Old English Sheepdog Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

OES Puppy Prep: Groomer First, Daily Brushing Commitment Second

Before an Old English Sheepdog puppy comes home, two preparations must happen: identifying and booking a professional groomer experienced with OES or similar long double-coat breeds, and making a realistic commitment to daily home brushing. Both are non-negotiable for this breed. An OES without daily brushing or regular professional grooming becomes matted, which is uncomfortable for the dog and expensive to resolve professionally.

Find a Professional Groomer Before Puppy Arrives

• Search for groomers who specifically list Old English Sheepdogs, Bearded Collies, or similar profuse double-coat breeds in their portfolio
• Book an introductory consultation — you want to meet the groomer before the puppy needs grooming
• Establish a relationship with the groomer: they become a recurring service provider throughout the dog's life
• Ask the groomer about their preferred maintenance clip style and home care recommendations

Home Grooming Setup

• Pin brush and wide-tooth steel comb — purchase before puppy arrives
• Dematting comb for developing tangles
• Detangling spray for the coat
• Non-slip grooming surface (bath mat, rubber mat) where daily brushing will occur
• High-velocity dryer if planning to bathe at home

Essential Gear Checklist

• Large crate (36–42 inch with divider)
• Orthopedic dog bed (large breed)
• Stainless steel food and water bowls (large)
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave on arrival)
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash
• High-value training treats
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents

First Week Setup

First Week: Vet Visit and Daily Grooming Habit

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention
• Discuss hip dysplasia risk and OFA clearance documentation from breeder
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — evidence supports waiting 18–24 months for large breeds
• Microchip if not placed by breeder
• Enroll in pet insurance before this appointment or immediately after

Start Daily Brushing From Day One

The OES puppy coat is soft, fluffy, and much easier to brush than the adult coat. This is the window to establish the daily brushing habit as normal — for both you and the dog. Start with short, positive sessions (3–5 minutes) with a soft brush, touching all parts of the puppy's body including the face, paws, underbelly, and armpits. These are the areas that will require the most attention as an adult — practice accessing them from day one.

A puppy that learns daily brushing is a normal part of life becomes an adult that accepts the grooming this coat demands. An OES adult that has never been habituated to grooming is genuinely difficult to manage.

Socialization: Start Immediately

The 8–16 week window shapes adult temperament:

• OES are generally gentle and social — broad socialization during this window produces confident, friendly adults
• Puppy class provides controlled socialization and training foundation
• Introduce to varied environments, sounds, and types of people

Training and Face Care

Training a Gentle Giant and Managing the Face Coat

Training the OES

Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent, trainable dogs with a reputation for being boisterous and enthusiastic as puppies. They respond well to positive reinforcement. Channel their enthusiasm into training from puppyhood — an untrained large dog that jumps and mouths is difficult to manage regardless of the breed's gentle nature.

• Puppy class at 8–10 weeks
• Core commands early: sit, down, stay, come, leave it
• No jumping — cute at 15 lbs, genuinely unsafe at 65+ lbs
• Loose-leash walking from the first walk

Face Coat Care: Daily Requirement

The hair over the OES eyes requires daily management. Left unmanaged:

• Long facial hair touches the cornea and causes chronic eye irritation
• Moisture from water and food accumulates on the muzzle and causes skin fold dermatitis
• The face coat mats rapidly without daily attention

Daily face care for an OES puppy:

• Wipe around the eyes with a soft damp cloth to remove discharge and debris
• Check the muzzle hair after eating and drinking — wipe if damp
• Brush or clip the hair away from the eye area
• Many OES owners clip the face hair short as a practical measure even when keeping the body coat long

Exercise Rules for Puppies

Follow the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age guideline for structured exercise. Growth plates close around 18 months for large breeds — no forced running, jumping, or stair climbing before then. OES are moderately active adults; they need daily exercise but are not high-intensity working dogs.