Other considerations:
● Australian Shepherds need to be provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from destructive behaviour.
● Australian Shepherds are protective – they bark when they see something suspicious.
● These dogs are average shedders.
● They enjoy the company of their owners and like sticking close to their human pack, however can be aloof to strangers.
How can I take good care of my Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd Puppy?
Nutrition
Australian Shepherds feed on dry dog food. This kind of food is ideal because it keeps their teeth clean by helping to scrape off plaque.
The specific amount of dog food will depend on their age and size. For instance, adult Australian Shepherds that weigh between 15 – 27 kgs need 3 – 4 cups of dry dog food each day.
Grooming
Australian Shepherds have thick coats of medium length. As such, they need routine grooming to keep them healthy and comfortable.
They shed more during Spring, so during this time, they need more frequent brushing.
Recommended grooming tips:
- Trim their nails on a regular basis.
- Give your Australian Shepherd frequent exercise.
- Keep their ears clean to avoid infections.
- Brush their teeth weekly.
Exercise
Australian Shepherds are active dogs with strong herding instincts. As such, they need plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Take them for long walks, play fetch or teach them to play fly-ball. Alternatively, provide them with toys. Puzzle toys are good as they keep the Australian Shepherd engaged.
Training
When it comes to training, Australian Shepherds are a fantastic breed to train. They’re intelligent, so they pick up commands relatively fast. They also respond well to reward-based training techniques like clicker training.
One thing to keep in mind is to keep your Australian Shepherd on leash. Since they were bred for herding, these instincts are never far from the surface.
