What are some examples of activities an Australian Shepherd needs?
I hear from some people that Australian Shepherds are not a good choice for a first time owner because they require a lot of physical and mental activity. I'm hoping someone can elaborate moreso on this. My family has a large yard and we're willing to put a lot of effort to exercise the dog we're about to get, but I'm not exactly sure what people mean by "a lot of activity." So could any Aussie Shepherd owners give some examples of what kind of activities they do with their dog every day?
We're also looking at Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dogs, but we're having trouble finding litters available soon. I know that we should wait for the right puppy, but we were hoping that we could use the more free time we have over the summer to take care of and train the dog more.
Thanks for the answers so far.
What about the German Shepherd? What I've read about its exercise requirements also are kinda vague, though I haven't seen any direct recommendations not to get one for a novice owner. I have a pretty clear idea of what a Golden Retriever needs, though.
I've had herding dogs for years –
They need:
At least an hour of good exercise daily — this isn't a slow walk around the block on a leash. This is free running, frisbee, fetch, agility, intense obedience training, jogging with the dog, herding, etc. Most people don't have a clue how active these dogs can be. A friend of mine has two Aussies, and they are always moving. Both were at least two years old before they would simply lie down on the floor and take a nap. Before that they were walking, playing, chewing on a toy, going from window to window to look outside, etc. and she's an experienced owner who gave them plenty of exercise. You can't just put one out in the yard and expect him to exercise– YOU need to be involved. It's especially challenging with dogs under 2 years of age– you can't do intense exercise before that age to guard against problems with the skeletal structure (no extended periods of jogging, no jumping, no hard play like frisbee, etc.) but at the same time, the dog needs tons of exercise. My dogs go out in the morning with me or my husband for about 30 minutes of exercise while it is cool. I'll go ride my horses and they come along, or we'll do some agility, farmwork with herding, etc. Later in the day or in the cool of the evening, they'll get more exercise. I try to make sure that at least once a week they get several hours of sustained exercise– a long ride/hike, a day at the lake where they can swim and run, etc. I've found that I can skip ONE day if I'm sick or if the weather is awful. More than one day of less exercise and the dogs start becoming restless. When they're properly exercised, they are wonderful housepets and are low-key and never cause any trouble.
Training is also important. These dogs need something to do!
If summer is the best time of year as far as your free time is concerned, first be sure you have the time to devote to a puppy when summer is over. A pup will need just as much, if not MORE time when it's a bit older than it will as a baby, and during those months of adolescence, it will need constant supervision. Be sure that's a possiblity before you commit to a dog.
They are a very good breed for agility competition, or for fly ball. Or for frisbee competition.
They definitely need lots of exercise!
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I've had herding dogs for years –
They need:
At least an hour of good exercise daily — this isn't a slow walk around the block on a leash. This is free running, frisbee, fetch, agility, intense obedience training, jogging with the dog, herding, etc. Most people don't have a clue how active these dogs can be. A friend of mine has two Aussies, and they are always moving. Both were at least two years old before they would simply lie down on the floor and take a nap. Before that they were walking, playing, chewing on a toy, going from window to window to look outside, etc. and she's an experienced owner who gave them plenty of exercise. You can't just put one out in the yard and expect him to exercise– YOU need to be involved. It's especially challenging with dogs under 2 years of age– you can't do intense exercise before that age to guard against problems with the skeletal structure (no extended periods of jogging, no jumping, no hard play like frisbee, etc.) but at the same time, the dog needs tons of exercise. My dogs go out in the morning with me or my husband for about 30 minutes of exercise while it is cool. I'll go ride my horses and they come along, or we'll do some agility, farmwork with herding, etc. Later in the day or in the cool of the evening, they'll get more exercise. I try to make sure that at least once a week they get several hours of sustained exercise– a long ride/hike, a day at the lake where they can swim and run, etc. I've found that I can skip ONE day if I'm sick or if the weather is awful. More than one day of less exercise and the dogs start becoming restless. When they're properly exercised, they are wonderful housepets and are low-key and never cause any trouble.
Training is also important. These dogs need something to do!
If summer is the best time of year as far as your free time is concerned, first be sure you have the time to devote to a puppy when summer is over. A pup will need just as much, if not MORE time when it's a bit older than it will as a baby, and during those months of adolescence, it will need constant supervision. Be sure that's a possiblity before you commit to a dog.
References :
Australian Shepherds have lots of energy, if not handled properly they might become destructive. Mine play ball & frisbee a lot with the family. My children also show a few of my dogs in obedience. We also ride horses, my aussies like to go along.If your yard is fenced in it would be ok, or taking him/her on a walk 3 to 4 times a day. They are great with children and housebreak easy. Just remember Aussies need a job to do.
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Professional breeder of standard & miniature australian shepherds, 10 years experience with aussies
Australian Shepherds are herding dogs, they have massive stores of energy. For a base, a good 1/2 walk morning and night is needed everyday. Lots of fetching a retrieving games. These dogs are also very smart. If you do not get it right from day one they will not see you as the boss. They are not a dog you can mess around with. Their herding instinct will come out on members of your family, and they might get nipped on the bum regularly. Also, if they are not properly socialized from a young age, they will attack other dog. If these dog hang around with other dogs, make sure you don't let them form a pack. If there are three or more dogs of this type (either collie or shepherd…some terriers) they will start a 'gang' within minutes and revert to pack mentality – not a good thing at the local park!
But if you know how to train an animal, they are loyal, intellegent, wonderful dogs. They will always belong to one person and 'tolerate' the other members of the family. Not good for little kids.
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Yes they require alot of exersize and attention and grooming. If you dont keep them busy they will find something to do and you wont like it. If your family has the time to devote they are very very smart and easy to train and are fabulous with kids. If you choose this breed and you dont want to go into competition you can still keep them active play ball, frisbee or just running and playing at the park. The one thing you have to watch when your dog is playing with kids is they will try to herd them and aussies herd by nipping at the heels. I had to train ours not to nip at the kids heels but as I said they are very trainable and eager to please. I would own another aussie in a heartbeat. Good luck.
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