Your Australian Shepherd should never be disturbed when sleeping. Leave them alone to rest and let them see their bed as a place that belongs just to them. Dog beds are not the only option for your Australian Shepherd's sleeping area. You could also buy them a large pillow, a small mattress, or even a small dog sofa.
A memory foam orthopedic bed is best for most Australian Shepherds. It conforms to your dog's shape while supporting their aching joints. You should look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or waterproof cover for your elderly dog if they are prone to bladder leakage due to aging.
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.
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.
Standing around 18 inches high and weighing up to 40 pounds as adults, these smaller versions of Australian Shepherds are also similar to them in many ways. You may be familiar with the breed's passion for the outdoors. Aussies and Mini Aussies love outside exercise and activities.
Our furry friends are normally comfortable in a wide variety of temperatures, although the ideal temperature will vary depending on the individual dog and the thickness of its coat. Most Australian Shepherds find temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to be comfortable.
Your Aussie may require time to adjust to a new life and learn to trust you before he feels comfortable enough to cuddle with you. To cuddle means to be vulnerable, and your dog may just need patience and time to understand that his vulnerability won't put him in a position to be hurt.
Australian shepherds are prone to worry, but only under certain conditions. The majority of Australian shepherds who have a regular schedule and live in a serene environment do not exhibit signs of anxiousness. However, this breed does not do well without a schedule or frequent attention from their owners.
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.
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.
Splooting is a great stretch for the animals' hips. Splooting also allows the animal to cool themselves by pressing their belly into the ground or against tile floors. Owners may notice that their pets sploot more often when they are younger.
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.
Puppies don't have long attention spans, so distractions can keep them on their toes and out of trouble. The more distracted they are, the less likely they are to take their boredom out on your belongings. So, to be clear – YES, leave the TV on for your dog.
Dogs dig in bed for many of the same reasons they dig outside; it's an instinctive behavior passed down from their ancestors that allows them to mark their scent, make their bed cooler and more comfortable, and deal with boredom and anxiety.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and certain forms of cancer. An Aussie's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly.
In fact, sleep takes up a good portion of an Australian Shepherd's life. In adulthood, they sleep about twelve hours a day! This is an energetic dog who needs to recharge as often as possible to stay in top form.
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 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. Good luck!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. It's important to properly socialize your Aussie as a puppy and to keep introducing him to others outside his immediate family.
The tough conditions of settler times also played a part in Australians' dry, self-deprecating and sarcastic sense of humour. While in many countries it's considered poor taste to find humour in difficult circumstances, Australians tend to look at the lighter side.