Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic and loyal working dogs, but they also require special care and training. If not properly raised, these dogs can develop behavioral problems or health risks. Here are some common misdeeds and the science behind them to help owners avoid harming their animals.
Don’t ignore their exercise needs
Why is exercise important for Australian livestock?Australian Shepherds were originally bred for herding sheep and require at least 1-2 hours of intense activity per day . If chronically inactive, they release their energy by destroying furniture, barking excessively and even burrowing. Studies have shown that Australian grazers who do not expend energy are more prone to anxiety and aggressive behaviour.
Actions to avoid
Keep the animal in a small space: Keep it carefully in the apartment and ensure time for outdoor activities every day.
Walking alone for exercise : Australian grazers need to run, catch frisbee or participate in dynamic activities such as agility training.
Ignore brain exercises: such as sniffing games or training tasks, otherwise they will “create their own work” out of boredom (such as tearing down homes).
Avoid neglecting socialization training
The consequences of inadequate socialization
Australian cattle are naturally alert and protective, and if they are not exposed to a diverse environment during puppy life (3-14 weeks), they may become overly sensitive to strangers, other animals, or noise, and may even develop aggression.
Wrong way
Early isolation of puppies: If the puppies are not exposed to sounds outside the home environment (such as traffic) and people.
Neglect of interactions with other dogs: May lead to hostility toward other dogs in adulthood.
Failure to guide guard instincts : Australian shepherds may misperceive visitors as threats and need to clear the line between “safety” and “danger” through positive reinforcement training.
Don’t use punitive training methods
Positive reinforcement vs. punishment
The animal is ranked 42nd in IQ and is extremely sensitive to the emotions of its owner. Physical punishment or yelling can break trust and lead to fear or rebellious behavior.
Typical errors
Beating and scolding for protecting food: Trust should be gradually built through “exchange games” (exchanging snacks for food).
Repeated invalid instructions: If you repeatedly shout “sit” without reward, the dog will confuse the meaning of the instruction.
Neglect consistency: Family members need to agree on instructions (such as “No” or “stop”) to avoid confusion.
Avoid improper diet management
Australian cattle are prone to hip dysplasia and eye diseases, and special attention should be paid to balanced nutrition.
High-risk behavior
Excessive feeding of animal liver: Liver is rich in vitamin A, and excess can lead to poisoning (such as bone deformities).
Ignoring the calcium-phosphorus ratio: The phosphorus content in meat is high, and calcium (such as bone meal) needs to be added to prevent bone weakness.
Feeding human snacks: chocolate, grapes, Onions, etc. are toxic to dogs.
Don’t leave them alone for long periods
Aussie breeds are highly dependent on their owners, and being alone for more than 4 hours can trigger anxiety, manifested in:
- Excessive licking of the soles of the feet (causing dermatitis).
- Damage door frames or furniture.
- Persistent whining or barking.
Solution
Gradually adapt to separation: Start by leaving for short periods of time and distract yourself with educational toys.
Avoid dramatic goodbyes : Leaving quietly reduces anxiety triggers.
Don’t neglect health management
Common genetic diseases
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Particularly affecting meteoric coloration (Merle).
Hip dysplasia: Can be prevented by OFA or PennHIP testing.
Epilepsy: Most commonly 2-5 years old, need regular neurological examination.
Nursing advice
Regular eye examination: especially for individuals carrying the Merle gene.
Avoid excessive jumping: When the skeleton is not closed as a puppy, jumping may aggravate joint burden.
Don’t limit their mental stimulation
Australian pastors need “tasks” to achieve a sense of accomplishment, such as:
Sheep training: Even if there are no sheep, can be simulated with toys.
Agile Racing: Use obstacle courses to consume physical and mental energy.
Sniffing Game: Hiding snacks encourages searching.
Error Case
Repetitive monotonous activities: If you only play fetch every day, it is easy to lose interest in the dog.
Ignore training diversification: Alternate between obedience, skill and exploratory tasks.
Don’t ignore their protective instincts
Australian cattle may be overly defensive towards strangers or animals, which should be corrected by:
Desensitization training: Gradually exposure to triggers (such as doorbells), with rewards.
Explicit instructions: such as “quiet” or “go to the nest” instead of meaningless barking.
Don’t get their hair care wrong
Australian cattle have a double coat that needs to be combed regularly to prevent knots and skin diseases:
Frequency of bathing: once a month, excessive cleaning will destroy skin oils.
Seasonal hair removal: Spring and autumn need daily grooming, use a hair removal comb to clean the underpile.
Avoid shaving: Double-layer fur has a thermal insulation effect and shaving may cause sunburn or hair follicle damage.
Don’t choose an immoral breeder
Criteria for identifying regular breeders:
Health certificate: Includes DNA testing (such as the MDR1 gene), hip score, and ophthalmic report.
Socialization record: Puppies should be exposed to a variety of stimuli in the home environment.
Reject”Teacup Australian Shepherd“: Miniature American Shepherd is an independent breed, the so-called “teacup body” is mostly the product of inbreeding, prone to congenital diseases.
Conclusion
Keeping an Australian Shepherd requires an investment of time, patience and scientific knowledge. Avoiding these mistakes not only improves your dog’s quality of life, but also deepens the trust between you and your dog. Remember, a happy Australian shepherd is not just a family pet, but a “work” and respected companion.
Related Topics:
HOW MUCH TO FEED A MINI AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPY
WHAT FOOD IS BEST FOR AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS?
ARE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS EASY TO TRAIN?
