Educating the PON Buyer
By Cheri O'Neal
As breeders, we have a responsibility to educate the prospective puppy buyer about the challenges and rewards of PON ownership. There is no "perfect" dog, and no breed is right for everyone. The Buyer's decision means a commitment that will affect the lives of both owner and dog for the next 12-15 years.
Let us first explore the challenges. The PON's long, dense, double coat means consistent daily grooming to keep it mat-free. Failure to maintain the coat properly may require it to be cut down to conquer the matting, with regrowth taking 9-12 months. If you plan to show your PON, keep in mind that no trimming is allowed. Therefore daily grooming is essential.
Early and consistent socialization and training of a PON puppy is vitally important. PONs require a dominant master. If leadership is in doubt, the dog will assume the role. PONs are, by nature, slightly aloof and wary of strangers. Puppies should be enrolled in a basic obedience class as early as possible to expose them to new people and places outside the home. They should be gently handled by neighbors and friends – both adults and children.
The PON has a rich history as an independent-thinking herding dog, protecting his flock from small predators and becoming the family watchdog at night. When the PON has no flock to herd, the buyer should not be surprised to find himself, children, or other pets being nipped on the heels or calve in order to "move" them. This natural instinct must be controlled through consistent, firm training. Most PON puppies think their middle name is "No."
Every PON needs a job; if they aren't given one, they will create one--and you probably won't like it. Their "job" can be bringing in the newspaper, taking long walks, participating in obedience, agility, or herding, or patrolling the perimeter of the yard for invading squirrels. The breed is lively without being overactive, but they do require exercise.
Kleptomania is firmly ingrained in PON behavior, possibly originating in their having to scavenge for food to survive. When items disappear, check the dog crate first; you'll be amazed at what you might find—dish towels, screwdrivers, batteries, watches. The PON motto is mine, mine, mine. When they want something they will sit and stare at it, occasionally glancing at a nearby person, until the human "gets it." They will paw at your leg or arm for attention, usually to throw their tennis ball.
Prospective buyers should also be told of the many rewards of sharing their life with a PON. The breed's intelligence makes them easily trainable, in addition to being loyal, loving companions who want to please and entertain you. They are noted for their memory, and never forget either a kindness or an injustice.
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is not a breed for everyone. The challenges are many, the rewards are great. We often tell prospective puppy parents, "First they steal your heart, then they steal your underwear."