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.
Both are quick learners but both require commitment from their owners when it comes time to learn new commands or tricks. That said, depending on the temperament differences noted above, some people find male Aussie puppies easier to train.
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.
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.
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.
Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Australian Shepherd with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root. Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your australian shepherd's stress and give a sense of safety and calm.
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.
Their puppyhood will be extremely hyperactive until they are around two years old. At two years old, Mini Aussies are considered fully grown and mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. This is a little older than most other breeds, as most dogs begin to calm down around the age of one.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Whine? Australian Shepherds by their very nature are vocal dogs. As herders, they have to be, as their barks and stern noises could keep other animals in check.
Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training.
Do Australian Shepherds like living indoors? Despite their working shepherd dog DNA, Aussie dogs love to cuddle up on the sofa and be part of home and family life. In fact, they are incredibly sociable, family-orientated dogs, and so they should live, eat, and sleep indoors with you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It won't change their personality much, if at all. Each dog has its own positive and negative social habits. Since these normally aren't the result of hormones the surgery likely will not have an impact on the energy level of your dog.
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.
Anxiety: As with many intelligent breeds, Aussies tend to suffer from higher rates of anxiety if they don't have an outlet for their mental and physical energy.
If your puppy is properly introduced to the water, many of them do end up liking to swim. This breed wasn't particularly bred to be around water, however. They are herding dogs, which means that they traditionally spent much of their life on land. They don't have the innate love of water that some other breeds have.
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.
Some Australian Shepherds tend to “grin”, not to be mistaken for baring their teeth, when feeling silly or goofy. 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.
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.
Its heritage as a herding breed makes this dog suited to an active lifestyle. A dog with energy to spare, the Australian Shepherd has both the stamina and smarts to excel at off-leash activities.