I wish I knew these BEFORE getting an Australian Shepherd
Thinking about getting an Australian Shepherd? They're not what you think. Here's 11 things that I wish I knew before getting an Australian Shepherd. From their weird quirks, to their personality changes or unique necessities, you'll want to watch this video BEFORE you bring an Aussie home with you.
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More on Australian Shepherd:
◘ Are Australian Shepherds Smart?: thesmartcanine.com/dog-breeds...
◘ Are Aussies Good Dogs?: thesmartcanine.com/are-austra...
◘ 27 Amazing Aussie Mixes: thesmartcanine.com/dog-breeds...
◘ Do Aussies Get Along with Cats?: thesmartcanine.com/dog-breeds...
◘ The Guide to Aussie Shedding: thesmartcanine.com/dog-breeds...
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Did I miss anything on the Australian Shepherd? Owners - let me know in the comments section below!
00:00 Intro
00:28 #1 Quirks
01:27 #2 Wiggle Butts
02:13 #3 Exercise
03:23 #4 Aussie Jobs
04:25 #5 Too Smart
05:30 #6 Raptor Stage
06:32 #7 Velcro Dogs
07:14 #8 Nipping
08:03 #9 Anxiety
08:52 #10 Health Issues
09:38 #11 Shedding
10:19 Worth it?
Is your Australian Shepherd like this too? Let me know below! 👇
I have a working line aussie and has none of those quirks except the independent thinking.
I’ve lost 10 pounds in 2 months with my new Ausshole!!! She keeps me off the couch and makes me happy about 80% of the time. The other 20% I’m grumpy and trying to get my wife’s shoes out of her mouth which is impossible! She’s amazing tho and she’s just doing what she was bred to do. I’m so glad my wife got her! Coming home after work with her greeting me at the door with her butt wagging and body curls, absolutely makes my day!
When I first got my Aussie my pants were tight at the waist. The same thing happened to me - 2-3 months later my pants fit and i had gotten into better shape. If your Aussie is taking shoes try asking for it (before) she grabs it. If (BIG IF) she gives it to you say "Good shoe". I send my dog downstairs to get my shoes in the morning. She loves the idea of helping out and giving me the shoe "EASY". The Aussie is the best dog I have ever had. Best of luck with your pup Wiggle butts RULE!!!🐶
@@misterjokertoker5797 Reverse psychology🤣😂 Great idea and thank you!
@@misterjokertoker5797this is genius 😂
I never get tired of my mini aussie greeting me when I get home, he curls up into a complete u shape and furiously wiggling his butt while making strange whines/moans and playing a bit of "catch me if you can," I love it. If I don't pat his butt or ignore him while doing this he might even let out a bark as if saying "don't ignore me!" The poor boy does have issues with hip dysplasia and he had FHO surgery on one side a couple of years ago. I still take him on plenty of walks and the occasional swim, but for his health he can't play frisbee, and he loves frisbee and is good at it but the jumping might be too much for his joints now at 6 years old, so I opt for rolling a tennis ball across the yard for him to fetch. Other than that he is a massive velcro dog, very anxious, and gets easily spooked, especially with things like fireworks. He refuses to go outside to potty if he even smells fireworks in the air or hears them even if they're relatively distant. He's also a massive drama queen and every time I take him out the front door while leashed, he will start screaming like he's being killed or something as I'm trying to lock the door. Very weird dog but I'll definitely get another once mine is at old age to accompany him in his final years.
I’ve been raising australian shepherds for 20 years now with 3 generations of these dogs now (and still going). This is a really good review of the breed for first timers and I’ll recommend this video to anyone who wants to own an Aussie without much prior knowledge. Here’s some points that were covered but I want to reiterate. The main thing to know about Aussies is they need to keep their brains busy, not just their legs. They're super smart and love doing things like dog sports or learning new tricks. This keeps them happy and out of trouble. Aussies are also pretty chatty. They bark a lot, whether to let you know someone's at the door or just because they hear something weird. They're also not the type to run up and make friends with everyone they meet. They're a bit cautious around new people and prefer not to have strangers getting too close. They like sticking close to their family, which is cool unless you want some alone time - like when you're going to the bathroom. Now, there's something sad to think about. Aussies aren't living as long as they used to, with their average life now around 9 years. This is because of some serious health issues, like epilepsy and cancer, popping up. If you're thinking of getting one from a breeder, it's super important to pick one who really cares about the health of their dogs. This won't make your dog immune to health problems, but it helps give them the best shot at a healthy life.
It’s not the dog that’s the problem. It’s the dumb owner who has no idea what they’re doing. Try reading about them or any other breed you are interested in!
I have a 10mth old mini aussie who is in the raptor stage. My saving grace is having a border collie and 2 border collie mix. They give her a lot of exercise. I find the borders more serious about tasks than the aussie. What is the reward if I do what you want. They are so smart and learn quickly (if they want to). Loved the video. Totally agree with everything. Yes, she is worth it.
I started with Aussies in 1981 and raised a few litters in the 2000's. The one I have now is only 4 1/2 months and is crazy smart, smarter than most people I know.
my aussie has started guiding me around, via leash, and for me as a visually impaired handler its perfect.
Pretty much right down the line. I used to run maybe 4 times a week, now it is 7 days a week, rain or shine or snow or whatever, usually down to about -5 or -10° F depending on the wind. Frisbees are almost natural, the flying leaps and aerobatics are just natural. I can't go the the bathroom alone, he's got to come too usually with his but toward me so I can scratch that. While on our daily runs, he will get to certain places and turn around to look at me to see which way to go, and it is amazing how well he can read what I want with minimal movement from my part, just a glance and he knows which way to go. I didn't know about the raptor stage, but now that mine is about that 3 year mark, I have seen a bit of mellowing in his personality, not a lot, but a bit.
Too many people choose a dog breed based on looks rather than temperament of the breed. Sadly, the mismatched canine pays the price in the end.
Too true! My stepfather adopted an Aussie despite traveling weekly for work and being near retirement. After seeing how inattentive he was to her needs, she became my baby. I was astounded at the amount of mats she had in her hair-who knows how much pain she was in and for how long! :( Now, I take her on multiple daily walks, regular hikes, stimulate her mentally, and brush/rake her daily. She couldn’t be happier, and neither could I!
So true. Great, loveable dogs with abundant energy. Very needy, but in my situation, my Aussie is so sweet. It's like having a playful child who loves being under adult supervision. I agree, not an ideal pet for someone who wants a mellow dog to lie around the house, but we manage. She is always up for a chase whether its a squirrel, deer, bird, bicycle, jogger, another dog, loud truck or motorcycle. Keeps me on my toes. She can jump and leap while patrolling the river endlessly. The water here is usually up to her underbelly. Never underestimate an Aussie's ability to bluff its owner. Just when you think they are going to be calm and obedient, she lunges at the first thing that moves at the very last moment. Our tricolor, with heterochromia is a beautiful, "bossy," Aussie!
I had to put my pure bred blue merle, Max, to sleep about 7 months ago. I'm still gutted, but pretty much ready for a new furry friend, and he/she would be my third Aussie. As for everything said here about them, my two were a bit lower drive than average, and lower drive = better pets, or at least easier pets. I got real lucky with both of them, no raptor stage with either, both non-destructive. For the most part. Of course, we went on bike rides every day in those days too. Love these guys!
I am getting my Aussie in 2 months!!! It’s my first dog!!! I’m excited but nervous
EEE! I’m so excited for you!!
I freaking love Aussies! They're the best breed imo ❤ so smart, funny wiggle butty!!! My favorite activities with our red merle are sniffing games/training and going on bicycle rides. He will get soooo excited once I reach for my bike keys. When he gets excited he start sneezing like crazy. 😂❤
the fact my entire life ive been connected to herding dogs more than ANY dog ive ever seen due to them being active (adhd in myself) mental stimulation (im generally a smart person) velcro tatics (im stuck to my friends like glue) anxiety (i have anxiety) and having weird quirks just draws me into aussies even more i enjoy long haired dogs due to their floof because i enjoy routine i enjoy running i enjoy training my poodle (whos my moms) and if i am very velociraptor like i tear stuff up when im bored i have learned a TON of info about aussies in the past year and mostly the first 4 months! im going to ask my parents for a ausshole this summer im so nervous! but if it goes out well i will have a best friend for life i just gotta be confident and strong about it!
This applies to Aussie Cattle Dogs too except it is always shedding season.
I have a toy and she gave me a black eye flopping around on my chest while I was asleep.. after I got home unscathed from a death metal mosh pit. Too cute to be mad at her.
I love Australian Shepherds. I grew up with an older one and he showed so much tolerance and patience. I'd get on a stool, sit on his back, and he'd just sit down to let me slide off. He did like to steal food lol. RIP Duke, I love ya
How old did it live to ahah
My cholesterol numbers improved AND I lost weight! It's hard to say no to an Aussie! 😂❤
I bought an electric scooter to run my aussie.. its been great, but has potential risk.At first she was beat and tired for the majority of the day after a 1-1.5 mile run. but her "gastank" quickly grew. She began to recover from her run quickly, and then her 1.5 mile run wouldn't tire her at all.. shed bring me the ball immediate when we got home. Shes now on 3-3.5 miles and that will keep her tired for a little while. In case you decide to do the same i have some advice. 1) i modified a bungee cord that attaches low on my scooter. If she pulls to get close to another dog or something that intrests her it doesn't pull me as well, so keep the attachment low, and definitely not up near the handlebars.. youll get yanked right over. Using a longer bungee is great, it keeps her close, but not too close and has some give if she pulls or stops quickly... dont have the strongest clip you can find.. i involved a heavy keying. Its sturdy enough but will open if an accident occurs. Its also attached to a very thin collar, with a thin plastic clasp.. hopefully one or the other will snap if i have a repeat of an accident with my last aussie and she goes on the far side of a street sign. When approaching anything that could be dangerous its on us to slow down and avoid risk. Also shoes.. her pads arnt ment for long runs on asphalt reguardless of temperature. The best ones ive found are at petsmart.. the many pairs on Amazon didn't last. The pestmart ones have tred that wears quickly but they have plenty of life left even after the tread wears completely. A heavy scooter may be more scooter than you need for a 15 mph run for a few miles, but im not sure one of the lighter scooters can take an animal pulling you to the side without maintaining its course regardless. My scooter was $2300, and does 50 mph, its more than needed but its heft has stood up to her pulling without being pulled off course even a little.
Thanks! I’ve only had my Aussie mix for a few months and I’m almost ready for a triathlon. He’s mixed with Sammy so he does have his somewhat more lazy moments.
We have 2 minu Australian Shepherds. One is a black tri and she'll be 2 April 30th... a year later (last summer) we got a 2nd mini from the same place and our 1st minis mom has the same dad as our newest mini who turns 1 on May 6th. He's a blue Merles. Our girl is so chill and just happy go lucky! So smart! Our 2nd is full of anxiety, whiny, a bit food aggressive, etc. Hes my dream color, but can be such a handful! Still trying to learn the best ways to help him with his behaviors.
Thank you! 6 months in and everything you said is there or developing. I wish there was a flock of sheep for him to 'attend'!
nailed it tho i would add that aussies are very playful too.. at least mine were lol
Have an Australian cattle dog with all the same issues...good thing our neighbors keep the cows penned up
I am a breeder of mini and toy aussies. This is a working herding breed regardless of size. Give it a job, or it will give you one. I would never adopt one of mine to anyone who called it an Ausshole. the Ausshole is anyone who gets a dog before doing careful research.
Best breed I love mine had 2 full size now 2 mini American Shepherds
I had a mix border Aussie and like others I actually in my 40s was getting a better running time then I did in high school cross country. She slowed a bit at 4.
We have a toy Aussie and a chihuahua ( both a little over-sized) both females. Feeding time the chi barks at me, the Aussie spins around and around.
You nailed the Aussie in this video! We're on our second Aussie (current one is now almost 4-years of age). Wiggle (we call it, wibble) butt must always be addressed. Exercise, games, and attention are what this breed needs. Discipline (not punishment...our dog has neve been punished) is also needed as these dogs need to know what is expected of them at all times. Job? Our pup loves to supervise lawn and garden work, as well as "inspecting the kingdom" each day. Mom is the #1 person for our Aussie (attached like Velcro). Magnificent dogs!!!
1:30 the wiggle butt is not heartwarming, it happens in aussies that got mutilated by having their tails cut off. Here in europe they do not do this because they get to keep their tails. Don't mutilate an animal just because you think it "looks better" it doesn't and its animal abuse.
How similar are they to standard poodles? Only met an elderly one and was a sweet heart.
This breed is positively tame compared to the Australian Kelpie and Cattle dog who are absolute terrors until they get past the terrible twos and even then still suffer from things king bedding spontaneously exploding in the presence.
Sounds exactly like my BC...ha ha
bro my dog ate my entire fucking bed 💀 and carpent and when i say “Entire” i mean it
Bummer! Mine eat all their own toys and there own beds... But 3 seems to be the magic age.
What happened to the tails of most of the Aussies in this video? Also, they can learn to be calmer as many people think. IMHO it's contra productive to keep them busy all the time, the will want more every day
I was wondering about the tails too, the breeders probably had their tails docked for whatever reason. I love their tails and it's so sad to see so many dogs without their tails for cosmetics. All working dog breeds should learn downtime, how to be bored and entertain themselves in a healthy way.
@@SnowieShiba really, here in Germany not
From what i understand, i's an American thing. My Aussie came with his tail docked as a puppy too.
@@TheSmartCanine how awful. They take the dogs an important mean of communication. It's forbidden in Germany
Are they not born like that now from breeding?
anybody here experience that their aussie excrete more dog smell than any other dogs?
Nope not at all! We have 2 mini Aussies ages 7 and 5 and they have NO ODOR. I’ve had dogs throughout my long life, but never a dog that didn’t smell like one!
I am currently in the Raptor stage and I think it’s absolutely adorable 😂
What a shame that their tails have been docked.
A lot of them are born that way
This was cute but my Aussies don’t do any of this. But idk they are fully trained.
If your does "none of this" then it's broken. Butt wiggles, needing to please, can't leave house without them to name a few is EVERY Aussie I've met ever in my life.
If you feel this way maybe you should not own a dog at all! Just get a stuffed animal instead. I adored my Aussie he was extremely smart. He helped me hurd my horses when they got out. Also made sure my children were safe . He was one of the best breeds I have ever had!
This whole video is the perfect example of an Aussie owner with absolutely NO UNDERSTANDING of the breed and COMPLETE INABILITY to properly train and work with the breed. It is the reason that when normal families come across an Aussie it turns into a disaster. Aussies are NOT golden retrievers. They can be, but rarely are good family dogs, unless that family runs a ranch or farm and knows how to handle them. On the flipside however, the Aussie can be one of the best companion dogs, herding/working dogs, search and rescue, agility, etc...pretty much anything you want from them, they will provide with boundless energy and dedication to pleasing that you will not find in any other breed. If you're interested in owning an Aussie, please take the time to find a reputable breeder/trainer and learn to understand the breed, before consigning them to the label of problem dogs.
Thanks for sharing these!
Our last Aussie Pebbles was a wonderful family dog. She lived 16 years. Good guard dog, and friendly to people and strangers. Our current Aussie Sasha (8 months old) loves people and other dogs. We have known and know a lot of people with Aussies and when their needs are met the results are the same as ours. Now that being said there is always someone home with the dogs. So they are not alone for an extended time. They always get a lot of exercise everyday regardless of the weather. From my experience the video is dead on.
Spot on! These dogs are very very intelligent and this can't be said for a lot of owners!
Worth the trouble.?……..all other dogs are lame compared to Aussies.
I have 2. Both boys from the same litter. I will never go with another breed again, I absolutely love my mini aussies Jack and Hunter.
Yup , I'm picking up my Golden Retriever australian german Shepherd Mix Our family is so excited