Choosing an Aussie...
Personality
The Australian Shepherd is a super high-energy, extremely intelligent dog. On the face of it, that sounds perfect-and in the right place, the Aussie is as perfect as a dog can be. In the wrong environment, and Aussie is a nightmare.
The Aussie's temperament is a direct result of his heritage. A working dog needs to follow direction, but also need to think and act independently when necessary. He needs to be able to work long hours. He needs to be able to solve problems. The great intelligence of these dogs, which is necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be a problem when left ignored and unused. The Aussie needs something to do with his mind as well as his body.
Many Aussies still work in traditional roles as stock dogs. Others are successful assistance and search and rescue dogs. For the pet Aussie, "jobs" can include obedience, agility, or tracking just for fun or for competition, learning tricks to entertain you and your friends, retrieving the morning paper or your slippers, performing therapy work-anything that requires mental focus and activity. If his owner fails to provide interesting activities, the Aussie will find his own entertainment, and his owner may not like it!
Working and show Australian Shepherds share many traits because they descend from the same foundation ancestors, but there are differences. The breed standard states that the Australian Shepherd is first and foremost a working dog with strong herding and guiding instincts. The intensity of those traits does vary throughout the breed, however. Aussies that are bred primarily to work stock usually have very high drive and stamina and are too intense for most pet owners. Potential Aussie owners should be open about their experience, expectations, and lifestyles. Responsible breeders will tell you if they think their own dogs are not suited to your needs.
Aussie puppies, like all puppies, are playful and can be destructive, especially when they are teething. But once puppyhood has past the Aussie is usually a responsible dog, although most remain playful throughout their lives. With people they know and like, Aussies are extremely affectionate. Although well-bred Aussies are not by nature aggressive, they are naturally devoted to their families and protective of their homes and all who live there. The breed standard specifies that the Aussie should be reserved, which means he will take some time to size up new people before letting them "get familiar." In reality, there is a wide continuum of behaviors among Aussies, ranging from "never met a stranger" friendliness to extreme shyness or aggressiveness. Neither extreme is desirable, but the former "fault" is more livable in a pet.
When threatened, most Aussies will defend their territory and their pack-meaning your home and family. If you train and socialize you dog properly, he will be a reliable companion and defender. If you fail to train and socialize him and to assert yourself as his leader, he could become a liability.
Aussies can be wonderful companions for children, but the must be taught from the beginning that the children are their social superiors. Aussies that are raised with cats are usually fine with them, but some Aussies are cat aggressive. Like most herding dogs, Aussies to have a high prey drive and may chase animals, children, bicycles, and cars if not controlled. They need to have a fenced yard and be on a leash when out of their home and yard.
Like all smart, active dogs, Aussies need to learn to respect their owners and obey commands. This is not to say that an Aussie should be bullied; on the contrary, most Aussies want to please their owners and are devastated by emotional abuse. Obedience training using positive methods will build confidence in a "soft" or sensitive dog and ensure that a more confident or pushy dog knows who is really in charge. The most loving think you can do for your Aussie is to train him to he understands what you expect from him.
Australian Shepherds are sensitive, social animals. Perhaps the most endearing thing about Aussies to the people who love them is their devotion. An Aussie will follow his person to the ends of the earth-or the front door, the bathroom, the kitchen, the garage-everywhere he can! Sentencing an Aussie to a lonely life in the backyard is not only cruel, but will usually result in a variety of behavior problems, including barking, digging, jumping, and sometimes aggression. The best companions are the Aussies that live as part of the family.
Aussie puppies need extensive socialization through safe exposure to many different people, animals, and situations. Without this vital social education, the Aussies natural guarding instincts can become overpowering for the dog, and he may respond with fearfulness or aggression, or a combination of the two. Aussies typically live 10 to 15 years, and they deserve to have the training and care needed to make those years happy ones for everyone involved.
Is the Australian Shepherd the Dog for You?
Before acquiring an Australian Shepherd, think carefully about what it means to live with a highly intelligent, high-energy companion. Commitment to a dog means commitment to the whole dog, and it's important not to let a breed's virtues blind you to its challenges. For the right person, an Aussie is a delight. Who is the right person? The right Aussie owner is one who is committed to channeling the Aussies tremendous energy and intelligence through exercise and training; one who is prepared to give the Aussie lots of attention and affection that he craves and will return ten-fold; and one who doesn't mind being followed by a dog from one room to room and beyond, if allowed. Before you decide that the Australian Shepherd is the right dog for you, please be sure you are the right person for an Aussie.
From "The Guide to Owning an Australian
Shepherd,"
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