Old English Sheepdog Training

Do you have a Old English Sheepdog that needs some training help? Natalie from Crazy Kind Calm dog training can help!

With over 900 dogs trained across the Macedon Ranges, Natalie understands the unique personality and needs that come with this wonderful breed.

Old English Sheepdogs are large, shaggy herding dogs with a playful, clownish personality. They're gentle and affectionate beneath all that fur — but their size, energy, and herding instincts need proper management.

Common Old English Sheepdog traits and training needs

Herding instinct — may try to herd children, other pets, and household members
Large and strong — can be a handful on lead without early training
Boisterous and bouncy, especially during their extended puppyhood
Can be vocal — barking and 'talking' to communicate their needs
Prone to bumping, leaning, and body-blocking as herding behaviours
May become anxious when separated from the family or when routine changes

OES owners know their big, shaggy dog has a puppy inside that never quite grows up. If yours herds the children, bounces off the furniture, or uses their body to block you from leaving the room — that's the herding dog and the comedian working together. Their desire to be with their family and their playful nature makes training fun, even if it sometimes feels like training a very large toddler.

🏠

One-on-One Training

Personalised sessions in your home, where the challenges actually happen. We work together on your specific goals — whether it's pulling on lead, barking, poor recall, jumping up, or something else entirely.

Learn more →

Old English Sheepdog (and others) Success Stories

★★★★★

"I was really impressed with Natalie's knowledge and experience when she visited our 3 resident dogs at home this morning to advise on the management of a really difficult situation in which one dog is attacking another, with me injured as well, and literally thousands spent on vet bills. The situation has been exacerbated by recent stressors such as moving house and inadequate room, and Natalie gave some important guidance and insights to manage the situation, including where it is likely to go from here (high risk of serious injuries to dogs and humans or a death, which I totally see happening) and what we can do to control and manage the dogs, as I do not wish to euthanise or re-home the stressed-out, attacking dog without trying to work on this. She advised on strategies, equipment and training that will all actually work because it was personalised and done with the doggers present, displaying all their wonderful behaviours. The visit was much better than a phone consult could ever be because Natalie was able to review the house, property and dog pen and suggest points for barriers and ways to provide time out and decompression, including specific types of play to encourage calmness and focus. She also noted behaviours that we didn't see and explained what they meant and what was going on, and how we needed to manage and distract from them. Am really happy with Natalie's services, it was money well spent - but I rather wish I'd sought help for this some time ago before it all escalated to a crisis of serious proportions. I hope that with Natalie's insights, notes and support materials we will be able to develop into a manageable, moderately tolerant 3-dog household. Thank you so much Natalie."

— I Dobell November 2025

Sammy

Harrier • Castlemaine

★★★★★

"This is the second dog we have trained through Nat. Her calmness and her attention to detail is what we love. She is extremely patient with us which can be a huge help when we feel like we are failing. Our dogs are happier and there was no punishing or upsetting with any of our dogs so they still love us and there is no fear just respect and love. We appreciate Nat and her commitment beyond words and we have and will continue to recommend her to any and all who listen."

— Britney Lightbody