How to Prepare for an Old English Sheepdog

You will learn that having a large dog such as an Old English Sheepdog can be both easy as well as challenging in terms of providing an optimum home for this lovable breed. These large, magnificent dogs think they are smaller than they actually are, and as such, can be clumsy. Originally bred for herding purposes, their innate ability to herd instinctively and playfully comes across to their owners and household guests.

Things You'll Need

  • A fenced in yard
  • A brush
  • Dog Bed
  • Clutter free areas
  • Love of animals
  • Tolerance
  • Large water and food bowls: at least a12 to 14inch
  • Towel or plastic mat to place bowls on top of
  • Dog training classes
  • Sturdy hard plastic dog toys
  • Dog Biscuits
  • Large unflavored dog bones
  • Plant-free backyard without hazardous plants Supervised play
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Instructions

  1. Preparing Your Home for an Old English Sheep Dog

    • 1

      Enroll your Old English Sheepdog in obedience training classes. They love to greet their owners with paws upon the shoulder, so it is important that they know the basic commands of "off, stay, wait, sit, and down."

    • 2

      Exercise your Old English Sheepdog daily. Fence your yard to provide enough room for your dog to run and romp freely. Socialize this breed either through daily walks, dog parks or "doggie day care" at pet resorts.

    • 3

      Purchase two large bowls, one for water, and one for food. These bowls should sit in an adjustable food stand that is able to be raised to a height of at least 12 to 14 inches. Adjust the height of the bowl-stand as your dog grows so that your Old English does not strain his/her neck while eating and drinking, and so that it eliminates the possibility of choking as well. Place a towel or a plastic mat in the area where your dog will be drinking, as this breed will drip a lot of water around the bowl area, as well as shake his/her muzzle after drinking.

    • 4

      Purchase a very large dog bed for your Old English Sheep Dog. Be tolerant of its desire to share your couch, your chair and your bed! Define your house limits for this breed that thinks it is human. Practice the obedience training basic commands daily.

    • 5

      Purchase several sturdy, thick and hard plastic dog toys, as your Old English will love to chew on your furniture while a puppy and sometimes while an adult if bored. Make sure all toys do not have eyes or parts that can easily detach and cause a choking hazard. Enjoy giving your Old English Booda (very hardy) brand toys, old athletic socks tied together, or thick, rope tug toys.Buy some dog treats to occasionally reward your Old English Sheepdog for his/her good behavior. Milkbones and unflavored dog bones are best. Make sure there are not any knots at the ends of the dog bones, as these can cause choking hazards once detached from the main neck of the bone. Also, for variety you may put a small dab of peanut butter on the bone as a special reward for good behavior.

    • 6

      Remove any clutter you may have in your home, as the Old English Sheepdog can sometimes be clumsy when he/she walks. Place any collectibles or cherished memorabilia in areas that cannot be knocked over. Be tolerant as this 80 to 95 pound dog adjusts to your lifestyle, and you to his or hers.