The Australian Shepherd can be a wonderful addition to a family that can meet its high needs for activity, mental stimulation, and socialization. Below, we provide an overview of raising an Australian Shepherd at home.
Breeding Australian shepherd dog at home
The Australian Shepherd (Ossie) is an intelligent, active, and loyal breed, making it an excellent companion for active families. If you're considering raising an Australian Shepherd at home, here's an overview of the key aspects of caring for it:
Energy and Activity:
High Energy: Ossie's are naturally working dogs with a lot of energy. They need at least two hours of vigorous daily exercise, broken up into periods of brisk walking, running, hiking, or interactive play (such as fetch or agility).
Mental Stimulation: In addition to physical activity, Ossie's need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle games, obedience training, and learning new tricks are all excellent ways to challenge their intelligence.
Not a Couch Dog: If you're looking for a quiet dog that will sit by your side all day, the Osie isn't the best choice.
Temperament and Behavior:
Intelligence and Loyalty: They are highly intelligent dogs and loyal to their families. They want to please their owners, making them highly trainable. Sociability: Although they may be reserved with strangers at first, they are usually friendly.
Herdling Instinct: They have a strong herding instinct, which may cause them to try to herd children, other pets, or even cars. This instinct must be properly channeled through training.
Susceptibility to Separation Anxiety: Due to their extreme loyalty and need for attention, they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. It is best not to leave them alone all day.
Training and Socialization:
Early Training: Begin training and socialization at a very young age. Ossies respond well to positive reinforcement (rewards and praise).
Basic Commands: Teach them basic commands such as "sit," "come," and "don't move" from a young age.
Socialization: Expose your Ossian puppy to a variety of environments, people, other well-trained dogs, and different sounds to ensure they grow into a confident and well-balanced dog. Crate Training: Crate training can help train your Ousey to use the toilet and provide him with a safe space.
Health Care:
General Health: Ouseys are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are prone to some hereditary health problems such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, and some forms of cancer.
Health Tests: Responsible breeders should have their parents health tested to ensure they are free of common hereditary diseases.
Diet: Feed them high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. It is recommended to divide daily meals into two meals.
Grooming (Coat Care):
Double Coat: The Ousey has a medium-length double coat that requires regular grooming.
Shedding: The coat sheds year-round, with shedding being particularly heavy in spring and fall.
Grooming: Brush your Ousey's coat 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. During heavy shedding seasons, daily brushing may be necessary. Use a slicker brush and an undercoat comb. Bathing: Bathe your Ousei every few months or as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Trimming their fur is not recommended, as this can affect how the fur grows back.
Nail and Ear Care: Trim their nails regularly and clean their ears as needed.
