If you want to hear sound advice for caring for your Australian Shepherd,
here it is: give your dog a job to do. This is especially true for
exercise-oriented dogs like Australian Shepherds. This breed needs to feel
needed.
What sort of job should you give your dog? Well, ideally it will be something
that keeps your dog occupied for a good long stretch of time. You might
encourage your dog to move all her or his toys one by one from one part of the
house to another, for instance. How do you teach your Australian Shepherd to
recognize moving toys as her or his “job”? When you see your dog picking up one
toy and moving it, immediately tell your dog what a good dog s/he is for doing
so.
Another “job” this breed adapts to very happily is protector of your house!
Whatever “job” they’re assigned, Australian Shepherds are eager to please and
catch on pretty quickly.
Giving your Australian Shepherd a specific project to do will counteract
separation anxiety when you are at work. In addition, it will keep your pet
happier whether she or he is home alone or not.
Born Herders Need Time and Space
What you need to remember about this energetic and protective breed is that
they are born cattle herders. All dogs are naturally pack animals and prefer to
herd, but this breed is “programmed” to herd for miles and miles. Australian
Shepherds need two things more than most dogs do: room to run and busy-work.
That’s why Australian Shepherds are great for those who have ample time and
space.
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These breeds need to run—fast. If you take them for a walk in a public space
and let them run off-leash, these dogs are the fastest runners. If there are
small children around, you might want to keep them away from the dog at this
time, as Australian Shepherds weigh between 40 and sixty pounds. They are
powerful forces when they come barreling towards a little tot!
Many breeders recommend you introduce Australian Shepherds to children early
on. This socializes them and keeps them from becoming jealous when you are
around young children. Australian Shepherds also reacts particularly well to
puppy obedience class, although these lessons won’t keep them from chewing
newspapers, chasing cars, and doing all the normal things that rambunctious
puppies do!
This breed loves to bark, and this can become irritating. Some pet owners
find that spraying their pet with a very mild solution of vinegar and water
works to quiet them (and is harmless).
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Australian Shepherds are commonly referred to as “Aussies”. The breed was
developed in the 19th century in the United States. The name was applied because
of the dogs’ association with Basque sheep herders who came to this country by
way of Australia. With the boom of western-style riding after World War II,
these dogs become known as rodeo dogs. Australian Shepherds became instantly
recognizable as action dogs and appeared on movies and television.
Because they are so trainable and versatile, they were also widely used on
ranches and farms. They are extremely versatile and dependable. For this reason,
Australian Shepherds have been used as seeing-eye dogs and as rescue dogs.
Australian Shepherds are considered medium-sized dogs. Females weigh about 40
to 55 pounds and measure from 18 to 21 inches. Males weigh about 50 to 65 pounds
and measure from 20 to 23 inches.
Australian Shepherds come in four colors: black, blue “merle” (a marbling of
grey and black), red and red “merle” (a marbling of red and silver or buff).
Blue Merle Australian Shepherd puppies
are very popular and sought after by Aussie puppy buyers. A
variety of white and tan markings might be present on the face and chest and on
the front and rear legs. Tails are naturally bobbed or docked. The ears break
forward. The eyes are quite expressive - these dogs can appear to be smiling - and may be any shade, from hazel to glassy blue to amber to brown.
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Australian Shepherds are wonderful guardians and love being part of a family.
They enjoy the hustle and bustle of family activity and are quite loyal. (This
breed loves riding in your car or SUV, because they get to be with their
master!) They are easy to housebreak and diligent in carrying out their
responsibilities. If you can give them the attention they crave and allow them
to exercise regularly, Aussies can be a delightful and dedicated member of your
family!
Ready to add an Australian Shepherd puppy to your family?
Australian Shepherd Dog and Puppy Central offers a wealth of
resources for potential Aussie puppy buyers and seasoned Australian
Shepherd dog owners alike. Find
Australian Shepherd breeders,
Australian Shepherd puppies for sale, Australian Shepherd
rescues, Australian Shepherd books, Australian Shepherd gift items,
Australian Shepherd t-shirts and apparel, Australian Shepherd
jewelry, and even a great page of Australian Shepherd puppy names
suggestions.
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