These loving and loyal dogs are always on the go and need an owner committed to giving them all the exercise and mental stimulation they need. Owning an Aussie can be really hard work, but if you have the time they can make excellent companions for adventurous owners.
Australian Shepherds are considered among the highest maintenance breeds due to their extensive exercise and grooming needs, as well as their need for human companionship. Although Aussies are fun dogs with a lot of love to give, if you're looking for an easy-to-care-for dog, this breed is not for you!
Taking care of an Australian Shepherd, however, is no easy task: this dog breed demands a lot of attention and space to consume its energy. Furthermore, several health issues, such as genetic predispositions, can develop over time, taking their toll on your canine friend's well-being and playful personality.
The Australian Shepherd is a very trainable dog, being very intelligent and enjoying the ability to bond with their human family. As a result, they love to learn tricks and skills. They are very responsive to positive reinforcement, making toilet training and other training relatively easy to master.
Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Australian Shepherd
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. This fits the self-controlled personality that Aussies possess.
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don't know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Like most dogs, Aussies (and Mini Aussies) are active and outdoorsy, but still best suited to indoor living. Medium-large-sized homes with gardens are best, but they can do well in smaller homes, too. Just so long as they get everything they need to be happy and healthy!
Your Australian Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day, but the more you can give them the better. This should be split into two fairly long walks, with plenty of time to stop and have a sniff, along with the chance to run around off-lead in a secure area.
Australian Shepherds are known for their energetic personalities and sharp minds. While Aussies are loyal to their owners and love to please, they can get into trouble if they're not put to work. After all, they are a herding breed.
However, because they are smarter dogs, these canines usually potty train fairly easily. They pick on commands quickly and usually do a good job of listening to their owners. Of course, you will need to do more work on your part to successfully potty train a Mini Aussie.
Conclusion. Australian Shepherds have energy that goes for miles. Their energy levels may calm down some at around two years old, but this isn't guaranteed. Ensuring your Aussie gets two to three hours of exercise each day is the best means of regulating their energy and preventing destructive habits.
Poodle hair is notoriously hard to groom. Whether you're going for an elaborate grooming style or not, their naturally curly fur demands near-constant brushing, clipping, and trimming. Neglecting a proper grooming regime for your poodle could land you at the veterinarian treating painful skin infections.
Australian Shepherds, along with many herding breeds, are known to have high anxiety during storms, especially the intense ones. Spayed or neutered, abused, and abandoned are more likely to be “thunder-phobic”.
All puppies and young dogs experience a period of extreme activity. In Aussies, it should stop at around 2-3 years of age. But don't worry!
Giving an Aussie the stimulation they need
Of course, Aussies need plenty of physical exercise: no less than one hour per day, and preferably upwards of two hours. This goes for both standard and mini Aussies. Beyond the physical however, Aussies need to work out their brains.
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.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Australian Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require more than 2 hours of exercise a day. They require committed owners who are willing to give them lots of exercise if they are not going to be used as a working dog.
Loyal. Aussies are very smart, loyal, and love having someone to be with at all times. Loyalty is a necessary trait for any service dog. Besides being extremely friendly and energetic, Aussies are usually very easy to train and can make great emotional support animals or service dogs.
No. These dogs are not naturally aggressive and make excellent family pets in many homes — they're active, loyal, and loving dogs. So if you're looking for a new canine best friend, an Australian shepherd could be one of the best dogs for you and your family.
' Clearly signal that you do not approve the behavior, by saying “Owww!” and teach people to stop touching, talking to, or playing with your dog each time they start biting. Shunishment games, “punishment” by taking away attention, uses your dog's desire to be with and touched by you as a way to stop unwanted behavior.
More and more australian shepherd owners are watching their pups suffer from itchiness caused by allergies. If your australian shepherd is constantly scratching, adding these natural ingredients to their diet may help. Always check first with your vet to rule out other skin or flea and tick issues.