Australian Shepherd Training | The Square Peg Round Hole Problem
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ย. 2021
- Join Uncle Stonnie for a short Australian Shepherd Training session as he talks a common problem in the dog training business, trying to put square pegs into round holes. In other words trying to help dogs adapt to non optimal environments.
We hope you guys enjoy!
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#australianshepherd #stonnie #dogtraining
Unfortunately these days, many people find themselves suddenly with a square peg puppy. They adopt from a 'rescue' organization that tells the adopters the pup is a 'pekingese-bassett hound' cross. And turns out it's a 'husky-malinois-jack-russell-terrier they've got to raise and train -- in their city apartment.
Yep.
I have strong mixed feelings about dog rescues these days. As much as I empathize with the shelter workers and volunteers who care about the dogs and want to find them a good home, I'm wondering how helpful it is to send undersocialized, traumatized mixes of traditional working dogs into well-meaning but inexperienced dog owners
You realize all they can do is make the best guess they can, right? Do you think they spend money to send in DNA tests for all of then or something? If you can't tell what breeds they are, neither can underpaid rescue workers. It's not rocket science.
Let's not take the blame away from the people that adopt them. 9 times put of 10 the actual problem is a person doing zero research on having a dog PERIOD, and very little to do with their breed. Negligent owners should be manning up to their own failures. Dogs don't train themselves, no matter what their breed is.
These people should only have reptiles for pets
We got two square pegs who forced two old round holes to get off their keesters and get moving. That is our scenario. Basically, our field labs saved our lives.
Our labs are on the thin, small side. They are amazingly athletic and friendly. While calm in the home, they require plenty of exercise to be so.
In a fantasy world I'd own some amazing high energy dog, but I live in a small condo and leave the house at 7am and don't return till late. Poor dog would be bored all day, so I watch dog videos instead.
keesters ha ha ha
@@0xFF48 I think its great that you know that though. A lot of people only get as far as what they want, not what is best for the dog, or what would work best with their life. The fact that you know enough to wait until your situation is more appropriate for a high energy dog means that when the time is right, you'll be giving some dog a great home.
Love it!
This is absolutely true. I have a working line border collie in the suburbs. I take her on off leash adventure walks daily at a local farm. She walks a minimum of 4-6 miles. On top of that, she has training time at home and play time with balls and frisbees, etc. She’s now 10 months old, and next weekend, she’ll start going to herding lessons. And in December, I’ll start her on cani-cross and she’ll be my long distance trail running companion. A working line dog is not made for the suburbs, and it takes a lot of work. To many people in the suburbs see my well trained border collie and think they might want one too without realizing just how much time I have to put into it. And my hope is to move in the next year or two to a property with at least five acres because it’s just a better fit.
YES people don’t realize how much time and work has been put in!!
6 miles a day means 2 hrs a day. Just walking. I wake at 630 am. I am driving to work at 745. I work from 830 to 7pm. I come home by 730pm, eat, Tidy up and am in bed at 930. Thank goodness my wife is home to exercise our dog. I don't know how normal working folks expect to maintain a lifestyle with a dog.
Don't we all feel like a square peg sometimes? Most days working on my computer I just want to be in the woods.
A few of us have been square pegs all our lives.
Your explanation of "these dogs are easy to train" is very on point. Many trainers choose to work with Aussies or shepherd breeds because they enjoy working with them. These dogs are easy to train but also want/need to be trained. And that is a good combo for a trainer and not for a typical family where the dog receives little attention. Mine don't live on a farm but I train with them every day and currently we compete in agility competitions. As you said, choose the right breed for your needs and you will get a great companion. Good video!
Love the literal shaped "holes" in the board behind you at the end! ;) Definitely a great explanation. My Australian Shepherd has adjusted well to our 9-to-5 work week routine, with the inclusion of some multiple outings and activities each day. She turns "off" when it's time to rest and "on" when it's time to play. But I've seen some Aussies from working lines, and they would not be happy with our lifestyle.
Super important to pick a dog that fits your realistic everyday, not an idealized version of yourself or your life. I've always appreciated the times you've mentioned that in your videos. Makes for a happier dog and happier family both!
Great advise Stonnie, tell it as it is, people need to pick their dog to suit their lifestyle, that way everyone wins
I've heard a health expert recommend getting a dog that forces you to get out twice a day and go on a walk. So maybe the pretty aussie in this video not the working line, but you know not a basset hound.
Excellent video and explanation of the need to get the right match (dog and family). As the chair of a dog rescue, I've seen 100s of round peg/square hole situations. This is a disservice to everyone. Know what you're getting, before welcoming a new canine family member. Happy Thanksgiving!
Border Collies are my favorite dog… yes, even over black labs. These herding dogs are very intelligent and need both physical AND mental exercise. It’s very important to match your lifestyle with the requirements of a dog. 🐾. When there’s a mismatch…. That’s where trouble creeps in and the dog gets blamed.
Hey great vid! “ awesome dog in a sub-awesome environment.” Brilliant description of just about every dog I see…
Great advice! To many times people choose dogs on the looks and don't consider the type of dog and the energy they have for the environment they are going to live in!
I'm drawn to the excited face that high energy dogs have. They look happy, excited, and alert, low energy dogs look mopey or depressed. My favorite looking dogs are Jack Russel, Border Collie, Brittanies, Aussies, yeah, all tremendous pains in the butt. My biggest issue is winter time where I cut my morning and evening walk into one midday walk because of the cold.
Just good old common sense. Thanks Stoney, I’ve been watching since my 4yo collie was a pup. 🙏
This video helps a lot. We rescued a puppy in bad shape whose dominate breed is this & I had no idea.
Once his wounds were healed and he could move freely the wholesome joy of life exploded across our yard. It is awesome how he just loves everything but it's also exhausting.
Like I told my neighbor, what do you do when the rescue puppy doesn't grow into the dog you exspected? Can't "return" them for being too big. This one I have is getting close to the size of horse after his last spurt(obviously breed mix we were told was wrong). He stays in our fence now solely because he loves us, he is keyed to making me happy. Got tons of busy toys from the other dogs so am doing stuffing that's harder to get all out (still put a couple easy bits in there so there is a yummy). I have to soak/scrub the busy toys more but that seems to help him a lot.
Our other dog is getting close to becoming angel; little more blind/deaf every day... while I wasn't planning on continuing to have two dogs when my old man leaves us; I am wondering if I should consider finding a under 30lbs type dog to be a buddy to mine when this chapter is closed (not right now cause the blind/deaf thing is stressing my old guy out & I want him happy).
This is brilliant! Next Level! Thank you!
Very good point people should consider when getting the right breed for there family
You are the main buck Stonnie. Sound advice and description of these dogs.
I've got the t-shirt, and your approach matches perfectly: "Common sense is so rare, it should be classified as a Super Power."
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Stonnie. Always looking forward to the next video, allows me to enjoy a dog vicariously until I break down and let one choose me... so long as it's a lab.
Proper peg-hole alignment is crucial.
LOL...
Already a minute in and this is awesome information. Binge watching all of your videos and taking notes
Love your comments about the ease of training herding dogs! I have a GSD/Heeler/Chow mix. Looks like a GSD with a pinch of Heeler, instincts of a Heeler, intelligence of a GSD/Heeler mix, and the attitude of a Chow! She's a couch potato indoors at home, but outdoors struggles with down regulating.
You needed the third kind of Aussie to show, my boy would rather take a nap under the old shade tree than go around that course. Wicket is also eight months old but was born an “old man” and doesn’t waste a drop of energy on anything. He’ll come when called, stays with you at all times if you are out without a lead, will get in the truck, and be polite around people, but he sure won’t waste his energy, he’d rather take a nap. The “old man” is probably the best dog ever born in my opinion, but most would find him to be rather boring.
That’s how mine is. She’s so chill. But I knew the breeders well and waited for the perfect litter and the perfect pup. She’s definitely a square peg fit perfectly into a square hole :)
Well said! Loved your observation about dog trainer (videos) that use working/herding dogs a lot! I have one fairly active aussie and spend a lot of time with two others. They are beautiful, intelligent, and highly energetic dogs, but most of all, they are SUPER easy to train. That said, I've had to steer friends away from the breed in the past because they just weren't prepared for the time and attention that must be invested in them to get them to be their best.
Hey Stoney great episode. I was given a Boarder Collie and Kelpie mixed breed. I was a square hole lol. It took all my energy to keep up with her. And, all my creativity to make games that challenged her. Just when I was making a break through she died from a bad spay.
On my doctors suggestion I got another pup. This time a Jack Russell Chihuahua mix. Another square hole lol
Getting used to a hunter breed was again challenging. I learned she could not be trusted off leash even though I lived in the country. She would get a scent and no amount of recall would bring her back. She is a 3rd of my other pups size but, has the same high energy and a crazy prey drive.
Thank you for your awesome videos. You help so much. Love from Cookie and me
When it comes to training (as an owner), I have the best of both worlds...an Aussie/Lab mix (no, not a "designer" Aussiedore). Supersmart and as you say, "pattern cognizant." My current boy is the second one of these Aussie/Lab mixes I've had...love the intelligence and temperament. However, after viewing this video, I'd have to say that my last girl was a round peg, whereas my current guy is a square peg. Nevertheless, we have been able to deal with the current boy's needs as he is very routine-oriented and loves his "jobs" throughout the day. Of course, those "jobs" are just play, but he doesn't know it. As the wife and I are retired, we can devote the attention to his needs. He needs to walk mom on hour-long walks/jogs, he needs mom to run him through the agility course at the dog park, he needs both of us to spend time testing his strength in tugging with his tug toys, he needs to show us how he can get great air time while catching the frisbee, and he needs to show us how he is able to run down any kind of way that a ball is thrown (highball, grounder, bouncer) and bring it back to us. He also knows how to supervise lawn watering and gardening. Even feeding has to be done as a job (we have several different feeding bowls that mentally challenge him in getting his food). In addition, my adult son brings his dog over every day (he works a swing shift) and my boy loves "being a dog" in our large back yard with that big Rotty/Chow-Chow mix...they rough-house for hours. Yes, we have to wear out our guy in order for him to "down-regulate" himself. At the end of the day, he jumps up in bed with us and sleeps the whole night through. Great video...thanks!
Such an awesome video. We like to encourage people all the time to choose a dog that fits their lifestyle.
So I have an aussie mix with border collie. Everyone told me that those type of dogs have high energy and need lots of training. So I started to train him since he was little. He’s about 2 years now and he’s been a great dog but I would say that he seems different than others Australian shepherd’s. My dog acts more like a guard dog, he likes to be with me and following me around: I take him to work everyday and while I’m working he’s kinda like my lookout. He sees a stranger and growls but always standing his ground. There was 2 occasions that he launched at the neighbor bc he had half of his body on our side of the house. Also he holds grudges, he remembers who’s been messing with him and don’t let them get close to me. Good thing he listens to me and I always have him without leash and so far no incidents. He listens to me and he obeys me. The question I have is if this dog is capable to do some guard training? Also he’s a good looking dog, bigger than your average aussie, and the presence that he shows to strangers make them think twice
Love your videos!
I like the LGD agility videos. That's the mark of a good trainer.
Happy Thanksgiving Uncle Stonnie!
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you my friend!
Ha. This is the most important vid of yours that I've watched. Ha. I can't even tell you all the times I get called to help people w/dals. They expect a lab w/spots!
I'm not a trainer. I just live and breathe dalmatians. Excellent vids.
You’re so right! They’re definitely not a lab with spots. People don’t seem to understand that dals were bred to constantly be moving. Our dal was a wonderful family dog, but we had a farm and the space for him to run to his heart’s content. He was also great with our livestock.
So true Stonnie….square peg, round hole. We love our 3 year-old black lab but should have realized (he was so cute as a puppy and has the sweetest face) that he came from a line of “hunting labs” not the more chill type as we had before. At least he gets daily exercise and loves to fetch over and over and over…..At least my throwing arms gets a lot of exercise!
Again! Awsome video Stonnie✌
Great advice on choosing a dog. I'm In a search for a new dog as mine died 2 months ago of cancer. I was heart broken my pal of 14 yrs left a huge gaping hole in my life. So he was a mix of a shepherd and collie and more. Smart as a whip learned things and listened to voice and hand signs. So I'm thinking of a Australian shepherd but worried I'm not active enough for the breed. I work alot and single. But I need to be more active when off so maybe we will fit a good. Thanks for your common sense and explanation of how u see things.
Like he was saying if you get a show line aussie they are quite so driven. To tell you the truth it seems like all working line herders are border collies, but there you go. I don't think its that easy to find a working line aussie.
Wow what a magnificent set-up you have. What a cool training course. Subscribing right now. 30 years with an Aussie (ausshole) by my side… so you (youtube) caught my attention with this video. Thanks. Really appreciate your approach with this theme.
Thank you! I’m glad you like our content!
For my Lab's , they want to do whatever as long as it's with me. With my cowdogs, they have their own agendas. They got STUFF to do. They're happy to work with me, but they have their own busy minds.
Yes, herding breeds are a training dream, because most of the training is just developing the relationship between dog and owner and what the expectations are. All the other training stuff takes minimal effort. You do have to be careful though, because they will train you! Mine sees me do something a couple of times and then mentally marks it as part of the daily routine without me training her to it.
The other thing to consider is the type of herding dog, because some are bred to work a bit more independently, ex: heelers.
Best dog I have ever had was a blue healer. Definitely got the bum training method. Wish he was still around for a mentor for my GSD
Great video! I know my pegs are English labs. Bursts of energy with a longer recharge rate than the aussies. Have fun then be lazy 👌 lol
Nice video. My collie/Heeler mix makes me look like Stonie. I literally teach her something new and within 3-6 times she picks it up.
That's why pros always pick the same kind of dogs!
@@StonnieDennis yeah and it’s is scary knowing some “pros” are probably way under qualified because of it.
This was a good one Stonnie. Great Job explaining this one to the masses..
I own a working bred Border-Aussie cross, and they're fantastic dogs. He's my service dog as well as stock dog. Met a few more show bred Aussies and was surprised at first how different they are.
I have one of each of these types. They balance each other out. This suits me. I like the fast pace other times I prefer to take it easy. Mine are ready steady border collies❤
Stoning, would it be a crazy thought to ask you to do a video on making the Obedience courses for different yard sizes? I’d love to create one in my backyard but unsure of what to include, how much to include and how to create it.
Thx for the advice Stonnie and Happy Thx Giving. I would ask how to go about selecting a puppy when the challenge can be in that most are on a waiting list and not left with the ability to choose a good fit based on the personality. I understand some breeders would be selecting to breed a quality/trait but often there is a mixed bag and the selection process happens early on before the puppies are really grown enough to see the personality. I am very green so would like to hear you insights as I am pending a selection within the next 2 weeks for my next dog.
Great video as always. My Border Collie needed very little in the way of training ... work through something once or twice and he has it. Super intelligent, wants to work all the time ( he's from working stock), walks me ragged and does exactly what he is told ( sometimes he literally knows what command I am going to give before I give it... must be body language or something).
Any dog trainer "showing off" only with their collie... automatically tells me their skills are probably as good as mine (i.e. it's the dog not them) ;-)
Yeah my Aussie does that, she tries to anticipate the next command.
@@jeffk464 Mind readers. Thanks for commenting on this . My Vin died 4 weeks ago (4.5yrs old) from cancer and re-reading what I wrote about him has reminded me how much he meant to me. :'-(
Hoo boy ! Past eight months I have been trying
to put a harrier-jump-jet-shaped peg into a round hole.
Sounds like you need to learn to fly rather than forcing the dog to fit a shape it's not meant to be.
@@zoeen5650 Yes, you are right !
I have an Aussie, just over a year old, I did a LOT of research on the breed before I got her. (Ironically, I am a dog trainer so I think she's great!) I strongly suggest people research breeds before getting them, and get one that makes sense with their life style.
Thx
Anyone else have an Aussie that’s not good with other dogs or cats? I want my new rescue to be able to work with goats and chickens but I’m concerned he might be aggressive with them. He’s been aggressive with other dogs and our cat and I’d hate for him to harm his flock. I have a few months before I have any livestock so hopefully we can work this out prior to their arrival. Probably have to bring in a trainer.
Words of wisdom... Must suck to be a high-strung working dog stuck in an environment that's not suitable. I wonder if in such a case, you'd recommend to re-home the dog to a working farm or something...
I wanted a Australian Shepard. Ended up with another Great Pyrenees! He’s wonderful. More my energy leval! Can be naughty if i don’t do something fun very morning :)
Yep. My neighbor's daughter somehow though it would be a great idea to own two Australian Shepard's with next to zero time to spend with them. What a joy this is for us when these spastic dogs go bonkers with each passing car, pedestrian or other animals...yapping all day from 7am until late evening. I do not know what the hell she was thinking, plus she wants to live in town...ugh.
I should do a video about how people buy the wrong dogs and ruin entire neighborhoods…
I grew up with heelers, border collies and Australian shepherds on the ranch and that’s exactly why I don’t own one now lol. Beautiful dogs though. Not even gonna lie I almost have a square peg round hole situation with my shorthair lol. We are getting a rhythm though and he’s great.
Can you do a follow up video where you go through some of the advice you give to Tucker's family?
I've got myself a very similar square peg in a round hole situation. I've got a Sheltie that's clearly bred on the working end of the spectrum. He's high energy, ridiculously smart and has already learned a billion complex tricks, but the struggles with him are what you called down regulating to the social situation. He just doesn't do that. It's classic over excitement. Barking at the door or anything that moves or makes a noise outside. He also has a problem with fence fighting but isn't remotely aggressive with dogs when there's no fence, even the same ones he fence fights with.
What are you doing to fulfill the dog's instinct? What are you doing to raise his tolerance level of movement? What are you changing about your lifestyle to accommodate the dog's breed specific requirements?
Have you ever trained huskies or chowchows? And if so how would you go about it?
We are looking for a newdog, our dog was killed in a traffic accident he heard loud pipes and he chased them to his death. It was tragic all around we were loading him into van, he was a border collie / Pyrenees mix 50/50 we live right next to a highway on a farm. I walked that dog everyday even all winter and we used bum method not even knowing what it was... the thing is some breeds will chase .. I knew this but oh well its heart breaking and I feel very bad about it as I am not happy at all causing any wrecks, so we are taking our time.. but man I loved the coat on that dog for cool and winter,(and so did he) in summer only near water as he would self regulate his body temp by getting in. Enjoy your videos. You can see his pic on my channel header..if interested.. he was a great dog.. but not for city life
So sad you lost your best buddy. When one of my border collies was 2 years old he ran across a busy road. He saw a magpie on the ground eating scraps and he wanted to check it out. All the traffic had to stop as he literally weaved (he loves weave poles) his way through the cars while they were going 80km. Because it happened suddenly at first I screamed. However I knew I needed to be calm and not frighten him. So I recalled him in the same tone as usual, he turned and came back. I waved thanks to everyone hugged him and cried. I love my red and white boy so much. I didn't share the story with my husband and children for a few days as I was ashamed I had let it happen. Now that he is 4 his impulse control has improved. It took a lot of on and off leash work, patience and vigilance. I hope you find the right match for yourself.
So true. And unfortunately lots of well meaning people pressure others to "choose any dog from the shelter, rescue immediately!" with no consideration for if it's a good match. Same people are dead against rehoming dogs as well no matter how bad things are in the home.
My wpg is the same. If we didn’t have a lot of acres and two ponds and my free time he’d be difficult. As it is, he’s the best I’ve ever had.
We just passed on one of these for this exact reason. We want a smart trainable dog with emotional IQ. Ultimately, we don't have a farm, and it just wouldn't be the fit for. Unfortunately, I don't know where to start, what breed/mix, rescue, etc. Is the Volhond test good at determining temperament? Do you have any recommendations?
My border collie has recently started wheel chasing he was doing really well around vehicles and walking nicely on the lead but over night he started pulling and lunging at cars I have a few acres with a couple of horses and in the spring I’ll be getting hens that I intend to train him to herd so I thought he’d be a good match for me but I’m starting to struggle to get his attention around certain distractions my hope is that he can come out on rides with me but I have to go on the road to get anywhere and if I can’t get the car chasing out of him I don’t know how I can bring him along how should I go about stopping this behaviour currently I’m sitting on a bench near my house so he can watch them go past and if he doesn’t react I’ll give him a treat or a pat well done but it feels like there is more I could be doing because although he’s better there he still can’t cope if we’re walking and they drive past so he’s not quite the all round bring along wherever we go farm dog I was hoping for what do you think I should do to help him plus he’s fine around my horses but sometimes barks at other peoples horses now it feels like every morning I’m not quite sure what new problem I’ll be facing
So what do we do if we have a square peg round hole problem?!?
Your videos are so helpful! They are helping us to better meet the high needs of our high energy goldador (F1 lab and golden cross) who’s Pops was an AKC hunting champion bloodline. He’s a best worst dog as you say.
We are that same family with three, soon to be four, little ones and a dad who works a lot and travels for work. Mom can’t keep up with the doggy’s high needs on her own, with homeschooling and household duties.
Can we send him to Uncle Sparky, or can we fix it on our own… hmm
You have to exercise them, all there is to it.
Stonnie I made a home made dog course and he walks the course really good I want to thank you
That makes me very happy!
May I ask the purpose of why so many aussies have docked tails
Rewatch!
Great video! Question : can you train an Australian Shepherd to flush pheasants and other small game? Or would their herding instincts make this a futile exercise?
I think it would be fairly easy man. They have prey drive and good working lines have retrieving instincts because they're bred to "fetch" the sheep.
@@NickREvans thanks for that. Good to know!
I have a miniature male Australia shepherd named Oakley too.🤣 He looks Just like the Oakley in the video and they seem to have the same personality.
So, are they gonna rehome Tucker? What solution did you recommend for the owners? Also, too many new owners commit to pedigree puppies as young as newborns...this is a recipe for disaster.
Isnt Tucker a aus. Cattle dog /auss shepherd mix?
He had prick ears and
The auss shepherd has floopy ears. That alone could account for some of his energy difference.
I love training and that’s why I own a Malinios and a working line German Shepard. They’d be a nightmare to a more casual dog owner.
Yeah, at least with the aussies you don't tend to get much aggression.
Stonnie have you ever worked with Rhodedian ridgebacks? Do you have any comments or advice about them?
I have an hour long farm adventure with a Ridgeback!
👌👍👏
My Red Merle is lazy and fat doesn’t like fetch, just her walks. She would rather snuggle, my blue Merle is a spaz and needs exercise and demands her walks. But during the winter would rather be in the house, they both hate the rain and cold.
Bull! You can work for a living with a quarter ton truck or a half ton truck!!
It depends on what you’re doing! But you’d be surprised!!
I’ve seen people with Ford rangers & S 10’s moving a ton of hay!!
Chevy 1500 can pull big ass trailers!!
They can get plenty of work done!!
I’m 16 years old getting an Aussie Shepard in 3 weeks, he’s blue Merle named Apollo. I had a smaller dog but I don’t count that as having a real dog. My uncle has a mali that I helped him train and I fell in love with him. I wanted a high energy super smart dog and my first choice was a malonis but my mother wouldn’t let me as we live in a town house. My second choice was an Aussie and I cannot wait. I’m so excited to work him everyday. He’s gonna be my best friend
As a 1 ton owner, had a good laugh at the half ton comment
Poor Tucker.
There is also a boy/girl thing going on with the Aussies also....have one of each and see the same based on generalized sexual characterstics.
I have an aussiedoodle. Shes mostly aussie. Pain in the ass dog. Had her perfectly trained to do lots of cool things like off leash heeling, closing the door behind her, place, touch, leave it etc. But now at 1.5 years, she is unable to be taken in public because she wants to bark like mad and nip at EVERYONE passing by...what happened to my perfect pup!? Ive tried reaching out to you stonnie.
Better, but still not long enough!
Ha!
A lot of good working dogs find themselves in a shelter due to their need for mental and physical stimulus.
Tucker looks like he's got some Border Collie in him.
You aughta focus on training hunting dogs. Squirrel dogs, tracking dogs, pointing, etc. I think your efforts would be more productive in that lane of teaching the TH-cam folks
That first dog looks like an Aussie/boarder collie mix, not a pure bred Aussie.
an untrained chihuahua would follow you over all those obstacles with a leach.
You obviously have never been around any Chihuahuas….