5 Reasons To Not Get An Australian Shepherd

Are you looking for your first dog and think the Australian Shepherd is the breed for you? While intelligent and beautiful dogs, Australian Shepherds are not for everyone, especially if you don’t live an active lifestyle. Before you contact your local breeder or rescue group, carefully consider the commitment required to properly care for this breed. Here’s a list of reasons why you should think twice before inviting an Australian Shepherd into your home.

5 Reasons to Think Twice Before Getting an Australian Shepherd

It’s easy to fall in love with an Australian Shepherd’s good looks, but owning one is about more than their beautiful coat and bright eyes. Owning an Aussie is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. To ensure a good quality of life, every dog deserves an owner dedicated to providing proper care and training.

Potential Aussie owners should think about their lifestyle, schedule, and living situation. Australian Shepherds can thrive in a variety of homes, but only if their owners are equipped to meet their needs.

1. Australian Shepherds Prefer An Active Lifestyle

It’s no secret that Australian Shepherds are active dogs. Historically bred to be working dogs, they require a lot of physical exercise, and without it, they can become bored and destructive. While they can adapt to a variety of living situations, Aussie owners must provide them with adequate physical activity.

Without regular exercise, Aussies can become restless and unhappy. Without opportunities to release pent-up energy, your Aussie might become destructive around your home or develop unwanted behaviors.

If you’re an active person or family with a love for the outdoors, then an Australian Shepherd might be the right fit, but only if you incorporate them into your active routine. A short walk around the block won’t be enough for this breed!

2. Australian Shepherds Have Significant Grooming Needs

Australian Shepherds are known for their beautiful, fluffy coats, but potential owners should know that those good looks require a lot of upkeep. While their grooming needs don’t require daily attention from a professional groomer, you should expect to dedicate a lot of time to at-home brushing.

Aussies have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur that protect them from the elements. This luxurious coat means that regular brushing is a must, especially during shedding season. Be prepared to invest in the right brushes and tools to keep your Aussie’s coat clean and healthy.

If you don’t mind the sight (and feel) of dog hair on your clothes and furniture, then this might not be a problem, but if you’re particularly affected by loose dog hair, you might want to consider a different breed.

3. Australian Shepherd Herding Instincts Can Challenge You

Those considering welcoming an Aussie into their home must remember their temperament. Australian Shepherds have herding instincts in their DNA. That’s why they excel as working dogs and are a popular breed amongst ranchers and farmers.

While these instincts make them exceptional working partners, they can also be a challenge for some owners. While not always aggressive, herding instincts might manifest as unwanted behaviors in your Aussie. For instance, Aussies might nip at your heels or bark excessively as they try to keep their family together as if they were herding sheep. Before you bring an Aussie home, consider whether you have the time, patience, and skills to appropriately manage this behavior.

4. Australian Shepherds Requires Extensive Training and Mental Stimulation

Are you familiar with the breed’s exercise requirements? This is particularly important for Australian Shepherds as they’re very intelligent dogs that also require extensive mental stimulation. Without it, they can get bored easily, which can lead to behavioral problems.

Are you prepared to provide adequate mental stimulation? Enrolling your Australian Shepherd in a dog training program, such as obedience or agility, can be a great way to challenge them mentally and physically. These programs can also help your Aussie socialize with other dogs and people, which is important for their development and well-being. In addition to structured programs, provide your Aussie with interactive toys and puzzles that will keep their minds engaged.

5. Australian Shepherds are Prone to Separation Anxiety Without Adequate Attention

As a breed, Australian Shepherds develop a strong bond with their owners. While many would consider this a positive trait, this can be a double-edged sword, especially for owners who work long hours or travel frequently and cannot dedicate the time needed to provide proper care.

Without enough attention and interaction, Aussies can develop separation anxiety. While there are ways to manage separation anxiety in dogs, this breed thrives on attention from their owners. Owners struggling with their dog’s separation anxiety should consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help their pet adjust.

If left unmanaged, your Aussie’s separation anxiety can lead to destructive behavior inside the home. Consider crate training your Aussie. This can be an effective way to manage anxiety when you’re not home and, when introduced properly, will help your Aussie associate the crate with a sense of security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of exercise is best for an Australian Shepherd?

Australian Shepherds require a high level of physical activity. While they make great ranch dogs, they’re adaptable to other living situations as long as owners fulfill their exercise needs. Agility training is a great way to provide your Aussie with both physical and mental stimulation.

How do Australian Shepherds behave with small children and other pets?

With early socialization and training, Australian Shepherds can form strong bonds with small children. By exposing them to other pets from a young age and enrolling them in daycare can also help your Aussie adapt to living with other furry friends. However, supervision and continued training are recommended.

Can Australian Shepherds adapt to apartment living?

While Australian Shepherds are very intelligent and adaptable, it’s not recommended to keep this breed in an apartment. Without an outlet for their energy, a bored Aussie can become destructive inside your home. If you live in an apartment, contact your local rescue group to find a breed that is better suited for apartment living.

How much time and commitment is needed to properly train and socialize an Australian Shepherd?

Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to training and socializing an Australian Shepherd. Enrolling in obedience classes, providing ample mental stimulation, and consistently reinforcing training will ensure a happy life for your Aussie. This breed requires a lot of commitment from their owners.

Conclusion

Owning an Australian Shepherd comes with specific challenges that require a dedicated and active lifestyle, grooming commitment, herding instincts understanding, extensive training, and attention to prevent separation anxiety. Before deciding to bring one into your home, consider these factors carefully to ensure you can provide the necessary care and environment for this breed. Understanding these reasons can help you make an informed choice that is best for both you and the dog. If you’re ready to commit to the needs of an Australian Shepherd, they can be incredibly rewarding companions.