With an Aussie's boundless energy, channeling it into something constructive can do wonders for your dog. These dogs bond strongly with their families. Their loyalty with their intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train. Regardless of the activity, your dog will love doing it with you.
As soon as you get the pup home you want to try and offer rewards, treats, and hugs. But optimally you'll find that around the eight-week mark, they will start to soak up all the learning you can give them. Andthe best part is they will be eager to please. Remember, the sooner you start training the better.
They are not overly stubborn or spiteful, but can become that way if you don't give them enough attention or if they get bored. There is no such thing as too much activity or training with an Aussie; they can handle more than you are able to throw at them.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a high-maintenance dog. Though they make great companions, their constant health problems and tend to shed make them a difficult breed to own. They also require a lot of exercise and can be high-maintenance when it comes to their health.
Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that even though Aussies have strong guarding and herding instincts, they are sweet and cuddly indoor dogs that can even be kept in apartments.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
While adaptable, the loyal and devoted Australian Shepherd does best with its people nearby. They are often demanding of attention and they do not like to be left alone.
Although Aussies are super outdoorsy, they are best suited to indoor living, like most companion pets. Many working Aussies even live indoors, these days. That said, as long as the conditions are safe, Australian Shepherds can sleep outside.
Despite their high energy, Aussies are usually quiet. They may bark to alert their owners of a stranger or an unfamiliar situation but other than that, you won't hear much from them.
Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders, and they will shed quite a bit of fur each day. Your Aussie will likely leave fur behind on your clothes after cuddling, on the bedding it was resting on, and you will likely see a thin layer of fur on your floors.
At 2-3 years of age, Mini Aussies are considered mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. In other words, they will start to calm down! That said, Aussies are naturally active dogs and will remain so into old age.
Discipline, Don't Punish.
Australian Shepherds don't know “not” to do something. They learn the result of doing. If they do something and the result is positive (a treat, a belly rub etc) the pup will quickly learn to continue the behavior. The opposite effect is true if they do not receive the reward.
Why Are Shepherds So Anxious? Herding dogs, especially the Australian Shepherd, have an instinct to herd and are more prone to anxiety if they cannot corral those in their care. As your shepherd cares so much about you, she may feel severe separation anxiety when you leave the house, and they are completely alone.
Keep in mind the average Australian Shepherd tends to bark a lot, making it a little more challenging to get him to stop barking unless you give him the 'speak' command or there is a situation in which he needs to bark to alert you.
Australian Shepherds are relatively easy to care for when it comes to grooming. They only need to be brushed once or twice a week, and they only need to be bathed every few months. Australian Shepherd's also shed moderately, so they may not be the best dog breed for those with allergies.
Female Australian Shepherds
It is suggested that females are also more sensitive and laid back. Because of this, they are said to have an easier personality to deal with. They've often got their agendas and will let you know what they want.
Australian Shepherds will bark at strangers, loud noises, and other animals as a way of getting rid of all that excess energy. More so, they can display the same type of behavior towards squirrels, thunderstorms, or even a passing car.
Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and are renown for their obedience, agility, and excellence in herding and other active sports.
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months. Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
Outdoor likes
A Mini Aussie likes outdoor exercise and activities. He is a natural outdoor working dog and does best when he has a task to complete (this is due to their original breed purpose of being herding dogs).
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
Australian Shepherds are very active dogs. Most likely, they won't want to cuddle because they're so active. If you wanted a lap dog, an Australian Shepherd probably wasn't the best choice.
Australian Shepherd Characteristics
Some dogs are more reserved, quiet, and don't care much for running around in a park or fetching a ball or a stick. The Australian Shepherd is the exact opposite. Their energetic nature is what the Aussie breed is most known for.