Getting a puppy
Thanks!! This sight is so cool! |
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If you're talking with breeders that is a GOOD THING!  They will probably be more than happy to let you introduce your little guy to one of their big OES. See how it goes, and then remember that an OES puppy will be that size with a zillion times the energy for about 3 years before he or she even begins to slow down. If you handle it carefully and smartly it can be a great thing. |
| Our Chewie is 5 months, we've had him for 3 weeks or so. We have other dogs too. Our current "boss" of the house is Riley, a 1 yr old rat terrier. He's big for a rat terrier - about 25 lbs. (See Riley and Chewie in my pictures) He loves to play with Chewie, but still thinks all the toys are his and takes them away from Chewie just to prove he can! In a few months this is going to change -when Chewie gets a little older and more sure of himself. They need to settle stuff like this on there own, just watch and supervise that things don't get too serious. It is part of establishing pack order and needs to get determined by the dogs.
If you can, have the dogs meet in a neutral place a time or two before you bring you puppy home. Also, discuss this with the breeder - they know their dogs and will be able to help you select a puppy with a personality that will fit your family. |
| Welcome to the forum!
Another New Englander! Woo hoo!  I was getting outnumbered by both Canadians and Pennsylvanians!
It's probably all going to depend on the two dogs involved, most of the time it works, but sometimes not. A great relationship with a great breeder may help out if things go poorly. Feel free to ask any questions (publicly or priately! The members here are all a great bunch of people). |
| WooHoo Pennsylvania!!!!!!
You don't have to limit yourself to the New England area when it comes to breeders. Many breeders either ship puppies or come to shows in the area. So you can get a pup that's not local to you. Really good breeders will be able to match a puppy to your needs because they have lived with these pups from the moment they were conceived. Check out http://www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamer ... ectory.htm which is the Old English Sheepdog Club of America's breeder directory. It shows who is in your area and who will ship puppies. These people have all signed a code of ethics and are members of good standing with the club. Also, Tarja Peters is the breeder referral person for the club and if you need info about someone not on the directory, she can tell you if they've signed the code of ethics, if they are a member and if they are in good standing. You can view her info and a little puppy buyer info here: http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=7690 Make sure that you research a breeder really well. They should be doing health testing (hips, eyes and if needed hearts and elbows) and you can reference the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals site at: http://www.offa.org/ to check up on their certifications. Expect to pay around 1,000 and up for your puppy. Anyone selling them for less can't possibly be taking the proper care of them. (There are always exceptions, last puppy in a litter, older puppy, special deal, etc.  )
Good luck in your puppy search! |
| Thank you everybody for all the good advice. I'm going to visit one of the breeders farms next weekend, I'll let you know how it goes. I feel like I'm starting to over think this but Sammy is such an awesome, happy, easy dog I just don't want that to change.
But in some ways I think it's a lot like bringing a second child in the house, it's an adjustment and a pain in the neck a lot of the time until everyone settles in. Thanks again! PLC |
 Welcome to the forum!
I have a small breed with my sheepdog, and that is nothing to be afraid of. My Lhasa apso is going well with sheepdog puppies and adults. Here you can see a 8 weeks old sheepdog with a 6 years old lhasa apso 
"make friends with" |
| That makes me feel so much better! THANKS!!! |
| Welcome to the forum! |
| Well I have the reverse of age, we have a bichon/cocker spaniel that is about 6-7 mths, and our sheepdog is 4.
Our Sheepdog is good with all other dogs so I wasn't to worried she wouldn;t accept a small breed. They have their issues, only because the small one doesn't understand size difference. She is a pain in Remy's neck, but Remy is incredibly patient and once in awhile she will put a stop to the behaviour and is top dog. Zoe respects that boundary, and they've become great friends. It's been our best combination. |
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