Old English Sheepdogs generally make fun loving and loyal companions. However, to keep them looking at their best, they do require regular grooming. About 2 or 3 hours a week grooming for the average pet dog, but quite a lot more if you intend to show.
The following is a resume of the information we give to our new puppy owners:
VACCINATIONS
Don’t be tempted to take your puppy out as soon as you get him home, he will need to be vaccinated first, and this can be done at approximately 8-10 weeks (but be guided by your vet). After the full vaccination programme is complete, you will be able to take your puppy out and show him off to everyone.
TRAINING AND EXERCISE
Please remember that your puppy is only a baby and, as such, requires plenty of sleep. Make sure he has somewhere quiet where he can sleep away from the noise of the family, but also remember that he will probably feel more than a little anxious for the first few days at being separated from his mum and brothers and sisters. It is a good idea to put a radio on low, or sometimes even a clock ticking near to the puppy’s bed will be enough to reassure him that he is not alone, and hopefully he will settle down to sleep at night without too much fuss.
Once your puppy has completed the course of vaccinations, it is a good idea to join your local dog training club, either ringcraft if you intend showing your puppy or obedience training. It is so much nicer to have a well controlled dog than one that leaps about and pulls you along when out for a walk. You should be able to find out where training classes are held, either from our vet or from your local paper.
As your puppy has a lot of growing to do, it is recommended that initially h e is only taken for short walks, this is so his muscles don’t develop too quickly, as this can cause problems with bone growth. Once he has reached about 1 year old, you can increase the length of his walks, but make sure he doesn’t get too tired.
GROOMING
You will have noticed that your puppy doesn’t have the same colour coat as his mum, but you can gradually see the lighter coat coming through the dark puppy coat.
Spend about ½ twice a week lightly brushing your puppy, so he gets used to the idea. A light bristle brush is probably best and, once the lighter coat starts coming through, you can use a wide toothed comb to comb out the darker coat, but do it gently and your puppy will enjoy the attention he is getting.
During these grooming sessions check that the eyes are clean and also check the ears and feet. Fine hairs growing inside the ears need to be gently teased out. Gently clip fur between the pads of the feet and remove mud etc., which may become stuck between the pads. In summer check regularly for grass seeds, particularly between the toes and pad areas. Keep the anal area clipped clear and clean. Check the nails and trim if necessary, but be careful not to cut into the ‘quick’. If you are unsure about trimming the nails, get your veterinary nurse to do it for you.
As your puppy grows, so will his coat! Obviously you will need to spend more time on grooming him. On average you will be likely to spend about 2 to 3 hours a week on grooming, once your puppy has developed an adult coat. In addition, you will need to spend a little time about once every 3 to 4 weeks trimming the coat between the pads, cleaning and checking the ears and checking that the teeth are clean. A finger toothbrush with canine toothpaste, should be used to keep the teeth free from tarter build up.
Of course, if you intend showing your puppy, you will need to spend extra time on the grooming and training.
HOUSE TRAINING
Your puppy will not be reliable until 12 - 14 weeks of age as only then do the functions come under voluntary control. However, with care, most puppies are good within a few weeks of training. Remember your puppy will need to urinate/defecate :
On waking; After every meal; After play; Before bedtime
Leave plenty of newspaper down near the door to the garden, gradually moving it outside and your puppy will soon get the idea. Remember don’t shout at your puppy if he has an accident in the house, just take him to the garden and remind him to ‘toilet’ outside. Never rub his nose in any accident, he won’t learn from this, it will only make him frightened.
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If you have any problems with your new puppy, please contact your breeder in the first instance, however should you be unable to solve any problems, please contact your vet who will be happy to give you advice.
We are not vets, but are willing to give our opinions, based on our experience of the breed over the years.
Many Old English Sheepdogs still retain the herding instinct and, we found when we had our first Old English Sheepdog he would ‘herd’ the children together when we were out walking.
If you have the time to devote to grooming, and don’t mind the occasional dog hair in your food, then an Old English Sheepdog could become a lovable clown in your household.
© Arthrug OES 2010
