Australian Shepherds and Kids: Are They a Good Fit?

Are Australian shepherds good with kids? This is a question that many people have, and the answer is not always straightforward. Australian shepherds are typically good with kids, but there are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about bringing an Aussie into your home with children.

In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the topic of Australian shepherds and children. We will discuss whether or not they make good pets for families, and offer some tips on how to ensure that your relationship with your Aussie is a positive one for both you and your children!

Are Australian Shepherds Good With Kids?

The short answer to this question is yes, Australian shepherds are typically good with kids(but not in every scenario). Aussies are known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs that make great companions for children of all ages. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you have kids and are thinking about getting an Aussie.

Consider your children’s habits and if you think they’d be okay with them around a dog. Australian Shepherds may instinctively try to herd your children as well. We will break down these topics in more detail in the following sections.

How Do Australian Shepherds Act Around Kids?

Generally speaking, Australian shepherds are great around kids. They are known for being very loving and loyal dogs, and will often form strong bonds with children in the family. However, it is important to keep in mind that every dog is an individual, and some Aussies may be more reserved or shy around kids than others.

Your Aussie may look for attention, pets, or even playtime near the kids or children. Because kids and children, in general, are typically pretty high energy, they get along great, and wear each other out! You can teach your children to train your Australian Shepherd to learn a new trick such as sit and stay.

How Difficult Is It To Train My Aussie & My Kids To Get Along?

This is not too difficult of a task, but it does take a lot of time and commitment. Keep a close eye on all interactions between children and your Australian Shepherd. Be sure to reinforce good behaviors and to stop bad behaviors (from both children and your Aussie).

Tips For Ensuring A Positive Relationship Between Your Aussie And Children

If you are thinking about getting an Australian shepherd, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your relationship with your kids is a positive one. First, make sure to socialize your Aussie from a young age. Second, keep an eye out for herding behavior and be prepared to redirect it. Finally, be prepared for lots of energy and exercise! If you are willing to put in the work, you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving friend for life.

Socialize Your Aussie From Day One

First, it is important to socialize with your Aussie from a young age. This means exposing them to different people, places, and situations so that they are comfortable with a variety of experiences. If you do not socialize with your Aussie, they may be more hesitant around kids and strangers, which can lead to problems down the road.

Keep An Eye Out For Herding

Second, Australian shepherds are herding dogs, which means they have a strong instinct to herd. This can manifest itself in nipping at kids’ heels or barking at them when they are running around. While this behavior is not necessarily harmful, it can be annoying and frustrating for kids (and parents!) if it is not kept in check.

Be Prepared For Lots Of Energy

Finally, Australian shepherds are very high-energy dogs. They need a lot of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you have kids, this means that you will need to be prepared for lots of walks, runs, and playtime. However, if you are willing to put in the work, you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving friend for life!

How to Ensure Children & Aussies Are A Good Fit

Establish Ground Rules & Good Habits

When kids and dogs are first introduced, it’s important to set some ground rules and good habits early on. This will help your kids understand how to interact with the dog, and also teach the dog what is expected of them.

Some basic ground rules could include:

• No pulling on tails or ears
• No climbing on the dog
• No hitting or kicking
• Always ask before petting

Of course, these rules will need to be tailored to your individual child and dog. it’s important that kids understand that they need to be gentle with the dog and that the dog is not a toy. They should also know never to approach a strange dog without an adult present.

Be Consistent

It’s important to be consistent with your kids when it comes to the dog. If you allow them to do something one day, but not the next, they will get confused and frustrated. The same goes for the dog! If you are consistent in your expectations, both your kids and the dog will be much happier.

Supervise, Supervise, Supervise!

Whenever kids and dogs are together, it’s important to supervise closely. This will help prevent accidents and injuries, and also give you a chance to intervene if things start to get too rough. Remember, kids are kids and they don’t always know their own strength!

Consider A Muzzle for Peace of Mind

If you’ve done all of the above options and you’re still worried about something happening, you could consider getting a muzzle and having your Australian shepherd wear it during initial interactions with children.

Should I Get An Aussie If I Have Kids or Children?

Adding an Australian Shepherd to a family can be a wonderful idea. However, it will take some work, dedication, and consistency to make it work well. If you believe you can establish some ground rules, be consistent, and supervise, you should be fine. Always consider your children’s unique attitudes, temperament, and general actions towards dogs & make sure it’s a good fit for a furry friend in the first place. Conversely, always consider the desired Aussie’s unique attitude, temperament, and general lifestyle and how it will play into your family dynamic.

Conclusion

With a little patience, love, and consistency, you can have a happy and healthy relationship between your kids and an Australian shepherd. Just be sure to supervise closely and set some ground rules early on.

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