GETTING TO KNOW YOUR AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Australian Shepherds are not for every person. Yes, they're beautiful dogs and eye catching when out in public. But did you research the breed to make sure you are right for the dog?
Aussies live an average of 12 to 15 years. Aussies are remarkably intelligent and quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner. In short, this isn’t the pet for everyone. But if you’re looking for a brainy, tireless, and trainable partner for work or sport, your search might end here
FOOD
The Australian Shepherd should do well on a high-quality dog food. We do not recommend a grain free dog food or various other popular dog food brands. Please do your research or reach out to us for suggestions.
Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Puppies should be on a puppy formula or a high protein dog food.
Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Some popular human foods are not safe for dogs to eat
Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
GROOMING
Weekly brushing sessions will keep the Australian Shepherd’s waterproof, double-layer coat looking its best. During shedding season, though, more work will be required. During this period an undercoat rake can be used every two or three days to remove the abundant dead hair, followed by a cleanup with the wire brush.
Aussies often work and/or play outdoors, so it’s not unusual for them to come in dirtier than they left. But unless they’ve gotten into a particularly messy situation, they require a bath only occasionally. As with all breeds, the Aussie‘s nails should be trimmed regularly.
EXERCISE
A high-energy, athletic dog, the Aussie needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis. At minimum, he should have a large, fenced-in yard to run around in for at least an hour or two daily. Aussies bond closely with their owners and love to accompany them on long walks—or, better yet, hikes.
Once an Aussie leaves puppyhood behind, and his skeletal system is fully formed, he can make a great running companion. The best course, however, is to give the Aussie a job.
There are different drive levels of Aussies. Low, medium, and high drive. Each dog will be made sure that it is going to an appropriate fit for the dog's needs prior to excepting the nonrefundable deposit. The last thing we want is a high drive dog going to a home that wants a cuddle buddy and not a hiking buddy.
Our dogs needs come first.
TRAINING
Early socialization and obedience training are both musts for the Australian Shepherd. One of the most frequent reasons Aussies end up in rescue situations is owners couldn’t (or wouldn’t) constructively channel the breed’s boundless energy through training. Aussies bond strongly to their families and so can be territorial and overprotective of their owners’ property, and they can become destructive if left without companionship for long periods too often.
Fortunately, that loyalty combined with the breed’s keen intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train.