Training an Australian Shepherd Dog

The Australian Shepherds can provide good companionship. You should lead an active lifestyle to appreciate this kind of breed. These animals are full of zest and very athletic and therefore can be a handful if one is not properly armed with a good dose of knowledge on how to train the Australian Shepherd. Find out the basic information about this breed.

 

Quick Facts

The Australian Shepherd or Aussie as it is commonly called from the US was used to herding in ranches. Robustly built medium sized country dog, has triangular shaped ears that is slightly rounded at the tip. {Typical Aussie has a distinctive docked bobtail}. Aussie has a strong deep chest and stands squarely on all fours. Masculinity or femininity is discernible in Australian Shepherds.

Height: Dogs 20-23 inches (52-58cm.) Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53cm)

Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)

Personality

Aussies are intelligent animals, hardworking and has an innate herding and guarding instincts. They are easily trained and perform tasks with enthusiasm. You will not likely find them in one corner just sitting around for a long time. Aussies can be a good guard dog since they are attentive and aggressive. The animated quality of this animal makes them popular to kids. Though they are friendly and affectionate with their human family they are actually reserve and cautious around strangers. Constant activities will keep Aussies happy. Make sure to schedule plenty of walks, play and training to keep both their mind and body in tip top shape.

Training

The great qualities that make these animals so endearing can also be damaging if they are not properly trained since this could result to undesirable behavior like nipping, chewing and digging. Obedience training for Australian Shepherds is highly recommended since they are quick learners and this will make them realize what are expected of them early on. One way of developing their social skills is to expose them to a variety of people and other animals for them to learn how to discern between a friend and a foe. Very loyal and affectionate with their masters, they suffer from separation anxieties so it is not advisable to leave them alone for a long period of time. Poorly socialized Aussied could become aggressive without proper training.

{Aussies can live up tp 12 years and more}. Higly active Aussies results to big appetite so be sure to sypply a big amount of quality food to supplement their energy level. it is important for an owner to have time for this dog and be committed to nurture this special breed. With proper care and training of Australian Shepherds, a life with them will be enjoyable and rewarding.