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.
Male Australian Shepherds tend to be more affectionate and exuberant throughout life, often forming strong attachments to their people. They are also known for being steadfast, reliable, and less moody than females.
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.
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.
Australian Shepherds can often lick you to get your attention. They are very friendly dogs and love to be around people, and appreciate your attention as well as companionship. One of the most common reasons why Australian Shepherds lick is because they want to show their affection for you.
If your dog licks your ears, they may be signalling a high level of comfort. Mutual grooming is common among pack members, and you may be perceived as just one of the pack. Licking your ears may also be a sign of love, care and respect. In other words, when your dog licks your ears, they're complimenting you!
Aussies tend to nip, but there is a good reason why this occurs. It's not an aggressive or mean behavior. Instead, it has everything to do with the job they were originally bred to do. We are a firm believer that dogs need to “do their function” and one such boarding facility allows your herding dog to do just that.
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
Dogs in general are known for being happy, cuddly, sweet, and soothing for a human to pet. Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he won't want to cuddle at all.
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.
Aussies are active yet easy-going dogs that love to romp with children. They tend to get along well with other pets. The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners.
Energy Levels
Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, an Aussie may become bored which may lead to destructive or snippy behavior. The tireless Aussie is a herding dog that was bred to work—if they're not given a job to do they will find one. A bored Aussie may dig, bark, or pace.
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.
Male dogs are usually more affectionate than females, and some positively crave human attention. You'll find it's always you who brings the cuddling and fussing to an end – he could happily go on like this all day!
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Males can be more dominant, territorial, and easily distracted than female dogs. On the other hand, males can also be more playful, active, and independent. Dominance and territorial behaviour can also be seen in unspayed females when they are in heat.
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.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.
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.
Laying on their back while getting some shut-eye helps dogs cool off. Unlike people who sweat to control their body temperature, dogs perspire through the pads of their feet.
Australian Shepherds tend to whine for all sorts of reasons, such as to get your attention or if they're sick or injured. If you can rule out a medical condition, then the next step to quiet your Aussie is to train them not to whine. Failing to indulge in their bad behavior will clue them in to stop.
This fun-loving breed requires a lot of exercise and needs to stay active; whether it's playing fetch or taking a long walk every day, make sure to keep your Aussie moving! While intelligent and hardworking, the Australian Shepherd can still be a goofy and loving family pet.
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.
Ever have a dog nudge you, not so gently, toward the food bowl? Or maybe they are habitual car chasers along the back yard fence. They may even nip excitedly at the kids when they are running in the yard. Odds are if you see this behavior you may have a herding breed on your hands.