Is an Aussie really for you?
Aussies are wonderful dogs and excellent companions, but they are not for everyone. Here are some things to consider when planning on getting an Aussie:
Beware of the Aussie Hair!
Yes, that beautiful coat comes with a price. Aussies abound in soft, fluffy hair, and that means they can shed - a lot! If you can't abide the fluffy stuff, then an Aussie might not be for you. An Aussie's coat thickness does vary between individuals. Also, because of how light the hair is it simply sticks to the surface of carpeting, clothes, etc (or floats in little bunnies across smooth floors), making it easy to remove. You can control much of the hair by brushing your Aussie weekly, as well as bathing and blowing out the coat with a force dryer about every 8 weeks, which your groomer can do for you if you like.
Yes, that beautiful coat comes with a price. Aussies abound in soft, fluffy hair, and that means they can shed - a lot! If you can't abide the fluffy stuff, then an Aussie might not be for you. An Aussie's coat thickness does vary between individuals. Also, because of how light the hair is it simply sticks to the surface of carpeting, clothes, etc (or floats in little bunnies across smooth floors), making it easy to remove. You can control much of the hair by brushing your Aussie weekly, as well as bathing and blowing out the coat with a force dryer about every 8 weeks, which your groomer can do for you if you like.
When is Smart TOO Smart?
Aussies are smart - this makes them very obedient and often a piece of cake to train. But when they are puppies, energy+brains = destruction. An Aussie's mind MUST be stimulated by toys and attention. Do not expect to leave your Aussie puppy home alone and loose in the house and your favorite pair of sneakers to go untouched. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND crating your puppy if you plan to leave him or her unattended. Otherwise, just like a human infant they MUST be monitored. This is for the puppy's safety as well as the safety of any household object you happen to be fond of. When you crate your puppy be sure to give him or her safe, age-appropriate toys in the crate as well. If you are not home enough to exercise your puppy and allow him or her plenty of quality time out of their crate, an Aussie may not be for you. In fact, a dog might not be either! We start each of our puppies on crate training before they go home with their families so that they are already well-adjusted and comfortable in their own space.
Aussies are also energetic, especially when they are puppies. Be sure to give them lots of exercise and be consistent in their training - otherwise they are smart enough to get what they want. Remember, YOU are the human, they are the canine. We are supposed to be smarter than they are. Most people dislike to go to another house and have their friend's/relative's dog almost knocking them down, nipping their hands, begging for food at the table, etc. If you are patient, consistent, and fair, your puppy will grow out of this and into a wonderful, well-behaved adult. If you think you do not have the patience to outsmart an Aussie and teach him or her manners, an Aussie (or a dog) may not be for you. Aussies have normal puppy problems; just some extra energy and brains added in.
Aussies are smart - this makes them very obedient and often a piece of cake to train. But when they are puppies, energy+brains = destruction. An Aussie's mind MUST be stimulated by toys and attention. Do not expect to leave your Aussie puppy home alone and loose in the house and your favorite pair of sneakers to go untouched. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND crating your puppy if you plan to leave him or her unattended. Otherwise, just like a human infant they MUST be monitored. This is for the puppy's safety as well as the safety of any household object you happen to be fond of. When you crate your puppy be sure to give him or her safe, age-appropriate toys in the crate as well. If you are not home enough to exercise your puppy and allow him or her plenty of quality time out of their crate, an Aussie may not be for you. In fact, a dog might not be either! We start each of our puppies on crate training before they go home with their families so that they are already well-adjusted and comfortable in their own space.
Aussies are also energetic, especially when they are puppies. Be sure to give them lots of exercise and be consistent in their training - otherwise they are smart enough to get what they want. Remember, YOU are the human, they are the canine. We are supposed to be smarter than they are. Most people dislike to go to another house and have their friend's/relative's dog almost knocking them down, nipping their hands, begging for food at the table, etc. If you are patient, consistent, and fair, your puppy will grow out of this and into a wonderful, well-behaved adult. If you think you do not have the patience to outsmart an Aussie and teach him or her manners, an Aussie (or a dog) may not be for you. Aussies have normal puppy problems; just some extra energy and brains added in.
A Confident Aussie is a Happy Aussie
Australian Shepherds are to be "reserved with strangers" per their breed standard. This does not mean shy, fearful, or aggressive. We like an Aussie that errs a little more on the outgoing side and we do try to breed for that type of temperament. We want Aussies that react positively to new people and situations. Nevertheless, socialize your Aussie! A scared dog may bite or become fear-aggressive. This can be prevented by carefully exposing your Aussie to as many people, places, situations, and other dogs as possible. Make sure these exposures are POSITIVE! Take it slow at first; teach children to be gentle with your puppy; let your puppy play with only known dog-friendly gentle canines. If your puppy has a bad experience with something, such as a rough child or an aggressive dog, your Aussie may not forget this and it can be incredibly hard to undo once a bad impression has been made. If you do not have the time or patience to bring your puppy to little league baseball games, or a dog park, or your family reunion, and the ability to protect and guide them as they develop, an Aussie (or a dog) may not be for you. A confident dog is a safe, happy dog! We socialize our puppies heavily before they go to their new homes to get them off to the best start possible!
Australian Shepherds are to be "reserved with strangers" per their breed standard. This does not mean shy, fearful, or aggressive. We like an Aussie that errs a little more on the outgoing side and we do try to breed for that type of temperament. We want Aussies that react positively to new people and situations. Nevertheless, socialize your Aussie! A scared dog may bite or become fear-aggressive. This can be prevented by carefully exposing your Aussie to as many people, places, situations, and other dogs as possible. Make sure these exposures are POSITIVE! Take it slow at first; teach children to be gentle with your puppy; let your puppy play with only known dog-friendly gentle canines. If your puppy has a bad experience with something, such as a rough child or an aggressive dog, your Aussie may not forget this and it can be incredibly hard to undo once a bad impression has been made. If you do not have the time or patience to bring your puppy to little league baseball games, or a dog park, or your family reunion, and the ability to protect and guide them as they develop, an Aussie (or a dog) may not be for you. A confident dog is a safe, happy dog! We socialize our puppies heavily before they go to their new homes to get them off to the best start possible!
Is an Aussie For You?
Think you can handle these Aussie issues? If you can, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, devoted, life-long companion who will do anything to please you!
