If you're looking for a constant companion, this is the breed for you. Known as “Velcro Dogs,” Aussies may form an almost fanatical attachment to their family. This can lead to his mistrust of, and misbehavior toward, strangers.
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.
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.
While Australian Shepherds are known for being strong working dogs, they can be cuddly and affectionate, too. Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them.
They, like some other animals, have their one chosen person, which is probably you if your dog sits on you all the time. When the Australian Shepherd chooses their person, they begin to exhibit loyalty towards you, even to an extreme degree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Some dogs do it when they are excited or anxious: The physical contact may be comforting to them,” Dr. Sung says. “It can also be a form of attention-seeking behavior. Who would not pay attention to a dog walking between their legs?”
Dog pawing behavior is a natural and inherent way for your puppy or adult dog to get you to “focus” on them. Depending on how often your dog resorts to this method, it can be an acceptable or annoying habit. Pawing communicates, “Hey, you up there, it's me down here. I want your attention, and I want it NOW!”
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.
When your dog licks you, he may be showing his affection, or simply because your lotion or skin tastes good. A compulsive licker may have unintentionally been taught this behavior by his owner: He learns that licking gets him attention, even if it's negative.
The bottom line. Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
Australian shepherds are active and thoroughly enjoy being outside. Owners of this breed enjoy playing Frisbee at the beach, going to the park, and camping outdoors. This breed has a passion for living life to the fullest and people who live with Australian shepherds are said to have a lot of friends.
They tilt their heads to work around their interfering muzzles and improve their visual perspective. That cute head tilt actually broadens the range of vision and allows a dog to more clearly see a person's face. Seeing our facial expressions improves communication.
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.
Grunting is a common sign of a happy dog. Whether enjoying a belly rub, a tickle behind the ears or scratching that persistent itch, dogs may rhythmically grunt to show enjoyment. They can also do so at other happy times, such as greeting their owner or waiting for food.
Male Australian Shepherds
Males tend to be a bit more affectionate but are also more exuberant throughout life. Aussies are very attached to their people. They are inclined to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody. These dogs also tend to be a little more food motivated.
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.
It's a sign of appeasement! A dog will grin if it senses you his owner needs to be calmed down or when they are excited by greeting people or guests. Some Australian Shepherds grin so hard they sneeze, and they often wiggle their whole bodies with happiness.
Australian shepherd
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.
Some Aussies, especially females, can be manipulative and are smart enough to figure out how to get what they want. Some are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. To teach your Aussie to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory.