Regular brushings are essential for removing dead hairs, promoting and distributing natural oils, and bringing out the shine and natural luster in an Australian Shepherd's coat. Regular brushing also prevent the undercoat from matting. An Australian Shepherd's double coat means they shed – and they can shed a lot.
Australian Shepherds are relatively easy to care for when it comes to grooming. They only need to be brushed once or twice a week, and they only need to be bathed every few months. Australian Shepherd's also shed moderately, so they may not be the best dog breed for those with allergies.
To groom Australian Shepherds, we recommend using the best brush for Australian Shepherds. Brush your dog at least once a week to prevent matting and remove the loose undercoat. Finally, you can vacuum over the fur with a pet vacuum cleaner attachment.
Puppies can be bathed as needed. Use a natural, gentle dog shampoo/conditioner that rinses out thoroughly. If you are going to bath your Australian Labradoodle at home, be sure to brush through the coat completely first. If you do it the other way around, any mats will get tighter when you get them wet.
The worst time to brush your dog's coat is right after a bath while their hair is wet. Because brushing your dog when his hair is wet can be quite painful, while also creating more tangles and knots. That's why you should always brush dogs before you bathe them and then just let it all dry naturally afterward.
It's best to brush your dog's fur before bathing them. This will remove any loose fur and debris from the coat, and also makes sure that any mats or tangles are brushed out, as these will be more difficult to remove when wet. Make sure the water is around the same temperature as the dog's body.
It's also possible that your beloved pup may have had a bad grooming experience before. Their fur may have been brushed too hard or that they might have sensitive skin, and will avoid your brush to prevent potential pain. And, of course, some dogs are also just impatient.
' 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.
Herding breeds like Aussie Shepherds, Border Collies and Shelties are double-coated. So are Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Springer Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs and many more. You shouldn't shave any of these breeds in summer.
– We bathe our young puppies weekly. This keeps them clean and gets them accostumed to the process in the future. We use a mild shampoo and a leave in conditioner. They then get blow dried and brushed with a slicker and/or pin brush.
Aussies are cotton ball fluffy when they're tiny and then they loose all that fluff and have this thin, soft, wispy chicken feather coat for a while during their adolescent phase. As they get closer to being 1 year old they finally get a long, slightly more dense and coarse adult coat (see pics below).
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
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.
Aussies are known to bare teeth when they smile, one of only a few breeds to do so. Although they are not obsessive barkers, they will bark to protect their property, and warn you of nearby activity.
When your puppy has learned to be very gentle with his mouth then you can teach him to stop biting you completely. To teach him to no longer bite at all, whenever he tries to put his mouth on you, say "Ouch!" in a high pitched, loud voice, and ignore him for ten minutes, like you did in the past.
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.
Like most shepherds, Australian Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs. Years of selective breeding has imparted deep instincts into your Shepherd. The desire to herd is as natural to your Australian Shepherd as their need for a pack. Herding dogs learn to nip and snap at the heels of livestock to keep them in a group.
Aussies may become frightened or aggressive when they encounter unexpected people or animals if they are not properly socialized. Australian Shepherds require training as well.
Adult dogs lick each other in greeting, friendliness or deference. When your dog licks you, he may be showing his affection, or simply because your lotion or skin tastes good.
“When a dog bumps or nudges you with their nose, it is usually because they want your attention or they want something from you.” Your dog probably learned to bump you with his nose. If you pet him every time he nudges you, he'll learn that it's an effective way to get your attention.
Regular grooming relaxes the dog who's used to it, and it becomes a special time that you can both share. A coat free of mats, burrs and tangles and skin free of fleas and ticks are as comfortable to your dog as fresh, clean clothes are to you. It makes you feel good, and the effect is the same for your pet.
Brush in the direction of hair growth. Don't use too much pressure so that it hurts your dog's skin; instead, apply firm strokes that will help remove dead hairs. Then use a shedding blade to grab dead hairs all over the coat.
Regular baths are very important for your dog's health and hygiene. Bathtime can make your dogs feel better. Baths remove dirt and unpleasant odors from your dog's skin and fur.