Adopting Australian Shepherds as pets can be a wonderful experience. Aussies are very protective and active dogs. This makes them great pets. However, just like adopting any kind of pet, there are certain things to consider in determining whether an Aussie is perfect for you. If you are considering adopting an Aussie, the following are some of the things you should consider.
Australian Shepherds are very energetic and active dogs. In order to stay physically, mentally and emotionally fit, an Aussie requires a certain amount of exercise daily. They usually love long walks and other forms of common exercises like jogging or running with their owners, chasing a ball, or catching a Frisbee. When given insufficient exercise, Australian Shepherds become fidgety and look for their own ways to use up their natural energy. This could cause a lot of problems to both the dog and the owner. If you are planning to adopt an Aussie, think first whether you can provide the necessary exercise this breed requires. If you are not an active kind of person, you may want to consider getting another breed of dog.
Aussies are also highly intelligent. They have a strong herding instinct and like to think of themselves as the boss. Some Aussies will assert themselves by gently nipping or growling at the heels of you and your family members. They mean no harm and will not actually bite but this behavior is very annoying and must be dealt with right away. Confidently put your Aussie in his place and he'll be well adjusted and happy going forward. Consider adopting from an Australian Shepherd Rescue Organization. The staff in these organizations will have taken the time to work with their dogs in their care and help them overcome unwanted behaviors like this.
Since Aussies are very protective dogs, they can also be very suspicious of other people who are not part of the family unit. While this instinct is great for your protection, it's not great when invited guests arrive. Socializing your Aussie to help him know how to determine friend or foe is important if you want to avoid an uncomfortable situation. Have some guest soon after you get your Aussie and let them know beforehand what you are doing. Let your Aussie see how you react to friends. Australian Shepherds are very intuitive and quick to learn. Your Aussie will quickly figure out your signals.
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog. After all, if he could do it for himself he probably would. Australian Shepherds require regular grooming, specifically brushing, since they have long and varied coats. Although their coats are weather-resistant, regular grooming is still required since they shed fully twice a year. Due to the Australian Shepherd's grooming needs, people who are too busy to groom their dogs may not be an ideal owner for an Aussie.
Now that I have mentioned all these cautions to consider before adopting an Aussie, let me tell you that these are absolutely wonderful pets for the right owner. They are loving and affectionate, great companions for children, intelligent, loyal, and protective. Isn't that just about everything you would want in a family pet? Please consider adopting an Australian Shepherd as your next family pet.
JOHN ROBBINS is a dog lover and Australian Shepherd enthusiast. For more info on adopting Australian Shepherds including tips on care, grooming and breeder selection visit http://www.aussiedogsecrets.com/australian-shepherds-adoption.