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.
Female Aussie shepherds are said to be more sensitive and laid back than males, making them easier to handle. They can make great companions for those looking for an intelligent and loyal pet.
All shepherd breeds are naturally very active because of the herding work that they were originally bred for. That is why, today, Aussies are regular competitors in dog sports. A lot of hyperactivity in Mini Aussies stems from not meeting their needs for physical and mental exercise.
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.
They require plenty of attention. 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.
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.
Attention Seekers
Aussies can be very clingy.
Conclusion. 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.
There are a lot of possible health-related reasons for your dog's improper sitting form. Past injuries, possible weaknesses, chronic problems in joints or soft tissues of the hind limbs can result in compensatory changes and losing the ability to sit properly.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), most purebred dogs live 8-15 years. So, the Australian shepherd's life expectancy of 12-15 years is near the upper limit. They are very long-lived dogs.
The short answer is that no, your dog isn't likely to be less hyperactive after getting spayed or neutered. It won't change their personality much, if at all. Each dog has its own positive and negative social habits.
Adult Australian Shepherds need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily, depending on how much energy they burn during the day.
My two Aussies are SUPER vocal. One a little more then the other. Chattering, barking, grunting, whining... they bark a lot when playing with other dogs.
Aussies are active, protective, friendly dogs that love to please and be loyal to their owners. They also have territorial instincts that can make them naturally possessive of their owners and home.
An active yet easy-going dog, the Australian shepherd loves to romp with children and tends to get along well with other pets. Australian shepherds are great family pets, herding animals, police dogs and competitors in obedience trials.
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.
That said, it can be very unsafe and dangerous to leave your dog home alone for extended periods of time. As such, it's better to find them another place to stay so they can receive adequate care.
How much exercise do Australian Shepherds need? 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.
Australian Shepherds can get bored very easily – but this isn't necessarily due to living indoors. However, boredom can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors, which can negatively affect your home. Aussies get bored when they are underworked.
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.
Though known for their high energy, Aussies also have a soft side for relaxation and affection. If your Aussie loves to rest by your side, leans into your touch, or enjoys being cuddled, it's a clear indication of their trust and love.