cuddly, I require a family who both has the
time and is willing to socialize and obe-
dience train me. Training is best done in
a positive, fair, firm, consistent manner.
I don’t belong with someone who has a
hard time saying no. Show me how to do
things and I will learn quickly, of course
this means both the good and the bad. My
human family tells people to never let me
do what they don’t want me to do as an
adult. Left to my own devices I may well
become manipulative and demanding,
overprotective and even sometimes aggres-
sive. I am great with children if they are
taught to respect me also, but I need to
experience them at a young age. It is my
nature to be standoffish with strangers and
in new experiences, so the more I experi-
ence as a young puppy the better. My sug-
gestion for every new PON puppy human
family is they sit down, establish the rules
that I will be expected to follow, and every-
one adheres to them. I will quickly learn
who if there is a weak link.
Early adolescents can be a rough time.
My coat is double – finer below and coarser
above. While it normally requires a thor-
ough brushing at least once a week, during
my change from my puppy to adult coat
can be a trying time. Although not con-
sidered a shedder, my coat will mat and
during this time in my life it often seems
worse than ever. Sometimes it will seem
like I have learned nothing, but it is impor-
tant to remember to keep training me and
keep your rules in effect. Just like human
teen-agers I will try you, and if you want a
great adult you will continue to train me.
Training never ends as my learning and
ability to outsmart you will never end.
So once I have grown up there are lots
of fun things I can excel in. I need exer-
cise daily, and if you will play and/or walk
me I will generally be happy. I can adapt
to just about any living environment, but
keep in mind I am a family member and
want to be with my family. Most say that’s
you, because you are my herd. I love to do
things with you. My favorite thing to do is
herd because that is what I was bred to do.
I will herd you, kids, my toys, it doesn’t
matter. If you want me to look pretty in
my natural, un-sculpted not trimmed,
long coat I can make you proud in con-
formation. That’s how it’s supposed to
be. If you want me to be well mannered
and behaved, I can do well in obedience
and even make a great therapy dog. I am
a great Good Citizen just train me. I can
play flyball, do agility, rally, tracking, lure
coursing, treiball, dance—you name it. I
love being active. I can be your buddy and
cuddle with you when you are down or not
feeling well. My instincts are very strong
because I was bred to work and to be aware
of what is going on around me. Sometimes
you will think I can read you better than
you can yourself. And if you want weather
warnings, just watch me closely because I
often tune in.
Now if you think a Polish Lowland
Sheepdog would be the perfect breed for
you, and I believe I might be, if you have
the time and the will to socialize and train
me, it is important that you find a good
breeder. I recommend that you do not get
a PON family member from anyone who
is not willing to let you visit their home
and /or kennel. Meet and spend time with
at least one of the parents of your poten-
tial puppy. I would ask permission even if
you know you can’t really get there. A “no”
should be a big red flag. They should be
as willing to meet you as you them. Ask
lots of questions, even if you think they
“
SHOW mE HOW tO DO tHINGS AND I WILL LEArN quIckLy,
of course this means both the good and the bad.”
274 •
S
how
S
ight
M
agazine
,
N
ovember
2012