Australian Shepard breed

C

Crusher X

250+ Posts
We are getting a new puppy this weekend. It's a pure bred Australian Shepard. A 6 week old male. Everything I've read about the breed is that it is an excellent family dog, very intelligent, easily trained and good with kids.

Any thoughts on training techniqes, pros and cons of the breed? Things we need to watch out for?

TIA.
 
These dogs are great for dog people and not so great for regular people. They need a lot of attention and exercise. What was the most demanding dog you ever had? If the term demanding dog is not part of your vocab it will be.

You have a big yard? These dogs should not be kept outside when you are inside.

I love mine. Very smart and the older they get the sneakier they get. If you are lucky enough to get a stubborn one, you may really learn a lot about dogs and people.

Yes it can be all those positives that you listed. I just hope you are skilled at getting your pup from point A to point B. Some people are so dog clueless. I'm not saying that you are but the next 3 years will let you know in a hurry.
 
I love blue heelers. Blue heelers have a fun instinct to nip at your heels and ankles if you run from them. They are not trying to bite at all but it is a gentle nip that is their natural herding instinct. I don't know if Aussie Shepards have the same trait, but don't be alarmed if they do it.
 
I agree with everything that's been said about the breed. Had a pure when I was a kid- awesome dog but extremely demanding.

Had a Aussie-Bernese Mountain Dog mix for from 1997-2009 who was the most awesome dog ever. Man I miss that dog.
 
Six weeks is a bit early to take a puppy from its mother and littermates. See if you can arrange to wait until 8 weeks - 10 would even be better. Good luck.
 
So far, he's been a great little pup. Our son loves him, and the pup really seems to have bonded with him. I think we made a great choice.

Thanks for all the comments.


Here is Colt (named after my son's favorite Longhorn football player).

Colts1stdaywithus-Copy.jpg
 
We have a 9 year old Aussie. These are great dogs all around. They need a ton of attention and lots of exercise. Ours walks with mom five miles every morning. Needless to say he is in great shape, but that's what this breed needs. They like to be challenged both mentally and physically.

They are very playful dogs and attach themselves to one person in the family that they see as the leader. They get restless if left alone for long periods of time.

You definitely want to have a nice size yard (hope you don't live in an urban nightmare). No fencing required as they learn your property and what you expect from them (assuming you teach them properly).
 
Oh, and as they get older they will attempt to herd things running around your area. They also go after kids running through the house and sometimes they will nip at their heels but nothing over the top. Just let him know that it's not a good thing when he does this.
 
That's a fine looking pup. I love herding breeds. We are on our second Heeler and second Aussie. Maybe a bit more challenging than some other breeds but worth it. Here is Snidely and Zooey amusing themselves:
IMG_0245.jpg
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I see you are as good with your lush lawn as I am with mine. Also, I like the visual reminder of "NO" for the dogs in case they contemplate shenanigans.
 
Try a "Baaa" sign. It means no as well.

You should rename your dog, Clifford, given the heavy equipment! Thanks for the chuckle.
 
Oh, you were one of "those" kids. No is no. No explanation needed. Now, go to your room and if it is clean, you get dinner.
 
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