Nipping/Bitting and jumping on people
Mike Moyer |
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Mike, Hello! 
Congrats on your new boy, Jake! And thank you SO much for rescuing a Sheepie! You won't regret it!
First off, you are right on track regarding obedience training. And you probably want to continue going to training with your new guy for several sessions. Not only will Jake learn a lot of things, but the bond between the two of you will grow and grow.
I have had many dogs, Shepherd, Doberman, Samoyed, Rottie, and NONE have had the same personality that a Sheepie does. They are ALL very intelligent breeds, as is an American Eskimo. The thing about Sheepies is that they seem to push the "thinking they are a person thing" just a little bit further than the rest. 
Sheepies seem to like to give affection in different ways, real two arm (errr-paw) hugs, a front leg (arm) around you, etc. Mine also thinks she needs to clean my ears after I've cleaned hers.
I recently rescued a 3 year old Sheepie with a bit of a jumping and nipping problem. I've had her for only 11 days! (I can't believe it! It already seems like she's always been here.) What I have done with her from the start is very simple and very effective if you and your family can all be consistent *This can be the tough part as at first my husband didn't mind her jumping. He called it 'hugging'. After I told him that it won't be so "cute" when she's full of muddy paws and he's on his way out dressed for work. He got the picture and now follows my lead. When your OES jumps, step back and say, "No jump". Presuming he knows the 'sit command', ask him to "sit" for you. THEN pet him and give him praise. Never give him a pet, a treat, or any attention unless he "sits" for you. This will help him to be a much more polite boy around new people, visitors, other walkers, etc., as well. There is nothing more frustrating to me than being on the opposite end of the leash of a dog with poor manners. 
As far as the nipping goes -- when he nips or mouths your hand, you can say, "No bite". And again, no attention until he "sits" for you. If he bears down too hard -- give out a 'yelp' to signal to him, like his siblings did, that he's hurt you. Then say, "No bite". I have my OES give me a "sit" before she gets her breakfast and dinner. Contrary to what some experts say, I believe water should be free and don't require a sit for refilling her water bowl. She also has to sit for her leash to be put on. To wait for me to enter through a doorway, to wait for me to go upstairs first, etc. It is part of the NILIF training process. NILIF is Nothing In Life is Free. You can talk to your trainer about this method. Maggy has caught on to this method very quickly and now when she wants a pet or some lovin' she simply walks up to me and sits in front of me. She does have her moments when we are in the Pet Store, etc., where she is SO excited of the surroundings that she isn't doing very well there. We have been making LOTS of trips to the Pet Store, Vet's office, etc., even to just walk around all the stimuli and practice her manners. Word has it that I may be getting another Foster in the next couple of weeks, so I need to do a bit of 'doggy boot camp' to get Maggy up on her manners before the 'newbie' comes into our home. I don't want any of her habits rubbing off on the foster, or visa versa. With consistency, your pup will learn to be a great canine citizen and you will all be much happier together. You are truly going to LOVE owning an OES. They are some of the neatest dogs around. Jake's unique personality will probably make you laugh until you cry at times! They are clowns! Maggy loves to play 'fetch'. She also likes to make up her very own game. I call it 'Keep away'.  Maggy and I have a lot of work of our own to do!
Welcome, Mike!  |
| Hi Mike,
Congrats on the 'new' arrival. Sheepies are the most people friendly dogs around as you will find out. My trainer has indicated that the sheepdog is one of the hardest to keep from jumping up but not impossible to train. Grace has given you very good advice and taking the pooch to the trainer is a great idea for both of you. You'll soon find out that the sheepdog is one of the least 'dog' dogs that there are. Good luck with him and thank you for rescuing Jake. Lorraine |
| Grace, Thanks for the great advice on jumping. We have a four month old sheepie and she seems to be getting somewhat better about the jumping up. I seem to see consistency among the posters here that if you deprive sheepies of attention when they are misbehaving than that is a very effective training method. They really love attention. Just out of curiosity...what is the difference in fostering a dog, and adopting one? Is it the same thing, or are you helping them get adjusted to send to another home? I bet it would be hard to give them up if you have to send them on. Just wondering. Thanks...Weezie |
| Weezie,
Fostering is providing temporary placement (short term and/or long term)for dogs involved with Rescue. This is a great way for the Rescues to evaluate the dog prior to placing in a FUREVER home. The foster home can provide more information about the dog than was obtained from previous owners and/or a shelter. They determine their "behavior" in certain situations and any problems they may have (food aggression, getting along with children, cats, other dogs, etc.). That way the RESCUE organization has a better idea of what type of home they need to place the dog in. Rescue needs FOSTER HOMES desperately! It is difficult - because you often do get attached (and sometimes end up being the FUREVER home) but it is so rewarding! You are the dogs Fairy God Mother (or Father!) forever - and each one will hold a place in your heart! Plus, you get to see the joy that these dogs bring to their new families! Often times, a long-term Foster Home is required when a family is having difficulties (i.e. health) and don't want to give their dog up permanantly - but needs someone to take care of them for a while. If you are interested in becoming a Foster Home - contact the Rescue organization in your area - I'm sure they would love to talk to you! You can go to www.neoesr.org and look under DOCUMENTS (http://www.neoesr.org/cons_fos.htm) - it provides some information on Foster Care as well. Grace, sorry to butt in on this question!
Kristen |
| No need to apologize, Kristen! You explained it perfectly. Thank you!
I think you know Maggy was supposed to be a "foster". However, it wasn't long before I knew THIS would be her forever home. I think every foster home should have a resident OES. (or two or three!)  |
| Kristen,
Shouldn't that be "Furry Godfather"?  |
Ron wrote: Kristen,
Shouldn't that be "Furry Godfather"? Nice Catch! ...or Furry GodMOTHER! |
BritPresSyd wrote: Ron wrote: Kristen, Shouldn't that be "Furry Godfather"? Nice Catch! ...or Furry GodMOTHER! Ok, how about "furry dogmother"??? |
| Thanks for the enlightenment. What a wonderful thing to do. I bet I would want to be the forever home for every OES I had. |
| Weezie,
Then you would be the perfect foster! There are many "foster parents" with tears streaming down their faces as their furry friends (family!) drive off with their "furever family".
{{You have the heart for it!}} Gracie |
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