious a lot faster than when a small dog does it. All of these things needs to be considered. If possible see if you can find an OES owner willing to let you play with their dog. Since you have worked with a pony and a mule, I am sure the size will not bother you ... but .... never hurts to check everything out as much as possible. And vet bills can be ...HIGH. Abbi is the most expensive dog I have ever owned. But there's ways around almost anything ... including the grooming. Look through old posts ... you will see. |
agingright wrote: She has been a great co-owner of Abbi. Both of my daughters help with the grooming, feeding, and maitenance including scooping poop.
Aha! You hit the nail on the head when you said "co-owner"! What teal was talking about (at first) was trying to convince Mom to allow TEAL to own a dog, not a co-ownership partnership between Teal and Mom. If Mom wants a dog too, that's great. I have found that some kids are not as responsible as others, and don't realize that this dog will, almost certainly, be left in the hands of their parents in just a few years at best. |
| agingright tell your daughter I am so sorry she was upset by the post I really don't think any one was trying to be hard on Teal I think they really just wanted her to realize what she was getting into.I had a dog as a kid and man am I thankful.Kids need some one to relate to besides parents and pets give them this. Your daughter sounds like an exceptional girl and so does Teal maby they could e-mail one anouther? I think your daughter could give her some suport. |
| If all else fails beg and plead!!! just kidding. It sound like you are very responsible as you already take care of your other animals. Maybe explain how you will have time to take care of your OES since you no longer have other responsilities because of the move. Do the research also. I have spent the last coulple months hanging around this forum and just looking up things on the internet. I wanted to know what I was getting myself into. I have brought many pets home over the years but I was very lucky. My mom was a SUCKER. she fell for anything with fur. The most time consuming was a 3 week old kitten that someone dumped at the grocery store. She had to do the daytime feedings as I had to work. Your mom may not want the responsiblilty while you are as school and such.
Maybe you can wear her down slowly. Remember patients is a virtue. I have wanted an OES since I was 8 and am now almost 28 and I just paid my deposit and get my new daughter in the fall |
| Ron,
Point taken. My daughters complained they did not want to be co-owners, but I "took" over. Of course I have a come-back for that, but I guess it depends on you perspective and your experience. Truth to tell, I have trouble sharing. And right now my daughters both want their own dog or cat. Don't think it will happen soon. We need to get a bit better organized .... I am guilty of telling them no to a dog or cat, but maybe to another bird, hamster, rabbit, ... Besides when you live with your parents you are part of a whole and do not need separate eveythings. I think pets, toys, games, tv's, and such should be shared resources within a home. So Teal should somehow make it where her mom can see a benefit to having a dog around. Tessa was just upset. She thinks most grownups are "against" adolescents. I keep telling her it is a matter of perspective, but I do empathize. You should follow a teenager into a store. They are followed around and rudely checked-out. At school they seem treated like prisoners who are guilty until proven innocent. This is not the atmosphere I remember when I was going to elementary and middle school. I go to the schools quite a bit volunteering and helping out here and there. It makes me sad to think that more than a few teachers find most students to be an enemy, instead of a possiblity. Tessa would love to correspond with Teal, but I think Teal was looking for the older person's perspective. And I guess we supplied that in spades. No ill feelings, just some chips on our shoulders ..... I think the guest made a great point ... dogs do help provide companionship and stability after a move. It gives the kids a common bond too. Maybe Teal should point this out to her parents. |
| WOW---some of these posts make OES` sound like a burden. My Zoe gets clipped, brushed, taken to the vet, just like our other 2 dogs did.(the other 2 have since gone over the rainbow) The brushing and de-matting is the only thing that was different between the 3 dogs. Zoe needs it way more than the other 2 did. But all that hair is one of the special characteristics of a sheepie. They also have alot of other specialties about them. They are very loyal, very loving, very funny (the clown prince of dogs!) and contrary to popular belief, very smart. I wouldn`t trade my Zoe for anything. Ron made a very good point about the responsibility of keeping the dog, so it doesn`t end up unwanted and in a shelter. But that holds true for ANY dog!! There are so many unwanted pets out there, of all breeds and types. |
teri wrote: WOW---some of these posts make OES` sound like a burden.
I think that the responses were reflecting the age of the person asking for help - being 13 years old - it's a big responsibility to care for any dog - but particularly a sheepdog - because of the additional time and/or cost for grooming, etc. I don't think anyone would consider their sheepies a burden - now - their kids - that's a different story! 
I wouldn't recommend anyone getting any dog without all family members (particularly the parents) being on board! JMHO! Kristen |
| JMHO - My daughter is 16, my son is 12. Both really, really, really want a dog of their very own. I really, really, really want an art studio of my very own too -- but being a FAMILY we share almost everything but underwear! Families need to share responsibilities, chores, laughs, tears. Before we got Addy -- both kids swore to walk her everyday, keep her water dish clean and full, to brush her, go to classes with Addy, to poop scoop, etc. This was all good for about the first week -- until the novelty wore off. (Fortunately I didn't set them up to fail and knew from the beginning that ultimately Addy would be my responsibility)
Addy would need to be walked but the kids were no where to be found -- at school, a game, their favorite TV show was on, or their friends were over. Needless to say -- Mom got lots of exercise!
In my situation, Addy and my children were like siblings. They loved to PLAY with each other ... but when it came to the hard stuff -- it was up to me. Currently my daughter wants a bull dog. Even at 16 -- she will only be in the house for another 4 years. ??? Presuming she lives at home while going to the U of M. She is putting in applications for her first job. She will be in high school, working part time and participating in sports. How can she take responsibility to take on another living being? My son (almost 13) can't even get his dirty socks in the hamper or his clean clothing in his drawers. He plays a different sport every season which keeps him hopping. (I would equate your caring for your mule and pony with the time he spends playing sports. Both are very time consuming. I know he would have every good intention to think he could care for a dog -- but when it came down to it, it is ultimately the parent's responsibility. Parents have to drive to the Vet, pay for the Vet, etc. Being a responsible dog owner requires a good amount of money each month for food, treats, etc., and annual vet checks as well as any medication (monthly heartworm preventative is a must in my area!) or medical treatments the pet will need. Teal, your heart is definitely in the right place! If I were you -- I would do one of two things. Either RESEARCH and share everything you learned with your mom and try to encourage her that an OES would be great for your FAMILY. OR -- Volunteer in a shelter, do some dog sitting or dog walking for fun, experience AND money.  That will help give you a better perspective of what being a dog owner entails.
Good Luck! Let us know what happens! (Gawd, I sound like my MOM!  ) |
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I can definately see where all these concerned posts are coming from. The big problem here is that in 6 years, ill be going to college and my parents will be taking over with the care of the dog while im gone. 6 years with a sheepie would go by super fast, but 6 with out one would seem like an eternity... just think about that forn a while. Try to see where im coming from.....well ive got homework to do so i have to stop writing, yours, Teal |
| Teal, I can TOTALLY relate to where you are coming from. I searched for a Sheepie for what seemed like an eternity.
Have you done any research on the breed? Have you read all the forums on grooming needs, medical needs, behavior, etc? Have you researched other areas on the net about Sheepies? Here are a couple things you may or may not know about grooming a sheepie. Not only do they require constant, thorough brushing, but they also require their feet to be trimmed regularly-- including in between their toes, their rear trimmed to avoid 'dingle berries' hanging of their butt. They have to have the hair removed from their ears and their ears cleaned regularly. I also learned that I had to trim my females vulva and if it were a male, well, you know ... none of these are pleasurable experiences for a first timer. If you have researched, show your Mom all the work you've been doing and see if she changes her mind. I was able to change my DH's by doing the above! He wanted a lab-mix!
Good luck, Teal!
After all the work you'll do researching, it will happen if it's meant to be. |
| Believe me.... I've researched A LOT, but when your mom just flat out says NO it can be extremely discouraging. I know the dis/advantages of them and weighed it out and I know I could handle it if I was given the chance. I wish that there was some way to prove myself!!!!
Teal |
| hi , i'm 13 yars old as well and i searched ALOT about this breed and showed my parents everything ...and well i'm earning and right now i have 700$ and they said YES! ...i am sooo happy we are moving to a house on april 22nd and i will have to wait a little bit ..until july or something like that ..i'm from venezuela but i moved to the usa and i had 2 dog in venezuela and i took really good care of them and actually one of them...well she had alot of hair but i handle it and ....i think you can do it i mean i'm 13 too and i know we have lots of homework and stuff but i know if i can do it you can too...
good luck
Maria. |
Post up little things all over the house saying sheep dog or whatever. Also, write e-mails to your parents saying how much you want one!!! It really works!!! Do EVERYTHING! I am 13 as well! I just got some rats for Christmas!!!  |
| I wanted an OES when i was about your age too! Now here i am nearly 15yrs later just about to get my very first OES.
As much as I tried to convince my parents an OES would be a great addition, the hair was a major issue for them. And, I think my dad was set on IF we got a dog, it would be a Doberman--really, no other suggestions would work as much as my mom and I tried... Rotties.. Bulldogs... Boxers... nope. So, we ended up with a Doberman. Honestly, i was just happy to finally get a dog that i was promised a few years earlier. I just wish i would have gotten into 4H with him... I think he would have been a good obedience/agility dog if given the chance. Anyway.. you can stack up all the evidence you have that your choice of dog is the best, but in the end, the parents really have the final word. Figure, if you have any college plans, that dog is going to be taken care by them in about 5yrs. If they actually agree to get a dog, be happy! And if that dog comes anytime in the near future, be happier! haha. If you don't get your OES now, maybe sometime in the future? Maybe start a nice little fund for when you are old enough to make your own dog choice.. (change really adds up after a few years ).
Good Luck! |
| Teal: I can certainly sympathize with your desire for a sheepdog. Though considerably older (could be your grandpa) I fell in love with the breed several years ago when my son and daughter moved in with me for 2 years. I've owned dogs all my life, and believe these are one of the most lovable breeds. They also are a high maintenance breed and assuming no health problems are still costly to own. I do my own grooming (except bathing which is done monthly by a groomer. Grooming takes me 3-4 hours, twice a week. Plus an hour each day for training or exercise. Both are essential: without the grooming theyquickly become a matted, filthy mess - which will result in health problems; without training and exercise they will become unmanageable 80 to 120 lbs animals, not pets. Following is my budget for 2006 for the two dogs. Barney is 1+ yrs, Maggie is 2+. Both have full coats.
Barney / Maggie - Vet @ 150 each 350 Heartguard(6) 2 x 41 82 Frontline (6) 2 x 50 100 Bathing 12x50 600 Dog Food 6 x 40 240 Misc (toys, treats) 78 Total 1,100 This of course does not include the capital expenses: purchase of dog (can be anywhere from $800 - 2,000 depending on quality - pet vs show) training, kennels, fencing, etc. PS: what happened to my Son's sheepie? They couldn't take care of her because both were working, so they gave her to a wealthy family that has 3 kids plus extended families with many kids, a place on a lake in the country where the dog swims with the kids. The dog is professionally groomed monthly. She is in heaven. -- But usually what happens is the dog in a situation like this winds up in a pound and hopefully is rescued (like my Maggie), or is put down. Think of the fun you'll have with the dog; but think of the possible alternatives to the poor animal if you let him/her down. Good luck in your quest and in your studies George, Maggie, Barney. |
| Did anyone notice that the original post was almost two years ago??? As were most of the responses?
Chris |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: Did anyone notice that the original post was almost two years ago??? As were most of the responses?
Chris Haha! It was very early in the morning for me to notice that when i replied.. yeah, that's a good excuse! I wonder how the kid made out... |
| Kinda makes one feel foolish. I wonder what ever happened? |
Quote: Kinda makes one feel foolish.
Nah... it's good advice. Someone may search the thread at some point. theatrefox555- I love your bunny
I lost my 8 1/2 year old bun in December.  |
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