Bringing home an Old English Sheepdog for the first time is an exciting experience, but it also requires careful preparation. One crucial thing to remember is to resist the urge to bathe your new furry friend immediately. Allow your Old English Sheepdog to acclimate to their new environment first. Once they seem comfortable, you can proceed with deworming and vaccinations, ensuring they get a healthy start in your home.
Here are key steps to follow when your new Old English Sheepdog arrives:
1. Avoid Overwhelming Interaction: Upon arrival, don't immediately try to cuddle or feed your new sheepdog. Focus on letting them explore and get familiar with their surroundings.
2. Gradual Introduction to Routine: After your sheepdog has settled in, you can start introducing a feeding schedule. If your dog is younger than three months old, schedule deworming, vaccinations and the first bath after this age.
3. Limit Outdoor Exposure for Young Puppies: Young puppies are more susceptible to diseases. It's best to limit their outdoor exposure until they have their necessary vaccinations.
4. Always Use a Leash: When you do start taking your dog outdoors, make sure to always keep them on a leash to prevent them from getting lost.
Are Old English Sheepdogs Suitable for Home Life?
Historically, Old English Sheepdogs were bred to herd and protect sheep. When they are in herding mode, they tend to fixate on one target animal and may not stop until it's harmed. This innate behavior can still be present in modern sheepdogs, particularly in puppies. Before the age of two, Old English Sheepdog puppies tend to have very high energy and can be quite destructive, especially when left unsupervised. If you plan to leave an Old English Sheepdog home alone without crating it, be prepared for a potential home makeover. If you are looking to add an Old English Sheepdog to your family, consider whether you can handle such a high-energy, potentially destructive canine companion. It's crucial to evaluate your lifestyle and capacity to accommodate such an active breed, including having time for consistent training and exercise.