As a high-prey-drive herding breed, Aussies are usually extremely visually sensitive. This is important to remember during the socialization process. Aussies notice things that other breeds don't, and the socialization process should be extremely far-reaching for this reason.
The behavioral problems that seem to stem for these breeds typically revolve around their need to focus intently, their need to chase, and their need to work their brain. That focus can lead to reactivity or tense interactions with dogs or people, including lots of barking.
Australian shepherds are friendly animals, but they often reserve their outright affection in human interaction for their owners and other family members. Once they become attached, they are incredibly loyal animals.
Your Mini Australian Shepherd might seem like the most anxious dog in the world, but if they become distracted by a lot of affection, a favorite toy, or some tasty rawhide, they aren't dealing with severe anxiety. Many owners provide their somewhat nervous dogs with calming treats to help anxious dogs relax.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
Aside from cuddling, Aussies show affection by bringing you toys, nudging you with their noses, sitting on you, and showing their bellies to you. By putting himself in a vulnerable position, he's showing that he trusts you.
Australian Shepherds are devoted, loyal and gentle dogs. Most are reserved with strangers, but they do love people and thrive on the company of their families. They get along with other dogs but will often try to herd them – a behaviour which is often unpopular with cats.
If you are a first-time owner, you're probably wondering, at what age will my Mini Aussie calm down?! All puppies and young dogs experience a period of extreme activity. In Aussies, it should stop at around 2-3 years of age.
Australians are usually humble, quite welcoming, polite and contact seeking when meeting strangers. Do not be surprised that strangers greet you, look you in the eyes and start a conversation with you in situations that you perhaps never had expected someone to do in your home country.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone.
The Australian Shepherd will choose one person in the family and then want to spend lots of their time around that person, including sitting on them. Their loyalty is unwavering, so your Shepherd might become your new shadow by your side.
The behavior is a good sign that your dog is happy at home, happy with you, and happy with any other pets or friends that he might encounter throughout the day. As a general rule, Australian Shepherds need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation in order to feel happy.
Aussies need smart training and lots of attention. Like other herding dogs (the border collie, cattle dog, etc.) the Australian shepherd likes to have a job. That's why these working dogs excel at tasks like search and rescue.
Splooting is a great stretch for the animals' hips. Splooting also allows the animal to cool themselves by pressing their belly into the ground or against tile floors. Owners may notice that their pets sploot more often when they are younger.
One common characteristic of the Australian shepherd is the development of separation anxiety, and Aussiedoodles can share this trait. The positive side to this is that they make friends easily, and everyone they meet is instantly part of their pack.
A female does not have the density or thickness as well as the length of the coat as the male. 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.
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.
Bringing an Aussie dog to the family is not difficult, but taking its proper care is quite challenging. The first few weeks are spent on helping the pet acclimatize to the new surroundings. Its training also begins on the very first day so the Aussie understands house rules perfectly.
Do Australian Shepherds get lonely? 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.
Many dog owners view dogs' licking as a sign of affection similar to kissing. Obsessive licking may be a sign of underlying issues, including anxiety, boredom, or fear. Trick training is an effective way to redirect problem licking in a positive way.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
The cute and thick-haired Australian shepherd is also prone to jealousy. Aussies are protective in nature. Therefore, when they see another person giving you a hug, their protection instincts kick in immediately. Lucky for you, with the right training, this behavior will turn into a blessing of sorts.
An Australian Shepherd has a dominant personality and will want to be the alpha: Ask yourself, “Are you prepared to fill that role?” An Aussie will want to please his owner, but his strong drive and work ethic will be difficult to overcome by an owner who is a pushover.
With proper training, good socialization and adequate regular exercise, Australian Shepherds can be very well-behaved dogs. They are also very loyal and attentive to their owners, so it's not uncommon for them to become a shadow and follow their pet parents around as much as possible.
They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness. Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humour. They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to distrust people who do. Australians place a high value on relationships.