The Visitor: English Shepherd's Have Cliques Too

This is Nicky. He’s an English Shepherd who came to stay with us while his family went on vacation. He’s actually a half-brother to our own two English Shepherds, Roxie and Jack. You’d think that bit of shared DNA might have bought him a warm welcome—maybe even a sniff of recognition or a wag of kinship. But no. Around here, family resemblance only gets you so far.

The first introductions were… let’s just say “frosty” would be putting it mildly. Roxie and Jack took one look at this cheerful newcomer and decided they weren’t accepting new members into the club. Nicky, bless his optimistic little heart, kept trying. He wagged, he play-bowed, he offered his best polite-sniff diplomacy. But apparently, my two had already formed a “No New Friends” policy, written in invisible dog ink.

Indy, our senior statesman and longtime house dog, didn’t weigh in much. At his age, chasing others around has lost its charm. He mostly observed from his favorite spot with a sigh that said, “Kids these days…” and went back to his nap.

"Maybe the old guy, Indy, wants to play." "Sure kid, as soon as I finish my nap."

"Hey, Roxie, how about you? Want to play?" "Get lost, brat!"

"Hey, Jack, want to....." "Bug off, squirt!"

"I said NO!"

"What part of  'no' don't you understand. Now GET LOST!"

"He's still sleeping? Is he even alive? Well, at least he's not snarling at me."

"Somebody, please play with me!"

"Not fair. They finally aren't snarling and I'm hooked on a chain. C'mon, lemme go so I can pounce on 'em."

People often ask how I manage to juggle four dogs in one household without losing my mind. Easy answer? You have to genuinely like dogs. A sense of humor helps too—especially when you’re breaking up squabbles that sound like World War III but end with everyone wagging tails. A sturdy vacuum cleaner is a necessity, and so is patience. Lots of patience… lots and lots and lots of it.

Still, even with all the fur, noise, and drama, there’s something heartwarming about a house full of dogs. The clatter of paws, the chorus of barks, the occasional flying furball—it all adds up to a home that’s very much alive. Sure, I could use a little peace and quiet, but I remind myself: at least they’re dogs. You can crate a dog for a time-out—you can’t say that for toddlers!

So while Nicky’s visit hasn’t been all harmony and tail wags, it’s been a reminder that every dog has its own personality—and that sometimes, family ties are more about love and patience than shared genetics.

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©2011 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm