@@MeganStoughton Interesting video. Just to let you know, scientists scanned women's brains when they watched photos of their children and their dogs. The women had exactly the same centers in the brain activated in the same way when they saw the photos of their children and their dogs. Your brain indeed loves your dog as much as it loves your children.
My unruly aussie wandered into my yard when she was approximately 7 months old. She hadn't been spayed or had ANY type of training. But she was the absolute best "gift" I have ever received. We had nearly 16 incredible years together. 💖
I had an Aussie/border collie mix (Megan) and she was the best smartest dog ever. I adopted Megan as a companion for my other dog Morgan who was a border collie/golden mix. They played together and burned energy. My fiancé and I would take them for really long walks twice daily as well. Megan knew a few commands when I adopted her and she learned the rest quickly. She loved stuffed animals and at one point had well over 70 and knew the name of each one. Even ones she hadn’t played with in a long time I could say “Megan get Mertyl” and she’d come back with the correct baby! When we moved to Alaska she made best friends with a moose! Every day after work I’d get her from daycare and we’d come home and I’d let her out into the (fenced) back yard and she’s there with the moose (we named her Millie) nose to nose on either side of the fence! It was their routine every evening and when Megan crossed the Rainbow Bridge Millie came looking for her every night for 2 weeks before she finally gave up
I’ve had my aussies for 4 years and couldn’t imagine life without them. I definitely think 2 is the most I could handle. But they are extremely different, they both love eachother and I’m glad I have 2.
This is really good info for average viewers. If there is one thing I can add it's that any dog can be high energy, training and mental stimulation is FAR more important and tiring than physical stimulation. I still would not recommend an Aussie to everyday owners, but if you know how to train them they can be incredibly laid back, fun, rewarding and incredibly loving dogs.
My Aussie is 1 in a million. She’s super laid back and matches my energy level every day. Not destructive what so ever if we can’t get out that day, etc. I know they say tris are more laid back versus merles so maybe it’s that lol
🦋 My 6-yr old Border Collie/Aussie mix is like yours, matches my energy. We hike The Rocky Mtns where we live 3-14 hrs a day, most days, but Hank doesn't require or demand it. We enjoy the outdoors, mountainous trails. I've never seen Hank destroy anything inside or outside. My Happy, Handsome Hank is talkative yes, but easy going, relaxed, ready to go, eager to please, content and needs no management from me. I'm very lucky! I love to hear Hank TALK to me. Hank has stuff to say. Hank's My Best Friend EVER!!! 🐕👩🦳🗻
My Winston is a tri and I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that may be a myth ,just based on mine…We joke about his “Hyperactive-hypoglycemic-ADHD’ish” behavior…but seriously after some validation on breed quirks ,it’s all good 😊
I have 4 Aussies and 4 of their puppies currently, they are not at all hyper . I had my male when I lived in an apartment and never had any issue with him. I actually get sick often and they stay in bed with me for days on end. I have mom and dad then their son and daughter, maybe I just lucked out with this bloodline, but they are lazy. Puppies lazy too We live on a farm so they can get out and run but I definitely had one in an apartment without any issue for years
Megan - thank you SO much. This has made me feel way less crazy. Like a few weeks ago, I was sort of/giving up. So many things have been ruined, he had his neuter surgery plus a hernia repair surgery and could NEVER sit still or be calm to let the wounds heal (regardless of cone of shame or "recovery suit") but that's not on him (Fynn), it's on me for getting an Aussie without a big back yard. Your video has helped me understand my bubba boy (more) in a real way vs. a "text book" way. Good job and thank you. Aussie's are literally amazing and I'm obsessed and grateful to have Fynn in my life. And I've been a dog mom to a bunch of other breeds in the past....
Thank you about your HONESTY about their energy level and exercise/mental stimulation needs! So important if you're looking you need to be ready! It is so true puppies are not super cuddly at first like people expect. They need to bond with you and then its on like donkey kong! Haha! Great video!
@@MeganStoughton I'm looking for an Aussie for my Service Dog, so they would be eventually going out with me and a ton of training, stimulation and all that fun jazz. Do you think an Aussie would still be too high energy or does this sound like good exercise for the day when I'm not actually wearing them out and exercising them?
My mini Aussie sings like a husky and I was sooo surprised when she started being vocal I didn’t expect it 😭 it’s honestly super funny how clingy she can be.
My Aussie is turning 13 and I wish I could add to your "weirdly vocal" section. I completely get what you mean and love the weird grones, whines and yips she makes to communicate. We learned early on that she will mimick sounds and have taught her to say "hello" and "i love you" which she is stubborn about doing now but loves to whip out this trick in the drive thru for extra treats.
I had a full-blown conversation (dare I say argument?) with my Aussie Keed this morning after he asked do go outside yet refused as soon as he saw it was raining. He cracks me up. I love that yours pulls out all the stops for an extra treat- how crafty! :-)
I must have a SUPER rare Aussie He is the most laid back, cuddle bug! That NEEDS a good nap at least twice a day! He's 4 years old now, and he was never a hyper pup. 🐶
I have 2 Aussies. I keep hearing about how energetic they are. Both of mine are so lazy. They will go out and run for maybe 5 minutes and then it's time for a nap! My first Aussie who is now 4 didn't bark at all until last year. The other one yips like a coyote and does it every time someone comes in the door, no matter who it is.
I was just saying my Aussie is 5mos and Never bark when someone at door it she hear something. And that's what I want her to do. I don't know why she don't warn us when she hear something. And I seen how fluffy everyone Aussies are, Mine is skinny and don't have much fur
Glad to hear this. I think all dogs take up energy of the owners I don’t want one that’s gonna wanna run nonstop for 2 hours. lol I’m learning about this breed to see if on the most part is gonna be a good fit for us
I just lost my 13 year old Aussie, she was the best. Definitely vocal, not barking as we did not encourage that, but wining and groaning and lots of sighing. I loved it, the older she got the more it felt like we were having actual conversations, I new what she meant and she understood me. I would agree with the high energy for the most part, I got her for agility so we trained a lot with that when she was young and I think that helped, and all through her life we trained and walked at least 2 hours a day. My girl wasn't super snuggly, but as you said that's probably more to do with how I trained her, I'm not super snuggly so she wasn't either. She would lay next to me and was always close by, but not all over me, which I liked. The last 5 years of her life she really was the perfect dog, but that grows over time as the bond and training grow. I probably will get another Aussie as she really was the best and other breeds seem to pale in comparison to what we had, though I'm sure other people feel the same about their dogs.
Giiiirrrlll #1 is sooo TRUE! We would play outside then go for a walk. She would nap for maybe 15 mins. Then full of energy ready to play! She's the Energizer Bunny just keeps going and going.
I love the video. I lost my 16 old red healer 18 months ago.came across a friend who raises show aussies, she had 3 didn’t meet shown quality.i bought one and couldn’t resist, called and took the male too. I was so surprised, the night he came home a week later, they acted just like they were wondering when the other one went. Best decision I ever made, they keep each other occupied. Active, in training, never pooped in the kennel or house. Kennel tracing is the only way. I have a fenced acre so mine love outside when I’m home. Getting Ricky and Lucy best decision ever made Most wonderful breed💯
My Aussie has been with me 24/7 for her entire life from 8 weeks and for the past 12 years. I travel often for a couple weeks at a time and she may wait in the truck for a few minutes but I never leave her at home. EVER. She will do anything I ask her to do and I don't even have to ask anymore. She just knows
Ive had four over the years. They're all a little different in personality. We have two now. Yes to the "velcro" dog trait. You have given great tips for new owners. Our youngest is now about 4 and half months old. We live on a farm with two horses and a flock of chickens. Our biggest challenges at the moment is recalling him and keeping his herding instincts in check around the animals. Excercise and training are key. We work off leash on the farm so vocal commands are a big thing. Lots of treats in my pockets at all times. One thing about this breed is that they are very smart, bred to work and take direction and always looking to please. Positive re-enforcement is sometimes challenging when they're "free lancing". Redirecting them back to positive behavior and giving praise and a treat has to be constant and consistent. It takes a lot of time every day. The older dog knows the rules and helps us train the pup which is also very helpful re-enforcement.
I have a red and blue merle that are father and son that I acquired back in 2012. Wonderful pets! They do bark and I love it! I am a single 45 year old man wearing hearing aids since I was 3! Having Zach and Bo have been my ears living alone! They will not get on any furniture once so ever nor will they jump on you! To me dogs this size shouldn't take over our furniture! You have to train them with their own because of the shedding and stepping in pee and poop every day... unless you baby wipe them every time then no hig deal! I treat them just like kids with extra set of rules as part of what I've mentioned previously. I also lay towels down on days when it's rainy and muddy out, I teach them every day to wipe your feet and let me tell you they do it everytime! Shout out to you on your video on helping others wanting to own or owns a AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD! Bravo!
Feed the dog at night and not in the morning. Train it better. Our Aussie lives on a yacht full time. Your issues except the shedding are all around proper training. They are actually far happier and at ease with boundaries.
Our mini Aussie is 5 months and this is the most accurate video I've ever seen on them. We love her, we have made it work (we are also a younger couple with no kids and work from home), but no one is really prepared for the energy and voice of your average Aussie personality until you have one! We had no idea what the demanding nature of a high energy breed would be (needing a job after literally every nap). We also had no idea how much we would be challenging her not to bark. I thought that with enough exercise and stimulation she wouldn't have an interest in barking... that's not the case and I now take back all judgement I ever passed on owners with vocal dogs. Teaching quiet is an ongoing battle for us too haha Great vid.
Also - please make more videos! I would love to know more about your challenges and how you worked to overcome them/ are continuing to work on it. Most dog TH-camrs gloss over the hard stuff and your honesty is so refreshing!
Hi Megan, Great Video, THANKS for sharing your Aussie experience with all of us. I’m retired so my time with my two female Aussie girls is almost unlimited. I grew up having an Aussie and showing Appaloosa Horses. So my first Aussie “Tequila” just found her place on the farm and didn’t understand why she couldn’t ride her own horse. Tequila was a red Merle that would wait outside of the the store I was in shopping. And growl if anyone got in her personal space. Whether I was driving or on horseback made no difference. Once is a habit with these dogs. I was the guy with a spotted horse and the sported dog. Fast forward, didn’t care for retirement so I got the bright idea to start breeding Aussies. All Double registered Purebred of Champion Bloodlines. I looked for 18 months on Puppy Finder and found a breeder that would let me wait for the next litter to buy my pick of the litter. (FYI Breeders usually never do this. While I was waiting a previous litterS deal didn’t pass this breeders requirements. She had a Female Blk-Tri that was four months old and raised and trained very well. I lucked out. After 2 Five hundred mile round trip Joy and I were a match. And I passed the breeders required veterinary and personal references. My Joy cried all the way home. She is crate trained and goes on the AKC Show Circuit a few months a year. It is so expensive that she goes with the trainer/handler and his groom. Hotels, Mileage, Handling fees, grooming fees, sometimes 4 shows a weekend. 9 more points and Joy will be an AKC Gold Champion Aussie. She is from a top bloodline of all champions. When she hopped into the shower behind me, I realized Joy needed her own Aussie. Hence, my second Aussie a Red-tri Female, “Auburn” This one is 12 weeks old and wired for sound. Week one she digested a chew toy. 1st bill $850. Cha Ching. She has the prettiest Amber her Ophthalmologist has ever seen. She was in every regard like bringing home a two year old toddler. She got into the dishwasher to help clear the plates, she opens French Door, kitchen cabinets and even the mail. She eats everything morsel of any substance she can fit in her mouth. Learning the command “Leave It” was a challenge. She was like raising a child to play the piano at Carnegie Hall. Now 5 years later Auburn is the best Dog I have ever raised ( More than a Dozen so far. ) She must have a task every day or she goes bonkers…..sorry for my many words but your topic is my Love. Mike
Thanks for sharing MIKE! I enjoyed reading your story! I am considering an Aussie doodle, and wondering if the poodle part will affect some of these potential challenges🤔
Thank you. It is very informative video. I was considering an aussie, and I just spent 3 days with a 12 weeks old aussie puppy. I agree, you can read about the high energy and think that you can do this, but try it first! I was exhaused after 3 days with this puppy. Oh, one more thing - the cuddly part. The puppy I had (for 3 days) was very cuddly. HIs favourite thing was getting on the bed with you and he would get so quiet and still and all up against you being soo cuddly. This was the only way to calm him down. He was usually not allowed on the bed (plus he could not just jump on it because he was too small) and I think that it was like an ultimate treat for him, so he cherished it, and was a perfect angel when on the bed. So, if you think that you can handle the energy and training for an aussie, do not give up because you think that they are not cuddly. I met a very very cuddly one. They are out there!
I have a 1 year 4 month old mini Ausie doodle definitely more Ausie. She is the best dog we ever had, yes high energy but also so loving and cuddly makes us laugh every day. We are getting her sister in a couple weeks same mom and dad. Very excited and hoping her new sister will add some excitement to her life. I work from home so I’m here all day however she gets bored. As long as I get her out for a couple walks a day a long one in the morning and short one in the evening along with some playtime with a neighbor dog she is perfect. Can’t wait to see what adding another will bring to our life 😊
I have a rescue dog that I never knew what her breed is. Today I met a guy who said “ is she an Aussie “. I explained that because she is a rescue I’d never known what kind of dog she is.. He said that his dog is an Aussie and looks just like mine. He showed me pictures which made me a believer. I was looking on TH-cam for some information when I seen yours. My “Sugar” acts exactly like your dogs. Actually it never made any difference what breed she was and I never researched either. But Now I Know For Sure ! ! I will be watching your videos . By the way, Sugar is 12- 13 yrs. Old I rescued her after she was dropped off by my house and have loved her every day since then..
My Australian Shepherd had reign of the woods and the mountains in her younger years, so she was pretty much always tuckered out after running around with the other neighborhood dogs. Made things a hell of a lot easier, and now she’s living a comfy and lazy retirement with my parents in Florida lol.
I had both my dogs from 9 weeks old, I took the time to train them and stop them from developing bad habbits. They are both amazing aussies and both super chill. Unless were on hikes then they become spaz buckets. I also make sure they get a good solid hour of exercise with me every day to kock them out.
Not being able to use the bathroom or shower by yourself is just good practice for when you have kids. I haven't slept alone, peed alone, or showered alone in 8 years 😭😂😂
We have 2 Full Aussies (tri-color red merles) one with a tail one with out. We got them when they were puppies and now they are 6 and 8 months (technically still puppies). We are both in our late 50's and work full time, I think the comment about active life style is true, just because you might consider yourself an out door hiking, biking, running etc type of person that this would be the right dog for you is misleading. These dogs are working dogs and need jobs to do, what ever that job is it is important to them. We did have a trainer come to the house and for 3 weeks for training and we will be doing off leash training in June when they are a little older and I do believe that not just with these dogs but any dog you should get training. We do live in Colorado and they love the mountains and the snow for sure and every morning we take them out to play, but we spend a good amount of time with mental games. For us this is the most fun activity with them as Megan stated does get them tired faster. We try to teach them a new trick once a week and rotate to re-enforce previous tricks. The one good thing is that both of them do tire themselves out playing together, but they want us to be out there watching them. They both do have very different personalities so that is also something to get used to because of how they interact with us is so different. One is more laid back than the other, one is more vocal than the other, one is more cuddly than other. I could go on on. Also one is more attached to me than my wife, in a way you could say we each have our own dog :). Also agree no alone time they are by our side all day long and even wait outside the bathroom door for us to get out. I will be cooking and she will lay on my feet. One loves to be carried while the other doesn't. From what I can tell from my neighbor who also got an aussie from the same place we did on the same day that leaving them alone at home in a crate for 8 hours can change their personality. We are lucky we work out of the house so we are with them 24 hours a day, which brings its own challenges. Like little kids they want to play all the time and think we have all the time in the world for them, but at the same time the bond between us is super strong because we are with them all the time and always talking to them or doing tricks with them. The intent was to take them ski touring next year, but looking at how different they are we suspect only one will really like it the other one will be more about playing with toys. We will see. Either way I think that like any other dog training is key, and they adjust to your energy level, now if you are a complete coach potato then this might not be the breed for you, I would say the one key thing is that I do think they are breed that needs a little more attention than some other breeds. They do love to be loved, not saying that other dogs don't but these are more towards the higher end.
I have an Aussie/Lab mix (not a designer Aussidore, but the offspring of an Aussie that was tagged by a Lab...whoops!). This is my second one, the first I had for 14 years. I truly believe that it is the good nature of the Lab, along with the energy of the Aussie, and the combined intelligence of each breed that makes this mix fantastic. My last girl looked like an Aussie, while my current boy looks more like the Lab. Both had/have the incredible energy to do a job, even if that job is a form of play. Structure was/is important. When that structure is interrupted, one must be immediately prepared to give the dog direction, before they make a decision on their own. I hear you about the shedding! Brushing once or twice a week will suffice, until the shedding in the Spring and Fall, where daily raking of the undercoat they blow is required. Thanks for the video...enjoyed it!
Good luck! As someone who is almost a week into having an 8 week old aussie puppy, #1 is very very true. She's a great girl so far tho, already knows to whine by the door for potty breaks! Can't wait til she's older and I have more time for sleeping lol. But she's a great girl and watching them learn new things and be excited to be around you is a feeling like no other 😊
I have a 10 acre hobby farm with goats and chickens. Trooper our Australian Shepherd stays busy, always moving, likes his job watching the free ranging chickens. But, he freaks out with loud sounds and some power tools. Hates thunder and will hide in the woods for hours. If inside he cries and wants to climb on you. Very trainable. If scolded, he pouts. Loves hunting chipmunks and squirrels. Kills mice. Chases deer. Loves the car. Not noisy at all, but barks when alerting. Loves the 5 month long winters in Northern Michigan.
I’m bringing my boys home to Michigan for the holidays and I can’t wait for them to run around in the cooler weather! Trooper sounds like a great guy!!
I have a bad back and I'm on disability. Ringo is an Australian Merle he's beautiful. Mentally challenge them with tasks. Hide and seek during the coronavirus you could hide something and let them find it. That actually wears them down more than if you did any physical activity. They're waiting to be told what to do and how to do it. There's a way around hyperactivity hi patch in my house I throw the ball and he catches that I have him go find something he knows all his stuff toys by name. Play hide and seek. Ask him to go find something there's always something you can do with an Aussie to mentally challenge them to wear them out. I can barely get around with my back being bad and he is no problem with me at all he's just got into the group of what we I love love him so much. They will outsmart you. The way beyond smart a lot of them get taken back to a shelter if they were a rescue dog. You have to out smart them.
A sheltie owner who thinks about getting an ausie pup: Hyper - yeah... First 1.5-2 years. Alan is at 2 and half and he has calmed down a lot compared to last year. Sure, i still need to play with him at least twice a day inside and he needs at least one 1 hour long walk a day in park chasing other dog. But as you said, training solves a lot of things. Barking - yeah, i am definitely reminded of everything that happens behind the door and some nagging and murmur is normal. However, the moment when he gets the loudest is during vacuuming. Now i trained him to carry around his squeaky toy so instead of barking he bites and sqeaks. It turned out to be a great muscle workout for him plus it's adorable seeing him squeaking angirly at the hose. Ausie would be manageable Shedding - as a spinner: MORE 100% NATURAL FIBER TO SPIN! YAY! I need more wool for that shawl so bring it on! Personality change - that's a good thing! It means that these dogs can be shaped into anything! A companion, a working dog, a lap dog, anything. Waaaay better than hit and miss with some other breeds. Clinginess - i haven't been able to close bathroom doors for 2 years either. No big deal, since i live alone So overall, ausies sound like really just a size upgrade from a sheltie. Thank you for confirming what i wasn't sure about before. I've veen searching for this kinds of videos where people actually know what they are talking about, bot just introducing the breed as a whole, for a few days to see how similar or different it would be to have an ausie too. I'm thrilled to learn that it's literally just a size upgrade compared to what i already have :D
It's been 2 years since you posted so you probably have an Aussie by now. As a previous Sheltie owner who currently owns a 3 year old Aussie (had him since 12 weeks old) .... similar but different. Aussies are more independent thinkers, problem solvers, always trying to figure out what you want from them or how to get what they want. I wouldn't trade Harley for anything but definitely was different than raising or living with any sheltie I've known. The communication with him is so different than with any dog I've known and I've known and lived with quite a few! Friends with Aussies say the same thing.
I also have an Aussie! #1 is partly true for my dog. She has LOTS of energy but she doesn’t need to use it all, and she is an outside dog so she can run whenever she wants. She runs with us when we go four-wheeling; we go on my grandpas crop fields to their house (after they harvest of course)which is about a mile away. So LOTS of energy I also taught her some tricks over quarantine; shake/high five; lay; jump; beg; spin; put the treat in front of her but she has to wait until I say ‘ok!’ #2 is true, she always whines and barks for about 2 minutes whenever we see her, even if we just saw her 5 minutes ago😂 she grumbles whenever we are playing with her and she barks when we have her toy During the spring, the garage is FILLED with her hair (we let her sleep in the garage because she just barks all night at the coyotes, at first it was because it was really cold one night so we didn’t want her to get cold, but she absolutely loves the cold so she would have been fine tho)
I enjoyed this video so much.I giggled through the whole thing as my 4 year old blue merle lay next to me.I raised 4 Aussies since 2001.Two of them sisters.I was lucky they were medium energy.Now I own my 4 year old baby who is crazy.Her name is Khary and she LOVES to bark.It's really hard to deal with but also very loving,comical,protective and my best friend.I wouldn't trade her for anything.Btw I also can't use the bathroom alone.
So interesting how all aussies are different too! My miniature Australian shepherd is one of the quietest dogs I know. Everything else is stereotypical though. But I love how easily trainable and willing to please they are! As for the velcro behavior, he knows the "leave it" command, and I apply "Leave it" to myself as well. He'll back up and then I'll pet him after he gives me space. I taught him to snuggle me when I pat my side. He caught on really fast!
Thank you for the video and information on Aussies. We have an 8 month old red and white Aussie, and every trait that you mentioned applies. Ss far as shedding goes, that's nothing compared to the collies I've owned in the past. As far as the energy level, having an invisible fence allows him to run around the yard freely, play fetch, and bark at everything! For a puppy, he has never destroyed anything..we make sure he has chew toys and bones. Using a crate is a must. A true velcro dog! We have gates to keep him out of certain areas. The only reason that he doesn't go in the bathroom with me is because that's my 5 year old cat's job.
Apparently there’s a lovely reason why doggo’s follow you to the throne, i believe it comes down to the fact that they know when they are peeing or pooing they’re vulnerable, so when you go do your business they see you as being vulnerable, so they follow you to the toilet to stand guard and protect you
Girl, I feel you. We have an Ausky and when he was a puppy I literally day dreamed about getting rid of him regularly. He's now 10 months so glad we have put in the time because he is molding into such a fine boy. Still a lot of work though and I was wanting an emotional support dog to watch Netflix with me and he is NOT that. Anyways, we were happy to take him off the streets in Mexico and we love him so much. Thanks for this video these all resonated so much and tell Austin hello, we lived there for 13 years before moving to Jalisco.
Omg an Ausky!!! I have never heard of that before but I can't IMAGINE those two breeds combined. Bless you guys! Hahaha I feel you on the "learning to love" curve that has to happen after the daydreaming of peace and quiet phase LOL
I picked up a Chiweenie someone was re-homing a few weeks ago. At the last minute they said they would throw in an Aussie puppy for free. I am a huge dog person so of course I could not say no. She is absolutely beautiful. She is mostly white and has bright blue eyes. I have had dogs all my life and I am used to energetic dogs. I even have a bull terrier mix. But man you are not kidding when you say Aussie's are energetic. She just does not stop. I have 5 dogs and even when all the others have had enough playing and are starting to doze off, she is still running around trampling them while they are trying to sleep. I was in bed trying to get some work done on my phone last night and she was chewing on my arm, licking my face, running on top of me, dropping the bone she was chewing on my chest, chewing on the fan next to my bed until like 4 a.m. It's a good thing I have a large yard. I am going to have to try to run the energy out of her every night before bed time so she can calm down and relax.
@@daniberry6625 I don’t really know any I got my puppy as a Christmas gift so I don’t really know the person well besides she’s a friend of my cousins but I’m sure there is some reliable breeders and you can always check local dog pounds too because sometimes they get them in as well because people don’t understand how much energy they have . I have a Australian Shepard/ cattle dog and I’m sure she’s not going to hit the energy level of my puppy but she stays pretty busy
@@MeganStoughton he’s amazing . A little demon but amazing lol . We are going through the phase of if I’m not holding him at all times then I must pay for my sins and he bites the crap out of my ankles since that’s all he can reach
We have always had Border Collies, but recently rescued a 3 yo Aussie. Great dog, he has just completely adopted us and is doing great. Funny thing is, in the middle of the night, he let out a single looooong mournful howl. Creeped us out. Nightmare I suppose. Our first BC used to howl when the firetruck and ambulance came by with their sirens on. Aussie's and BC's are the best!
most of the videos I have looked up trying to get information all just repeat the basic common aspects of the dog breed. size, color, general temperament, history etc. this video provided personalized information that has depth and to me adds value. great video thank you for sharing.
Pretty much every point she makes is the exact opposite of our aussi. We have had ours for 3.25 years now. She has a lot of energy, but it has always been easy to wear her out with a few fetch sessions throughout the day or a walk. She also never barks, unless there is a delivery man at the front door. She was very affectionate from day one, we got her at 6 wks. She has always been cuddly. She is definitely a Velcro dog, but she likes her own time as well and will relax on her own throughout the day.
I got my now 3 yr old Tri female last year. She adjusted quickly from living at a large farm/ kennel to being an indoor dog. She was so easy to housebreak, leash train and live alongside our cat. She loves canoeing, hiking or anything else new. She's calm, heels off leash and loves visits to friends' homes to hang out. Not a jumper or barker, even when the doorbell rings...only when she has to go potty if I don't notice her "tells". She loves to play with toys, her doggy pals and is the most contented and cuddly dog I've ever owned. I think she likes belonging to "her" people and getting 1:1 attention. Friends fight to babysit her when we travel. Sounds like we got lucky...I didn't seek out this breed, and based on most of the comments, it'd probably be hard to find another one like ours!
@@arminto since my last post we got another Aussie. Now he is about a year old. Same parents, different liter. Loves his older sister and his new 8 wk old baby human brother. He is even even more cuddly and sweet than his older sister. And we didn’t think that anyone could’ve be sweeter than his older sis. I think we just found the right breeder!
I love Aussies! I had one named Clancy. He was the BEST dog ever. He was a red Merle. He was high energy, but still so, so, SO, well behaved. He was a farm dog, and he loved all animals. He was so very protective! Even on the day that he sadly passed, he was still trying to protect us. He would protect our chickens, goats, and hogs from whatever came their way! Our neighbors have pit bulls, and a husky, (And some Chihuahua mix) and the husky was a big chicken killer. (MY neighbors are not very good dog owners at all, it's awful.) They just dragged the dog off, and didn't do anything after they watched it kill a chicken. (We tried to save the chicken, but they are very fragile creatures). Anyways, Clancy wasn't able to save the chicken, because he was at the groomers. But he chased off those other dogs before, so, so many times. He was a bit of a good thief, (Well, a big food thief!), but gosh I loved him to death! I still do. He sadly passed on February 3rd, 2022. He had Cancer, and the type that it was, it was unnoticeable until the day he passed, and it was to late. If you want to try and catch this awful cancer in your precious pup before it is sadly to late, when your dog goes for its checkup at the vet, get your baby a scan. It may be extremely expensive, but gosh, it's worth it! Love your dogs, because one day, they won't be there. Now, go hug your dog!!
Obedience training is a must. We started that at day one and crate training. We are t high energy but make it work. He gets lots of mental stimulation to help him and that works for our Aussie so far.
I’m getting an Aussie on Saturday and I’m super excited to having a running buddy everyday since my current doggy isn’t able to keep up anymore and prefers to lay in the sun more 🥰
This video was heaven sent! I have an aussiedoodle puppy but we think she adopted mainly Aussie traits bc of the way she acts and looks. Everything you said has been 100% true so far but I'm so glad you mentioned that their personalities change. I love my puppy but she is an absolute devil. Looking forward to watching her grow up- Thanks!
We've raised 2 Aussies over the past 20+ years. The are absolutely the best dogs provided you have the time and energy to work with them. The good news is, 90% of the energy issues you describe have more to do with them being young. Once they get to be 3+ years in age, they still have energy when you want to do things but they slow down to more normal levels when you're not active. Good points about the mental stimulation though. Aussies are very intelligent and easy to train. They actually need the mental stimulation far more than the physical stimulation, but at times they need both. If you take the time to work with them, they reward you with being the best dogs you can imagine. Great personalities and just like people, they're all different. Still, they are very loyal and yes, they are velcro dogs. I wouldn't have it any other way!
This is a good vid, the velcro part is real. Aussies do best when actually working (you know like sheep herding) or when they have someone with them most of the time. Like if you work from home. She is so right about a schedule. I do two zoomie/ball/agility per day, usually, unless we are adventuring. They want their breakfast and dinner at the same time and I get gentle paw taps if zoomie time is late. They are the BEST dogs if you want a dog that demands your 100% and you are able and willing to provide that for them.
My mini Aussie will be 7 the day after thanksgiving. She has always been high energy until this past winter when the pandemic began. Now, mommy and daddy are home all the time but right before the pandemic she lost her sister. This was all a huge change for her. Our other pooch was a 17 year old fluffy white ball of fur! She was our Aussies job. Our older dog had lost her hearing, so when mommy or daddy came home, she woke her up, when it was time to eat, she’d go get her, when it was time to go out she would nudge her. Our Aussie’s name is Tipsy. For the first 3 months in her new home she enjoyed running between her sisters legs and tipping her over.... and we kept her tail which has a distinct white tip on the end. She is very much a Velcro dog who stays by my side 24/7! I don’t know what to expect when I eventually go back to the office. She has a bench to sit on beside mommy’s desk while I work during the week. She’s extremely intelligent, very vocal if even to talk to you when you’re not paying enough attention to her! Most definitely a very different and special breed of dog who will try herd mommy and daddy to the door to go out and huff and sigh when she doesn’t get her way. My mom has one of the other girls from the same litter. They are extremely different! My moms has always been quiet and tiny compared to my girl and a complete wiggle butt!
I just got my first mini Australian shepherd puppy.🐾 What a handful compared to my previous border collies..they were quiet and easy to train as puppies..no barking from them at all. This breed has a totally different energy level and the harsh incessant barking was an issue…especially when saying no while trying to train him….he was always challenging my rules..and fearless…it took loads of firm reinforcement..this might because he is a male and not neutered yet..maybe females are more obedient..I am not sure. This breed is just as smart as a border collie but needing much more firm discipline for sure..always with kindness..sensitive! I started adding more exercise ..short sessions..as opposed to one long walk..it really helped..and mental stimulation inside is ongoing. Every point you make is absolutely true..identical characteristics to my pup. Very vocal,they need lots of training to learn to be quiet when asked..my pup follows me every time to the bathroom and lays at my feet till I leave..so loyal and cute. Also not so cuddly as a puppy..but after 6 months old..very sweet and respectful to give kisses to wake me up etc.not barking..but he still likes his space..leans up against me to show affection,closeness. Great video.🇨🇦
I wish I knew that these dogs are extremely sensitive to anxiety and I would have taken care of my state of mind before I got one. 25 years with aussies by my side and they are HIGH energy! Thank you for this cuse they are high energy 24/24 7/7 12 months a year… nothing is enough!! But I am ok with this.
I can relate SO much!😂😅 Joke often is barking for attention, especially when we are on our walk and I stop and ignore him (to train him that it's not the world's ending if he gets no attention). After a while he quits and explores the area or something😄 but we still don't have the perfect inner silence in those moments...He would not lay down and chill - always waiting for a new task. But we are in training and it is going well😊 He also is the best example for the power of mental training. I taught him a lot of tricks to do and he just loves to follow his will to please and fascinate me with his talent of pleasing me😁 After that he is so tired, you can exactly tell how meaningful mentality Training ist for those dogs. And with all that personality I just love him with all his little quirks😍🙈
“THEY ARE ALOT “ …..😵💫 truer words have not been spoken !! Long story short ,you’ve possibly saved our relationship…My Winston is keeping this 49 year old sucking wind ,but I love him and his crazy high energy …he’s always so positive and eager so I think it may work ✨🙏✨
I love it 🤭 especially the beginning of the video. Got my blue merle girl 10years ago and fell in love with her right away. Lots of love from Germany 🌸
Very helpful video for our 1st Aussie. I am to very surprised how much energy they have and how different each day is …..we have 12 week puppy now…..wow. We had two Shellie’s 1 lived 15 year and our 2nd is now 14 years old…..so this our 3rd family dog. So after 14 years starting with new puppy is big change but I’m looking forward to higher energy dog and a bigger dog….but wow it is adjustment to the energy they have in this breed over a Sheltie.
This is accurate! Great video for people who wants to take an aussie and don't know if it will fit. I also forced hugs and kisses on my aussie and eventually she became the best cuddler 😁
I have 2 of them about 6 months apart in age. One came from a working bloodline and the other was more of a show breeder. They are completely different dogs, but they compliment each other very well.
We have two aussie pups and yes, high energy. I baby sit my grand daughter that is almost 3 years old, so she keeps them active and she loves it! My other half runs them, and we go hiking a lot, but yes, they need lots of training as well. :)
Very nice video and all you said is so very true. My wife and I had a Red Merle full size Aussie name Flame and she was a very sweet girl as long as no other dogs were around. Flame was breed as a show dog, but her nose was too long for her to compete. My wife got her through an Aussie Rescue because Flame didn't get along with other dogs and Flame had put two of her previous owner's dogs in the hospital. She would begin playing nice with other dogs until something in her brain would trigger off rage turning sweet Flame into psycho Flame and she would go on the attack against other dogs. Flame made it to her 15th birthday a year ago October, but sadly she passed away 3 days later. My wife had her for 11 of those years. Wife and I miss Flame very dearly and my wife would love to get another Red Merle Aussie. Last February, we adopted a Black Tri Color male full size Aussie name Winchester from an Animal Shelter and his personality is like an old sole in a young body. The shelter told us that at 17 months old he was done growing, but that turned out not to be true because he has grown quite a bit since then, now weighs about 70 pounds and its all muscle. Winchester is so much more stoutly built than Flame was, but we love him just the same. When we brought him home from the shelter, Winchester was very much shut down, but after working with him repeatedly over the next three months, he has come out of his shell and he is a much happier and healthier dog. His even temperament is so layed back, but he is still very much a Velcro dog. He suffers from separation anxiety and he can become very destructive if we leave him alone loose in the house for too long. If we are going to be gone for extended periods of time, we put him in a crate along with one of his favorite toys, which calms him down. Winchester just turned two this October and he is the only dog I ever owned that I can feel totally comfortable with walking him without a leash on because he refuses to leave my side. He gets along with other dogs just fine. He loves chasing wild rabbits in our yard and he has come very close to catching a couple of them, but the rabbits almost always outsmart him most of the time. Lol! Aussies are a great breed, but they do require lots of attention, plenty of exercise and weekly grooming. Sorry for the long post, but just wanted to share our Aussie experiences with you.
My Aussie is not like that at all. He naturally knows to wait outside the door for me if I go into another room. He is so happy when I come back. He is totally naturally knows what annoys me and then never crosses that line again. I've been amazed how easy he is. I find new learning game for him almost weekly. Tag, peak-a-boo. And now we are starting talk buttons cause he is way to smart. He love to learn. His name is Ringo and a total wiggle butt, love bug. He is 5 months old. I have not regretted getting him for one minute. ❤
We have 2 Aussies, one a year and 2 months (Stella -black and white), and the other 7 months (Nathaniel - Murel/tri?). Stella is ridiculously full of energy and always wanting to play fetch, and the other is pretty surprisingly laid back, although he has his squirmy moments. They both were rather cuddly from the beginning and Nathaniel will still lay there, but Stella is ready to play again in like 30 seconds 😅. DEFINITELY destructive if not given enough attention. I have a hard time staying awake often, and they get into trouble.... chewing underwear, wires (shes okay) the wall?!?!?, even jumped on the counter for a sponge. They have gotten so much better though with persistent training, but still will get into trouble once in a while. Currently I am not working, and they LOVE that lol!
They are very creative when it comes to making trouble- that is for sure! You have a great age gap between them. Nathaniel will keep teaching Stella his ways lol
Are there any differences from Standard aussies to minis? Im looking into adopting a mini!! Just wondering if their shedding is less. Also, are they a little less energized because of their size?
My Aussie is my best friend, we go on walks, swim 🏊♀️, play hide a seek, go for rides. He is a Red tri, I’m getting a blue Merle in one week and can’t wait for my second best friend
Omg I am a month late to getting back to this comment so you must have your second Aussie by now!!!! I hope things are going well? I hope they are best friends already!
I've got a Colloodle border collie/Poodle mix and he is perfect. Energetic intelligent and does not bark. No shedding 😁 .He is so smart and a great companion. He is frightened in the dark though. Can't get him to relax on his own at night
I wonder if it was just from being a small puppy that he couldn't relax at night? I'm sure you got it worked out by now. But that does sound like the perfect mix! No shedding is huge haha
WE have two aussies, one is exactly what you describe!! LIterally all of these things. My other one has been very cuddly from the beginning, and she has the ability to be super chill or lots of energy. The high energy one is going all the time. Both are velcro to the extreme, and I haven't been anywhere inside my house alone since I got them. But, that being said we love them to pieces.
We've done the same. Absorb any any all information on Aussies. We've had training sessions with a trainer; she has shared pointers and training tips that I had missed. One example, he, as a pup, ( growing bigger still) likes to jump on people. She saw me correcting him on this behavior, then reminded me that I didn't praise him when he DID put all four paws on the ground..most of the annoying puppy behavior such as nipping, was gone by 7 months..Aussies are incredibly quick studies with training. Enjoy your puppy! 🐕
My dad said i could have a dog in 2 YEARS but i cant stop watching theses vids pls can you tell me where you got ur puppy as i would like to do a bit more research
Megan, awesome job, I've recused a 2 and half year old. Odie, is the sweetie Aussie in the world, he was put into Quarantine by Isabella County (Mt. Pleasant, Michigan) for Nipping at a girl. His then family decided to rehome him, I've owed Australian shepherd before so I jumped into. He is so so very spoiled, and he loves car rides. Give them alot of room to run, and loves to walk. I've also rescued a blue/setter and recently add a Alaskan Malamute, we reside in Owosso. Plus.... Go Green
I appreciate the kind words, Jeff! Odie is lucky to have you. I dream of buying a large plot of land in MI to let them run loose on one day. Go White!!! :)
Thank You for this video! I had a Great Dane (now in Heaven) & am considering an Aussie Shepherd, a Border Collie, or an Aussie Shepherd-Border Collie mix. I live at the foot of the Rocky Mtns & want a buddy to walk, hike, kayak (lakes not whitewater) & camp with. In I trained my Dane to both silent & verbal commands & would want to do the same with my next pup. Your info on high energy behaviors, vocalizing for attention & really sticking to you everywhere inside ("velcro" dog I really think I would love) is just the kind of 411 I need. TY! PS- When my Dane was with me the breeder had her own Dane develop a barking issue- she used a gentle, safe citronella collar to stop her Dane from barking. It worked like magic within 2 days & made her dog smell like a lemon drop for those 2 days. If you ever feel like you want more control w/barking in the future you might want to learn about citronella collars for dogs. Hope this is helpful!
My Aussie was a huge snuggler as a puppy... she was not a great sleeper as a pup so we’d end up sitting on the couch at like 5am and she would finally sleep on me... now she’s 8 months & first thing after she goes out in the morning she wants us to sit on the couch together so she can lay on me & take a little cat nap 😂💓
my girlfriend and I are getting a border Aussie mix In about a month (family friends dogs had a litter) we already chose which one we want (red coat female) the dad is a service dog and the mom is a cattle dog, really hope she gets her parents smarts lol, we’re super excited as we love both breeds!
My boys are BC / Aussie mixes. Romeo (the red merle in my prof photo) passed at 10 years old, but his brother Mojo "whistles" and barks. Romeo always laid on my head :D
Hi Megan, I enjoyed your video. Awesome. I have one and she is exactly like yours. The one thing I want to tell you is they are jealous. You’re bringing a new puppy and I understand the love for them , but he might react to that. So just be careful. Always let him know he is your number 1.
Thanks so much, Rozanah! You are so right- my oldest will totally intervene if the younger one is getting attention. I love that they are so smart and have big personalities but there can be jealousy for sure.
Thanks for talking about personality. My 11-week-old toy Aussie has been so mean and I've had a couple of breakdowns because of it. I'm hoping things get better.
Aussies do not sleep, they recharge. The Aussies we have had are were not barkers, but they are very vocal with their various voices. We teach them to use their soft voice. They will however bark as an alert to perceived danger. Sasha (11 month old blue merle female) gets the zoomies, she is like a fighter jet on after burners in the backyard. Sasha is a consummate athlete. Sasha is however a chewer. She only chews on the things we give her. Plush toys are out, proper raw bones are in. She goes to town on the composite wood stick from the pet store and her Kong. And yes, Aussies are nuts, velcro, smarter than 90% of the people I have known, and they are absolute blessings.
I have a 3 year old red Merle Aussie named George...he's starting to mellow a little, but he's still a menace to society. I love him to death but he can be an absolute Auss hole at times. He loves to roll on our pillows too, and he's very vocal. He has the loudest bark I've ever heard....it's the tone of it too, it just explodes in your brain.
My Aussie changed my personality. Taught me about getting up from my lazy ass and unconditional loyalty
ABSOLUTELY !!
Agreed 100%!
mine makes me feel like a lazy ass as well
Unconditional loyalty for sure 🎯
@@MeganStoughton Interesting video. Just to let you know, scientists scanned women's brains when they watched photos of their children and their dogs. The women had exactly the same centers in the brain activated in the same way when they saw the photos of their children and their dogs. Your brain indeed loves your dog as much as it loves your children.
My unruly aussie wandered into my yard when she was approximately 7 months old. She hadn't been spayed or had ANY type of training. But she was the absolute best "gift" I have ever received. We had nearly 16 incredible years together. 💖
That’s a crazy story! I love how long you had together. The universe works in crazy ways!
I had an Aussie/border collie mix (Megan) and she was the best smartest dog ever. I adopted Megan as a companion for my other dog Morgan who was a border collie/golden mix. They played together and burned energy. My fiancé and I would take them for really long walks twice daily as well. Megan knew a few commands when I adopted her and she learned the rest quickly. She loved stuffed animals and at one point had well over 70 and knew the name of each one. Even ones she hadn’t played with in a long time I could say “Megan get Mertyl” and she’d come back with the correct baby! When we moved to Alaska she made best friends with a moose! Every day after work I’d get her from daycare and we’d come home and I’d let her out into the (fenced) back yard and she’s there with the moose (we named her Millie) nose to nose on either side of the fence! It was their routine every evening and when Megan crossed the Rainbow Bridge Millie came looking for her every night for 2 weeks before she finally gave up
I’ve had my aussies for 4 years and couldn’t imagine life without them. I definitely think 2 is the most I could handle. But they are extremely different, they both love eachother and I’m glad I have 2.
Same here! More than 2 and I would need to clone myself honestly hahaha or move to a farm.
Do they bark when they hear something? Mine is 5mos and Never let us know when she hear something
This is really good info for average viewers. If there is one thing I can add it's that any dog can be high energy, training and mental stimulation is FAR more important and tiring than physical stimulation. I still would not recommend an Aussie to everyday owners, but if you know how to train them they can be incredibly laid back, fun, rewarding and incredibly loving dogs.
My Aussie is 1 in a million. She’s super laid back and matches my energy level every day. Not destructive what so ever if we can’t get out that day, etc. I know they say tris are more laid back versus merles so maybe it’s that lol
🦋 My 6-yr old Border Collie/Aussie mix is like yours, matches my energy. We hike The Rocky Mtns where we live 3-14 hrs a day, most days, but Hank doesn't require or demand it. We enjoy the outdoors, mountainous trails. I've never seen Hank destroy anything inside or outside.
My Happy, Handsome Hank is talkative yes, but easy going, relaxed, ready to go, eager to please, content and needs no management from me. I'm very lucky!
I love to hear Hank TALK to me. Hank has stuff to say.
Hank's My Best Friend EVER!!!
🐕👩🦳🗻
I agree with this, this is how my mini aussie is. Most of the time, we are completely in sync.
My Aussies were like that
My Winston is a tri and I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that may be a myth ,just based on mine…We joke about his “Hyperactive-hypoglycemic-ADHD’ish” behavior…but seriously after some validation on breed quirks ,it’s all good 😊
I have 4 Aussies and 4 of their puppies currently, they are not at all hyper . I had my male when I lived in an apartment and never had any issue with him. I actually get sick often and they stay in bed with me for days on end. I have mom and dad then their son and daughter, maybe I just lucked out with this bloodline, but they are lazy. Puppies lazy too
We live on a farm so they can get out and run but I definitely had one in an apartment without any issue for years
As a puppy parent and now baby parent it’s totally comparable! Doggies are genuinely apart of your family! My pup prepared me for motherhood for sure.
My 9 wk old is super cuddly. She sleeps w me.
Megan - thank you SO much. This has made me feel way less crazy. Like a few weeks ago, I was sort of/giving up. So many things have been ruined, he had his neuter surgery plus a hernia repair surgery and could NEVER sit still or be calm to let the wounds heal (regardless of cone of shame or "recovery suit") but that's not on him (Fynn), it's on me for getting an Aussie without a big back yard. Your video has helped me understand my bubba boy (more) in a real way vs. a "text book" way. Good job and thank you. Aussie's are literally amazing and I'm obsessed and grateful to have Fynn in my life. And I've been a dog mom to a bunch of other breeds in the past....
Thank you about your HONESTY about their energy level and exercise/mental stimulation needs! So important if you're looking you need to be ready! It is so true puppies are not super cuddly at first like people expect. They need to bond with you and then its on like donkey kong! Haha! Great video!
Awh thank you so much!!!🤗 I appreciate it!
@@MeganStoughton I'm looking for an Aussie for my Service Dog, so they would be eventually going out with me and a ton of training, stimulation and all that fun jazz. Do you think an Aussie would still be too high energy or does this sound like good exercise for the day when I'm not actually wearing them out and exercising them?
Prob because so smart they need mental or physical stimulation.
My mini Aussie sings like a husky and I was sooo surprised when she started being vocal I didn’t expect it 😭 it’s honestly super funny how clingy she can be.
OMG right?? Hahaha I didn’t expect it at all either
My Aussie is turning 13 and I wish I could add to your "weirdly vocal" section. I completely get what you mean and love the weird grones, whines and yips she makes to communicate. We learned early on that she will mimick sounds and have taught her to say "hello" and "i love you" which she is stubborn about doing now but loves to whip out this trick in the drive thru for extra treats.
I had a full-blown conversation (dare I say argument?) with my Aussie Keed this morning after he asked do go outside yet refused as soon as he saw it was raining. He cracks me up. I love that yours pulls out all the stops for an extra treat- how crafty! :-)
I must have a SUPER rare Aussie
He is the most laid back, cuddle bug! That NEEDS a good nap at least twice a day! He's 4 years old now, and he was never a hyper pup. 🐶
Rare indeed! How sweet though. I love the cuddles!
I see both in my new 9 mos old. Hyper scares me more.
Wow mine could power a small town with her energy
Dude same my girl is 6 and she has always been so chill. Like I a cat!!!
Same for my dog . She walked with me every day , but she also was very mellow at home and slept a lot . I miss her every day 😪.
I have 2 Aussies. I keep hearing about how energetic they are. Both of mine are so lazy. They will go out and run for maybe 5 minutes and then it's time for a nap! My first Aussie who is now 4 didn't bark at all until last year. The other one yips like a coyote and does it every time someone comes in the door, no matter who it is.
I was just saying my Aussie is 5mos and Never bark when someone at door it she hear something. And that's what I want her to do. I don't know why she don't warn us when she hear something. And I seen how fluffy everyone Aussies are, Mine is skinny and don't have much fur
@janwil-yu8gw could your dog have a problem hearing? Do you try saying her name softly, or using different pitches ?
Glad to hear this. I think all dogs take up energy of the owners I don’t want one that’s gonna wanna run nonstop for 2 hours. lol I’m learning about this breed to see if on the most part is gonna be a good fit for us
I just lost my 13 year old Aussie, she was the best. Definitely vocal, not barking as we did not encourage that, but wining and groaning and lots of sighing. I loved it, the older she got the more it felt like we were having actual conversations, I new what she meant and she understood me. I would agree with the high energy for the most part, I got her for agility so we trained a lot with that when she was young and I think that helped, and all through her life we trained and walked at least 2 hours a day. My girl wasn't super snuggly, but as you said that's probably more to do with how I trained her, I'm not super snuggly so she wasn't either. She would lay next to me and was always close by, but not all over me, which I liked. The last 5 years of her life she really was the perfect dog, but that grows over time as the bond and training grow. I probably will get another Aussie as she really was the best and other breeds seem to pale in comparison to what we had, though I'm sure other people feel the same about their dogs.
Giiiirrrlll #1 is sooo TRUE! We would play outside then go for a walk. She would nap for maybe 15 mins. Then full of energy ready to play! She's the Energizer Bunny just keeps going and going.
I feel your pain girly! Fetch and training are the key
I love the video. I lost my 16 old red healer 18 months ago.came across a friend who raises show aussies, she had 3 didn’t meet shown quality.i bought one and couldn’t resist, called and took the male too. I was so surprised, the night he came home a week later, they acted just like they were wondering when the other one went.
Best decision I ever made, they keep each other occupied. Active, in training, never pooped in the kennel or house.
Kennel tracing is the only way. I have a fenced acre so mine love outside when I’m home.
Getting Ricky and Lucy best decision ever made Most wonderful breed💯
Omg I am jealous of your fenced acre!!! I bet your pups absolutely love that! How fun💗
My Aussie has been with me 24/7 for her entire life from 8 weeks and for the past 12 years. I travel often for a couple weeks at a time and she may wait in the truck for a few minutes but I never leave her at home. EVER. She will do anything I ask her to do and I don't even have to ask anymore. She just knows
Ive had four over the years. They're all a little different in personality. We have two now. Yes to the "velcro" dog trait. You have given great tips for new owners. Our youngest is now about 4 and half months old. We live on a farm with two horses and a flock of chickens. Our biggest challenges at the moment is recalling him and keeping his herding instincts in check around the animals. Excercise and training are key. We work off leash on the farm so vocal commands are a big thing. Lots of treats in my pockets at all times. One thing about this breed is that they are very smart, bred to work and take direction and always looking to please. Positive re-enforcement is sometimes challenging when they're "free lancing". Redirecting them back to positive behavior and giving praise and a treat has to be constant and consistent. It takes a lot of time every day. The older dog knows the rules and helps us train the pup which is also very helpful re-enforcement.
I have a red and blue merle that are father and son that I acquired back in 2012. Wonderful pets! They do bark and I love it! I am a single 45 year old man wearing hearing aids since I was 3! Having Zach and Bo have been my ears living alone! They will not get on any furniture once so ever nor will they jump on you! To me dogs this size shouldn't take over our furniture! You have to train them with their own because of the shedding and stepping in pee and poop every day... unless you baby wipe them every time then no hig deal! I treat them just like kids with extra set of rules as part of what I've mentioned previously. I also lay towels down on days when it's rainy and muddy out, I teach them every day to wipe your feet and let me tell you they do it everytime! Shout out to you on your video on helping others wanting to own or owns a AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD! Bravo!
Thanks so much, Chuck! Your pups are in great hands
Feed the dog at night and not in the morning. Train it better. Our Aussie lives on a yacht full time. Your issues except the shedding are all around proper training. They are actually far happier and at ease with boundaries.
Our mini Aussie is 5 months and this is the most accurate video I've ever seen on them. We love her, we have made it work (we are also a younger couple with no kids and work from home), but no one is really prepared for the energy and voice of your average Aussie personality until you have one!
We had no idea what the demanding nature of a high energy breed would be (needing a job after literally every nap). We also had no idea how much we would be challenging her not to bark. I thought that with enough exercise and stimulation she wouldn't have an interest in barking... that's not the case and I now take back all judgement I ever passed on owners with vocal dogs.
Teaching quiet is an ongoing battle for us too haha
Great vid.
Also - please make more videos! I would love to know more about your challenges and how you worked to overcome them/ are continuing to work on it. Most dog TH-camrs gloss over the hard stuff and your honesty is so refreshing!
@@lorraineec I appreciate that so much! Thank you! :) I hope you are doing well!
Hi Megan, Great Video, THANKS for sharing your Aussie experience with all of us. I’m retired so my time with my two female Aussie girls is almost unlimited. I grew up having an Aussie and showing Appaloosa Horses. So my first Aussie “Tequila” just found her place on the farm and didn’t understand why she couldn’t ride her own horse. Tequila was a red Merle that would wait outside of the the store I was in shopping. And growl if anyone got in her personal space. Whether I was driving or on horseback made no difference. Once is a habit with these dogs. I was the guy with a spotted horse and the sported dog.
Fast forward, didn’t care for retirement so I got the bright idea to start breeding Aussies. All Double registered Purebred of Champion Bloodlines.
I looked for 18 months on Puppy Finder and found a breeder that would let me wait for the next litter to buy my pick of the litter. (FYI Breeders usually never do this. While I was waiting a previous litterS deal didn’t pass this breeders requirements.
She had a Female Blk-Tri that was four months old and raised and trained very well. I lucked out. After 2 Five hundred mile round trip Joy and I were a match. And I passed the breeders required veterinary and personal references. My Joy cried all the way home. She is crate trained and goes on the AKC Show Circuit a few months a year. It is so expensive that she goes with the trainer/handler and his groom. Hotels, Mileage, Handling fees, grooming fees, sometimes 4 shows a weekend. 9 more points and Joy will be an AKC Gold Champion Aussie. She is from a top bloodline of all champions.
When she hopped into the shower behind me, I realized Joy needed her own Aussie.
Hence, my second Aussie a Red-tri Female, “Auburn” This one is 12 weeks old and wired for sound. Week one she digested a chew toy. 1st bill $850. Cha Ching. She has the prettiest Amber her Ophthalmologist has ever seen. She was in every regard like bringing home a two year old toddler. She got into the dishwasher to help clear the plates, she opens French Door, kitchen cabinets and even the mail.
She eats everything morsel of any substance she can fit in her mouth. Learning the command “Leave It” was a challenge. She was like raising a child to play the piano at Carnegie Hall. Now 5 years later Auburn is the best Dog I have ever raised ( More than a Dozen so far. ) She must have a task every day or she goes bonkers…..sorry for my many words but your topic is my Love. Mike
Thanks for sharing MIKE! I enjoyed reading your story! I am considering an Aussie doodle, and wondering if the poodle part will affect some of these potential challenges🤔
I am interested in getting an Aussie, so this is super helpful. Thanks!
Of course!
Aussies are amazing, so lovable and so loyal.
Thank you. It is very informative video. I was considering an aussie, and I just spent 3 days with a 12 weeks old aussie puppy. I agree, you can read about the high energy and think that you can do this, but try it first! I was exhaused after 3 days with this puppy. Oh, one more thing - the cuddly part. The puppy I had (for 3 days) was very cuddly. HIs favourite thing was getting on the bed with you and he would get so quiet and still and all up against you being soo cuddly. This was the only way to calm him down. He was usually not allowed on the bed (plus he could not just jump on it because he was too small) and I think that it was like an ultimate treat for him, so he cherished it, and was a perfect angel when on the bed. So, if you think that you can handle the energy and training for an aussie, do not give up because you think that they are not cuddly. I met a very very cuddly one. They are out there!
I have a 1 year 4 month old mini Ausie doodle definitely more Ausie. She is the best dog we ever had, yes high energy but also so loving and cuddly makes us laugh every day. We are getting her sister in a couple weeks same mom and dad. Very excited and hoping her new sister will add some excitement to her life. I work from home so I’m here all day however she gets bored. As long as I get her out for a couple walks a day a long one in the morning and short one in the evening along with some playtime with a neighbor dog she is perfect. Can’t wait to see what adding another will bring to our life 😊
I have a rescue dog that I never knew what her breed is. Today I met a guy who said “ is she an Aussie “. I explained that because she is a rescue I’d never known what kind of dog she is.. He said that his dog is an Aussie and looks just like mine. He showed me pictures which made me a believer. I was looking on TH-cam for some information when I seen yours. My “Sugar” acts exactly like your dogs. Actually it never made any difference what breed she was and I never researched either. But Now I Know For Sure ! !
I will be watching your videos . By the way, Sugar is 12- 13 yrs. Old I rescued her after she was dropped off by my house and have loved her every day since then..
All of this is SO spot on! My aussie pup is 9 months, and she is the most vocal dog i’ve ever known 😂
Dude I feel your pain- my youngest is 9 months too and he always has something to say I swear 😩
Girl.... you are spot on with this, I have a 7 month old and she fits your top 5! I keep telling myself she will be a good dog someday!!
My second Aussie Mosey is 8 months right now and he is a menace! Total ausshole. Don’t worry, they mellow out but it takes some time.
My Australian Shepherd had reign of the woods and the mountains in her younger years, so she was pretty much always tuckered out after running around with the other neighborhood dogs. Made things a hell of a lot easier, and now she’s living a comfy and lazy retirement with my parents in Florida lol.
I had both my dogs from 9 weeks old, I took the time to train them and stop them from developing bad habbits. They are both amazing aussies and both super chill. Unless were on hikes then they become spaz buckets. I also make sure they get a good solid hour of exercise with me every day to kock them out.
Not being able to use the bathroom or shower by yourself is just good practice for when you have kids. I haven't slept alone, peed alone, or showered alone in 8 years 😭😂😂
Hahahaha hang in there sister!!
We have 2 Full Aussies (tri-color red merles) one with a tail one with out. We got them when they were puppies and now they are 6 and 8 months (technically still puppies). We are both in our late 50's and work full time, I think the comment about active life style is true, just because you might consider yourself an out door hiking, biking, running etc type of person that this would be the right dog for you is misleading. These dogs are working dogs and need jobs to do, what ever that job is it is important to them. We did have a trainer come to the house and for 3 weeks for training and we will be doing off leash training in June when they are a little older and I do believe that not just with these dogs but any dog you should get training. We do live in Colorado and they love the mountains and the snow for sure and every morning we take them out to play, but we spend a good amount of time with mental games. For us this is the most fun activity with them as Megan stated does get them tired faster. We try to teach them a new trick once a week and rotate to re-enforce previous tricks. The one good thing is that both of them do tire themselves out playing together, but they want us to be out there watching them. They both do have very different personalities so that is also something to get used to because of how they interact with us is so different. One is more laid back than the other, one is more vocal than the other, one is more cuddly than other. I could go on on. Also one is more attached to me than my wife, in a way you could say we each have our own dog :). Also agree no alone time they are by our side all day long and even wait outside the bathroom door for us to get out. I will be cooking and she will lay on my feet. One loves to be carried while the other doesn't. From what I can tell from my neighbor who also got an aussie from the same place we did on the same day that leaving them alone at home in a crate for 8 hours can change their personality. We are lucky we work out of the house so we are with them 24 hours a day, which brings its own challenges. Like little kids they want to play all the time and think we have all the time in the world for them, but at the same time the bond between us is super strong because we are with them all the time and always talking to them or doing tricks with them. The intent was to take them ski touring next year, but looking at how different they are we suspect only one will really like it the other one will be more about playing with toys. We will see. Either way I think that like any other dog training is key, and they adjust to your energy level, now if you are a complete coach potato then this might not be the breed for you, I would say the one key thing is that I do think they are breed that needs a little more attention than some other breeds. They do love to be loved, not saying that other dogs don't but these are more towards the higher end.
I have an Aussie/Lab mix (not a designer Aussidore, but the offspring of an Aussie that was tagged by a Lab...whoops!). This is my second one, the first I had for 14 years. I truly believe that it is the good nature of the Lab, along with the energy of the Aussie, and the combined intelligence of each breed that makes this mix fantastic. My last girl looked like an Aussie, while my current boy looks more like the Lab. Both had/have the incredible energy to do a job, even if that job is a form of play. Structure was/is important. When that structure is interrupted, one must be immediately prepared to give the dog direction, before they make a decision on their own.
I hear you about the shedding! Brushing once or twice a week will suffice, until the shedding in the Spring and Fall, where daily raking of the undercoat they blow is required.
Thanks for the video...enjoyed it!
I appreciate the kind comment, Michael! Thank you kindly!
Getting an Aussie puppy the first week of March, have watched this video about 10 times, very nervous and excited. Thanks for the great video!
Good luck! As someone who is almost a week into having an 8 week old aussie puppy, #1 is very very true. She's a great girl so far tho, already knows to whine by the door for potty breaks! Can't wait til she's older and I have more time for sleeping lol. But she's a great girl and watching them learn new things and be excited to be around you is a feeling like no other 😊
Hi Maxim! I hope things are going well with your pupper! :) Thanks so much for the kind words.
I have a 10 acre hobby farm with goats and chickens. Trooper our Australian Shepherd stays busy, always moving, likes his job watching the free ranging chickens. But, he freaks out with loud sounds and some power tools. Hates thunder and will hide in the woods for hours. If inside he cries and wants to climb on you. Very trainable. If scolded, he pouts. Loves hunting chipmunks and squirrels. Kills mice. Chases deer. Loves the car. Not noisy at all, but barks when alerting. Loves the 5 month long winters in Northern Michigan.
I’m bringing my boys home to Michigan for the holidays and I can’t wait for them to run around in the cooler weather! Trooper sounds like a great guy!!
I have a bad back and I'm on disability. Ringo is an Australian Merle he's beautiful. Mentally challenge them with tasks. Hide and seek during the coronavirus you could hide something and let them find it. That actually wears them down more than if you did any physical activity. They're waiting to be told what to do and how to do it. There's a way around hyperactivity hi patch in my house I throw the ball and he catches that I have him go find something he knows all his stuff toys by name. Play hide and seek. Ask him to go find something there's always something you can do with an Aussie to mentally challenge them to wear them out. I can barely get around with my back being bad and he is no problem with me at all he's just got into the group of what we I love love him so much. They will outsmart you. The way beyond smart a lot of them get taken back to a shelter if they were a rescue dog. You have to out smart them.
A sheltie owner who thinks about getting an ausie pup:
Hyper - yeah... First 1.5-2 years. Alan is at 2 and half and he has calmed down a lot compared to last year. Sure, i still need to play with him at least twice a day inside and he needs at least one 1 hour long walk a day in park chasing other dog. But as you said, training solves a lot of things.
Barking - yeah, i am definitely reminded of everything that happens behind the door and some nagging and murmur is normal. However, the moment when he gets the loudest is during vacuuming. Now i trained him to carry around his squeaky toy so instead of barking he bites and sqeaks. It turned out to be a great muscle workout for him plus it's adorable seeing him squeaking angirly at the hose. Ausie would be manageable
Shedding - as a spinner: MORE 100% NATURAL FIBER TO SPIN! YAY! I need more wool for that shawl so bring it on!
Personality change - that's a good thing! It means that these dogs can be shaped into anything! A companion, a working dog, a lap dog, anything. Waaaay better than hit and miss with some other breeds.
Clinginess - i haven't been able to close bathroom doors for 2 years either. No big deal, since i live alone
So overall, ausies sound like really just a size upgrade from a sheltie. Thank you for confirming what i wasn't sure about before. I've veen searching for this kinds of videos where people actually know what they are talking about, bot just introducing the breed as a whole, for a few days to see how similar or different it would be to have an ausie too. I'm thrilled to learn that it's literally just a size upgrade compared to what i already have :D
Haha omg I love this comment- thank you for all the details. I love your attitude! SO COOL that you use the fur for projects- very resourceful!
It's been 2 years since you posted so you probably have an Aussie by now. As a previous Sheltie owner who currently owns a 3 year old Aussie (had him since 12 weeks old) .... similar but different. Aussies are more independent thinkers, problem solvers, always trying to figure out what you want from them or how to get what they want. I wouldn't trade Harley for anything but definitely was different than raising or living with any sheltie I've known. The communication with him is so different than with any dog I've known and I've known and lived with quite a few! Friends with Aussies say the same thing.
I also have an Aussie! #1 is partly true for my dog. She has LOTS of energy but she doesn’t need to use it all, and she is an outside dog so she can run whenever she wants.
She runs with us when we go four-wheeling; we go on my grandpas crop fields to their house (after they harvest of course)which is about a mile away. So LOTS of energy
I also taught her some tricks over quarantine; shake/high five; lay; jump; beg; spin; put the treat in front of her but she has to wait until I say ‘ok!’
#2 is true, she always whines and barks for about 2 minutes whenever we see her, even if we just saw her 5 minutes ago😂 she grumbles whenever we are playing with her and she barks when we have her toy
During the spring, the garage is FILLED with her hair (we let her sleep in the garage because she just barks all night at the coyotes, at first it was because it was really cold one night so we didn’t want her to get cold, but she absolutely loves the cold so she would have been fine tho)
Great work on all of the quarantine tricks! That's awesome
I enjoyed this video so much.I giggled through the whole thing as my 4 year old blue merle lay next to me.I raised 4 Aussies since 2001.Two of them sisters.I was lucky they were medium energy.Now I own my 4 year old baby who is crazy.Her name is Khary and she LOVES to bark.It's really hard to deal with but also very loving,comical,protective and my best friend.I wouldn't trade her for anything.Btw I also can't use the bathroom alone.
I’m right here with you Kathi- hard but worth it!! I love that yours is named Khary. Khary + Kathi 💗💗
So interesting how all aussies are different too! My miniature Australian shepherd is one of the quietest dogs I know. Everything else is stereotypical though. But I love how easily trainable and willing to please they are! As for the velcro behavior, he knows the "leave it" command, and I apply "Leave it" to myself as well. He'll back up and then I'll pet him after he gives me space. I taught him to snuggle me when I pat my side. He caught on really fast!
Number five can not be stressed enough! Lol i often wish for a play date or daycare break
RIGHT??? They're like little toddlers
This video is helpful on learning about Aussies. Because they are at the top of my list as far as type of Dog I want.
Thank you for the video and information on Aussies. We have an 8 month old red and white Aussie, and every trait that you mentioned applies. Ss far as shedding goes, that's nothing compared to the collies I've owned in the past.
As far as the energy level, having an invisible fence allows him to run around the yard freely, play fetch, and bark at everything! For a puppy, he has never destroyed anything..we make sure he has chew toys and bones. Using a crate is a must. A true velcro dog! We have gates to keep him out of certain areas. The only reason that he doesn't go in the bathroom with me is because that's my 5 year old cat's job.
You’re crushing it! I’m very jealous of your invisible fence- how fun! 😊
Apparently there’s a lovely reason why doggo’s follow you to the throne, i believe it comes down to the fact that they know when they are peeing or pooing they’re vulnerable, so when you go do your business they see you as being vulnerable, so they follow you to the toilet to stand guard and protect you
Hahaha wait that makes so much sense- love it! How funny. Thanks for the new insight!
Girl, I feel you. We have an Ausky and when he was a puppy I literally day dreamed about getting rid of him regularly. He's now 10 months so glad we have put in the time because he is molding into such a fine boy. Still a lot of work though and I was wanting an emotional support dog to watch Netflix with me and he is NOT that. Anyways, we were happy to take him off the streets in Mexico and we love him so much. Thanks for this video these all resonated so much and tell Austin hello, we lived there for 13 years before moving to Jalisco.
Omg an Ausky!!! I have never heard of that before but I can't IMAGINE those two breeds combined. Bless you guys! Hahaha I feel you on the "learning to love" curve that has to happen after the daydreaming of peace and quiet phase LOL
I’m so excited I’m a getting a Australian shepherd mixed with boarder collie on the 22nd she’s such a cute little peanut 😍🧡
Omg!!! You will have so much fun! Best of luck girly
I have one!! They are so amazing you are going to love that dog so much!
i´am soooo in love with this breed.
I picked up a Chiweenie someone was re-homing a few weeks ago. At the last minute they said they would throw in an Aussie puppy for free. I am a huge dog person so of course I could not say no. She is absolutely beautiful. She is mostly white and has bright blue eyes. I have had dogs all my life and I am used to energetic dogs. I even have a bull terrier mix. But man you are not kidding when you say Aussie's are energetic. She just does not stop. I have 5 dogs and even when all the others have had enough playing and are starting to doze off, she is still running around trampling them while they are trying to sleep. I was in bed trying to get some work done on my phone last night and she was chewing on my arm, licking my face, running on top of me, dropping the bone she was chewing on my chest, chewing on the fan next to my bed until like 4 a.m. It's a good thing I have a large yard. I am going to have to try to run the energy out of her every night before bed time so she can calm down and relax.
I get my Aussie the 23rd and I loved watching this so I could prepare more for him
Do you recommend any breeders
@@daniberry6625 I don’t really know any I got my puppy as a Christmas gift so I don’t really know the person well besides she’s a friend of my cousins but I’m sure there is some reliable breeders and you can always check local dog pounds too because sometimes they get them in as well because people don’t understand how much energy they have . I have a Australian Shepard/ cattle dog and I’m sure she’s not going to hit the energy level of my puppy but she stays pretty busy
@@Welcometothehiv3 thanks!❤️
I hope you guys are getting along great so far! Puppyhood goes by fast so enjoy it while you can!
@@MeganStoughton he’s amazing . A little demon but amazing lol . We are going through the phase of if I’m not holding him at all times then I must pay for my sins and he bites the crap out of my ankles since that’s all he can reach
We have always had Border Collies, but recently rescued a 3 yo Aussie. Great dog, he has just completely adopted us and is doing great. Funny thing is, in the middle of the night, he let out a single looooong mournful howl. Creeped us out. Nightmare I suppose. Our first BC used to howl when the firetruck and ambulance came by with their sirens on. Aussie's and BC's are the best!
OMG my younger puppy will howl in the middle of the night too. Super sad sounding. For seemingly no reason hahaha
most of the videos I have looked up trying to get information all just repeat the basic common aspects of the dog breed. size, color, general temperament, history etc. this video provided personalized information that has depth and to me adds value. great video thank you for sharing.
Pretty much every point she makes is the exact opposite of our aussi. We have had ours for 3.25 years now. She has a lot of energy, but it has always been easy to wear her out with a few fetch sessions throughout the day or a walk. She also never barks, unless there is a delivery man at the front door. She was very affectionate from day one, we got her at 6 wks. She has always been cuddly. She is definitely a Velcro dog, but she likes her own time as well and will relax on her own throughout the day.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It sounds like you have a great pup.
I got my now 3 yr old Tri female last year. She adjusted quickly from living at a large farm/ kennel to being an indoor dog. She was so easy to housebreak, leash train and live alongside our cat. She loves canoeing, hiking or anything else new. She's calm, heels off leash and loves visits to friends' homes to hang out. Not a jumper or barker, even when the doorbell rings...only when she has to go potty if I don't notice her "tells". She loves to play with toys, her doggy pals and is the most contented and cuddly dog I've ever owned. I think she likes belonging to "her" people and getting 1:1 attention. Friends fight to babysit her when we travel. Sounds like we got lucky...I didn't seek out this breed, and based on most of the comments, it'd probably be hard to find another one like ours!
@@arminto since my last post we got another Aussie. Now he is about a year old. Same parents, different liter. Loves his older sister and his new 8 wk old baby human brother. He is even even more cuddly and sweet than his older sister. And we didn’t think that anyone could’ve be sweeter than his older sis. I think we just found the right breeder!
I love Aussies! I had one named Clancy. He was the BEST dog ever. He was a red Merle. He was high energy, but still so, so, SO, well behaved. He was a farm dog, and he loved all animals. He was so very protective! Even on the day that he sadly passed, he was still trying to protect us. He would protect our chickens, goats, and hogs from whatever came their way! Our neighbors have pit bulls, and a husky, (And some Chihuahua mix) and the husky was a big chicken killer. (MY neighbors are not very good dog owners at all, it's awful.) They just dragged the dog off, and didn't do anything after they watched it kill a chicken. (We tried to save the chicken, but they are very fragile creatures). Anyways, Clancy wasn't able to save the chicken, because he was at the groomers. But he chased off those other dogs before, so, so many times. He was a bit of a good thief, (Well, a big food thief!), but gosh I loved him to death! I still do. He sadly passed on February 3rd, 2022. He had Cancer, and the type that it was, it was unnoticeable until the day he passed, and it was to late. If you want to try and catch this awful cancer in your precious pup before it is sadly to late, when your dog goes for its checkup at the vet, get your baby a scan. It may be extremely expensive, but gosh, it's worth it! Love your dogs, because one day, they won't be there. Now, go hug your dog!!
Obedience training is a must. We started that at day one and crate training. We are t high energy but make it work. He gets lots of mental stimulation to help him and that works for our Aussie so far.
100% true. I didn’t realize it until you con firmed it, but my Australian Shepherd is exactly the same. Great tips
Appreciate it, Bradd! They are great dogs :)
I’m getting an Aussie on Saturday and I’m super excited to having a running buddy everyday since my current doggy isn’t able to keep up anymore and prefers to lay in the sun more 🥰
Awh how fun! Best of luck to you! (-:
This video was heaven sent! I have an aussiedoodle puppy but we think she adopted mainly Aussie traits bc of the way she acts and looks. Everything you said has been 100% true so far but I'm so glad you mentioned that their personalities change. I love my puppy but she is an absolute devil. Looking forward to watching her grow up- Thanks!
Jessica Panicker Hang in there girly! I’m so glad this was helpful! (-: thanks for watching!!
I have an aussiedoodle as well and yes! It is the same thing! This really helped me also!
We've raised 2 Aussies over the past 20+ years. The are absolutely the best dogs provided you have the time and energy to work with them. The good news is, 90% of the energy issues you describe have more to do with them being young. Once they get to be 3+ years in age, they still have energy when you want to do things but they slow down to more normal levels when you're not active.
Good points about the mental stimulation though. Aussies are very intelligent and easy to train. They actually need the mental stimulation far more than the physical stimulation, but at times they need both. If you take the time to work with them, they reward you with being the best dogs you can imagine. Great personalities and just like people, they're all different. Still, they are very loyal and yes, they are velcro dogs. I wouldn't have it any other way!
This is a good vid, the velcro part is real. Aussies do best when actually working (you know like sheep herding) or when they have someone with them most of the time. Like if you work from home. She is so right about a schedule. I do two zoomie/ball/agility per day, usually, unless we are adventuring. They want their breakfast and dinner at the same time and I get gentle paw taps if zoomie time is late. They are the BEST dogs if you want a dog that demands your 100% and you are able and willing to provide that for them.
Thanks, Tamara! I agree completely. Hahaha the gentle paw taps are spot on- I usually get those when I'm sleeping in too late LOL
I have two!! The shedding!! I found a sheep farm in central Florida so I’m taking them. Ain’t no sheep in Miami..lol.
Thank you for this video! All I can think about is “must not be that bad if you got a second dog”
Hahaha you are exactly right- I joke that I kind of got my dog a dog? But it's true? They are the very best of friends, it was so worth it.
My mini Aussie will be 7 the day after thanksgiving. She has always been high energy until this past winter when the pandemic began. Now, mommy and daddy are home all the time but right before the pandemic she lost her sister. This was all a huge change for her. Our other pooch was a 17 year old fluffy white ball of fur! She was our Aussies job.
Our older dog had lost her hearing, so when mommy or daddy came home, she woke her up, when it was time to eat, she’d go get her, when it was time to go out she would nudge her.
Our Aussie’s name is Tipsy. For the first 3 months in her new home she enjoyed running between her sisters legs and tipping her over.... and we kept her tail which has a distinct white tip on the end. She is very much a Velcro dog who stays by my side 24/7! I don’t know what to expect when I eventually go back to the office. She has a bench to sit on beside mommy’s desk while I work during the week. She’s extremely intelligent, very vocal if even to talk to you when you’re not paying enough attention to her! Most definitely a very different and special breed of dog who will try herd mommy and daddy to the door to go out and huff and sigh when she doesn’t get her way. My mom has one of the other girls from the same litter. They are extremely different! My moms has always been quiet and tiny compared to my girl and a complete wiggle butt!
I cant get over how cute it is that Tipsy's job was to take care of your older dog. She sounds like an awesome wiggle butt
All facts. I got a mini aussie in February and am learning all of this.
I love EVERYTHING about the Australian Shepherd…besides the energy level..😭😂
Girl I feel you on that 🙌🏼
I just got my first mini Australian shepherd puppy.🐾
What a handful compared to my previous border collies..they were quiet and easy to train as puppies..no barking from them at all.
This breed has a totally different energy level and the harsh incessant barking was an issue…especially when saying no while trying to train him….he was always challenging my rules..and fearless…it took loads of firm reinforcement..this might because he is a male and not neutered yet..maybe females are more obedient..I am not sure.
This breed is just as smart as a border collie but needing much more firm discipline for sure..always with kindness..sensitive!
I started adding more exercise ..short sessions..as opposed to one long walk..it really helped..and mental stimulation inside is ongoing.
Every point you make is absolutely true..identical characteristics to my pup.
Very vocal,they need lots of training to learn to be quiet when asked..my pup follows me every time to the bathroom and lays at my feet till I leave..so loyal and cute.
Also not so cuddly as a puppy..but after 6 months old..very sweet and respectful to give kisses to wake me up etc.not barking..but he still likes his space..leans up against me to show affection,closeness.
Great video.🇨🇦
I wish I knew that these dogs are extremely sensitive to anxiety and I would have taken care of my state of mind before I got one. 25 years with aussies by my side and they are HIGH energy! Thank you for this cuse they are high energy 24/24 7/7 12 months a year… nothing is enough!! But I am ok with this.
I can relate SO much!😂😅
Joke often is barking for attention, especially when we are on our walk and I stop and ignore him (to train him that it's not the world's ending if he gets no attention). After a while he quits and explores the area or something😄 but we still don't have the perfect inner silence in those moments...He would not lay down and chill - always waiting for a new task. But we are in training and it is going well😊
He also is the best example for the power of mental training. I taught him a lot of tricks to do and he just loves to follow his will to please and fascinate me with his talent of pleasing me😁
After that he is so tired, you can exactly tell how meaningful mentality Training ist for those dogs.
And with all that personality I just love him with all his little quirks😍🙈
Joke sounds like a total character lol!!! Hahaha I love how willing to please he is. You guys must have a great relationship!
@@MeganStoughton Yes, we so and I love that😍 He's the best doggo-friend you can imagine and always such a sweet crackhead😂
Great video. I got an Aussie a month ago. This video has helped. Thanks;)
Yay I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
“THEY ARE ALOT “ …..😵💫 truer words have not been spoken !!
Long story short ,you’ve possibly saved our relationship…My Winston is keeping this 49 year old sucking wind ,but I love him and his crazy high energy …he’s always so positive and eager so I think it may work ✨🙏✨
Awh yes you've got this!! I wish you both well! :)
@@MeganStoughton yes I think we do✨🙏✨
My one year old female is outside all the time never stops. Fast as hell and funny .
I am planning on getting a mini Aussie in abt a month, and this video is very helpful. So I can prepare for what is to come. Thank you, great video 😁😁
You’re so welcome! I hope you and your mini are besties 💗
I love it 🤭 especially the beginning of the video. Got my blue merle girl 10years ago and fell in love with her right away. Lots of love from Germany 🌸
Thanks so much, Nantke! I appreciate it!
Omg, spot on! Especially #5. My wife complains not a moment of alone time in the bathroom...
Hahaha it’s true... always in your shadow!
My daughter’s red Merle is the laid back one and her tri is the, uh, ummm ‘terror’...love em both🥲
Hahaha a loveable terror
That red mural was exactly like our MAX who we just had to put down. He loved being silly like this. Megan enjoy him and love him.
Very helpful video for our 1st Aussie. I am to very surprised how much energy they have and how different each day is …..we have 12 week puppy now…..wow. We had two Shellie’s 1 lived 15 year and our 2nd is now 14 years old…..so this our 3rd family dog. So after 14 years starting with new puppy is big change but I’m looking forward to higher energy dog and a bigger dog….but wow it is adjustment to the energy they have in this breed over a Sheltie.
Hey Glenn! Thanks so much for the kind comment. I bet it is a big change for sure- I wish you the best of luck! You will do great.
This is accurate! Great video for people who wants to take an aussie and don't know if it will fit.
I also forced hugs and kisses on my aussie and eventually she became the best cuddler 😁
Thanks, Roni! I appreciate it!! And yes- the best cuddlers after they come around!
This video helped me a lot! It's what I was looking for!
Thanks so much for the nice comment! I'm really glad this was helpful for you.
Thank you! We are adopting an 8 month old Aussie Friday! This was helpful : )
Thank you for the kind comment! I hope the adoption went well! Sending you the best vibes :-)
I have 2 of them about 6 months apart in age. One came from a working bloodline and the other was more of a show breeder. They are completely different dogs, but they compliment each other very well.
That is an interesting combo- I bet they are best friends!!
We have two aussie pups and yes, high energy. I baby sit my grand daughter that is almost 3 years old, so she keeps them active and she loves it! My other half runs them, and we go hiking a lot, but yes, they need lots of training as well. :)
Very nice video and all you said is so very true. My wife and I had a Red Merle full size Aussie name Flame and she was a very sweet girl as long as no other dogs were around. Flame was breed as a show dog, but her nose was too long for her to compete. My wife got her through an Aussie Rescue because Flame didn't get along with other dogs and Flame had put two of her previous owner's dogs in the hospital. She would begin playing nice with other dogs until something in her brain would trigger off rage turning sweet Flame into psycho Flame and she would go on the attack against other dogs. Flame made it to her 15th birthday a year ago October, but sadly she passed away 3 days later. My wife had her for 11 of those years. Wife and I miss Flame very dearly and my wife would love to get another Red Merle Aussie. Last February, we adopted a Black Tri Color male full size Aussie name Winchester from an Animal Shelter and his personality is like an old sole in a young body. The shelter told us that at 17 months old he was done growing, but that turned out not to be true because he has grown quite a bit since then, now weighs about 70 pounds and its all muscle. Winchester is so much more stoutly built than Flame was, but we love him just the same. When we brought him home from the shelter, Winchester was very much shut down, but after working with him repeatedly over the next three months, he has come out of his shell and he is a much happier and healthier dog. His even temperament is so layed back, but he is still very much a Velcro dog. He suffers from separation anxiety and he can become very destructive if we leave him alone loose in the house for too long. If we are going to be gone for extended periods of time, we put him in a crate along with one of his favorite toys, which calms him down. Winchester just turned two this October and he is the only dog I ever owned that I can feel totally comfortable with walking him without a leash on because he refuses to leave my side. He gets along with other dogs just fine. He loves chasing wild rabbits in our yard and he has come very close to catching a couple of them, but the rabbits almost always outsmart him most of the time. Lol! Aussies are a great breed, but they do require lots of attention, plenty of exercise and weekly grooming. Sorry for the long post, but just wanted to share our Aussie experiences with you.
Omg I love hearing from you! Flame and Winchester both sound so sweet. Thank you for sharing your experience!
My Aussie is not like that at all. He naturally knows to wait outside the door for me if I go into another room. He is so happy when I come back. He is totally naturally knows what annoys me and then never crosses that line again. I've been amazed how easy he is.
I find new learning game for him almost weekly. Tag, peak-a-boo. And now we are starting talk buttons cause he is way to smart. He love to learn. His name is Ringo and a total wiggle butt, love bug. He is 5 months old. I have not regretted getting him for one minute. ❤
We have 2 Aussies, one a year and 2 months (Stella -black and white), and the other 7 months (Nathaniel - Murel/tri?). Stella is ridiculously full of energy and always wanting to play fetch, and the other is pretty surprisingly laid back, although he has his squirmy moments. They both were rather cuddly from the beginning and Nathaniel will still lay there, but Stella is ready to play again in like 30 seconds 😅. DEFINITELY destructive if not given enough attention. I have a hard time staying awake often, and they get into trouble.... chewing underwear, wires (shes okay) the wall?!?!?, even jumped on the counter for a sponge. They have gotten so much better though with persistent training, but still will get into trouble once in a while. Currently I am not working, and they LOVE that lol!
They are very creative when it comes to making trouble- that is for sure! You have a great age gap between them. Nathaniel will keep teaching Stella his ways lol
Every dog can be “high energy”, so many aussie (American shepherd now) are very chill. But they are bred for work.
i just got a mini aussie shes 17 weeks and shes the best thing ever i related to this video 1000 percent
I love it!! Thanks so much & I hope your Aussie is doing well!
Are there any differences from Standard aussies to minis? Im looking into adopting a mini!! Just wondering if their shedding is less. Also, are they a little less energized because of their size?
@@anikakompella6680 just the size, sheddins the same, energy is the same
@@nathanshamoun7905 oh damn rly? alr
ty!
My Aussie is my best friend, we go on walks, swim 🏊♀️, play hide a seek, go for rides. He is a Red tri, I’m getting a blue Merle in one week and can’t wait for my second best friend
Omg I am a month late to getting back to this comment so you must have your second Aussie by now!!!! I hope things are going well? I hope they are best friends already!
I've got a Colloodle border collie/Poodle mix and he is perfect. Energetic intelligent and does not bark. No shedding 😁 .He is so smart and a great companion. He is frightened in the dark though. Can't get him to relax on his own at night
I wonder if it was just from being a small puppy that he couldn't relax at night? I'm sure you got it worked out by now. But that does sound like the perfect mix! No shedding is huge haha
WE have two aussies, one is exactly what you describe!! LIterally all of these things. My other one has been very cuddly from the beginning, and she has the ability to be super chill or lots of energy. The high energy one is going all the time. Both are velcro to the extreme, and I haven't been anywhere inside my house alone since I got them. But, that being said we love them to pieces.
I just got a beautiful little girl pup. She’s got so much energy and I can’t stop watching videos about her breed lol
We've done the same. Absorb any any all information on Aussies. We've had training sessions with a trainer; she has shared pointers and training tips that I had missed. One example, he, as a pup, ( growing bigger still) likes to jump on people. She saw me correcting him on this behavior, then reminded me that I didn't praise him when he DID put all four paws on the ground..most of the annoying puppy behavior such as nipping, was gone by 7 months..Aussies are incredibly quick studies with training.
Enjoy your puppy! 🐕
There is a huge learning curve with Aussies so you're doing the right thing with research! Enjoy your pup! (:
My dad said i could have a dog in 2 YEARS but i cant stop watching theses vids pls can you tell me where you got ur puppy as i would like to do a bit more research
Megan, awesome job, I've recused a 2 and half year old. Odie, is the sweetie Aussie in the world, he was put into Quarantine by Isabella County (Mt. Pleasant, Michigan) for Nipping at a girl. His then family decided to rehome him, I've owed Australian shepherd before so I jumped into. He is so so very spoiled, and he loves car rides. Give them alot of room to run, and loves to walk. I've also rescued a blue/setter and recently add a Alaskan Malamute, we reside in Owosso. Plus.... Go Green
I appreciate the kind words, Jeff! Odie is lucky to have you. I dream of buying a large plot of land in MI to let them run loose on one day. Go White!!! :)
Thank You for this video! I had a Great Dane (now in Heaven) & am considering an Aussie Shepherd, a Border Collie, or an Aussie Shepherd-Border Collie mix. I live at the foot of the Rocky Mtns & want a buddy to walk, hike, kayak (lakes not whitewater) & camp with.
In I trained my Dane to both silent & verbal commands & would want to do the same with my next pup. Your info on high energy behaviors, vocalizing for attention & really sticking to you everywhere inside ("velcro" dog I really think I would love) is just the kind of 411 I need. TY!
PS- When my Dane was with me the breeder had her own Dane develop a barking issue- she used a gentle, safe citronella collar to stop her Dane from barking. It worked like magic within 2 days & made her dog smell like a lemon drop for those 2 days. If you ever feel like you want more control w/barking in the future you might want to learn about citronella collars for dogs. Hope this is helpful!
You nailed all of these! So funny how clingy they are and how similar most Aussie are with little quarks
I actually really liked this video. Thank you for sharing. Iv been looking for a dog and thought this was very informative. :)
Thank you so much!!! I appreciate it! Let me know if you have any other questions I could help with (-:
My Aussie was a huge snuggler as a puppy... she was not a great sleeper as a pup so we’d end up sitting on the couch at like 5am and she would finally sleep on me... now she’s 8 months & first thing after she goes out in the morning she wants us to sit on the couch together so she can lay on me & take a little cat nap 😂💓
Ok that is too cute
my girlfriend and I are getting a border Aussie mix In about a month (family friends dogs had a litter) we already chose which one we want (red coat female) the dad is a service dog and the mom is a cattle dog, really hope she gets her parents smarts lol, we’re super excited as we love both breeds!
How fun! I hope things went well for you! That is a fun mix and super promising traits from the parents :)
I wanted mine as a minifarm herder but until i get that farm, she is a cuddler and goofy jumper outside.
My boys are BC / Aussie mixes. Romeo (the red merle in my prof photo) passed at 10 years old, but his brother Mojo "whistles" and barks. Romeo always laid on my head :D
Hi Megan, I enjoyed your video. Awesome.
I have one and she is exactly like yours.
The one thing I want to tell you is they are jealous. You’re bringing a new puppy and I understand the love for them , but he might react to that. So just be careful. Always let him know he is your number 1.
Thanks so much, Rozanah! You are so right- my oldest will totally intervene if the younger one is getting attention. I love that they are so smart and have big personalities but there can be jealousy for sure.
Thanks for talking about personality. My 11-week-old toy Aussie has been so mean and I've had a couple of breakdowns because of it. I'm hoping things get better.
Aussies do not sleep, they recharge.
The Aussies we have had are were not barkers, but they are very vocal with their various voices. We teach them to use their soft voice. They will however bark as an alert to perceived danger.
Sasha (11 month old blue merle female) gets the zoomies, she is like a fighter jet on after burners in the backyard. Sasha is a consummate athlete.
Sasha is however a chewer. She only chews on the things we give her. Plush toys are out, proper raw bones are in. She goes to town on the composite wood stick from the pet store and her Kong.
And yes, Aussies are nuts, velcro, smarter than 90% of the people I have known, and they are absolute blessings.
I have a 3 year old red Merle Aussie named George...he's starting to mellow a little, but he's still a menace to society. I love him to death but he can be an absolute Auss hole at times. He loves to roll on our pillows too, and he's very vocal. He has the loudest bark I've ever heard....it's the tone of it too, it just explodes in your brain.