how to keep my australian shepherd healthy

In fact, when we are walking, people mistake her for a puppy. These dogs were bred to work long days in harsh conditions, doing a job that was both physically demanding and required significant mental strategy. Obesity is not merely an aesthetic issue: it can exacerbate joint problems, to which Aussies are prone. Certain herding breeds, including Aussies, may be sensitive to some parasite-control, anti-cancer, antibiotic, and pain medications and can suffer life-threatening illness if given those medications. Heres everything you need to know about these beautiful, high-intensity dogs to help them live their best lives. Opening and closing doors in your house on command is a great job for your Australian Shepherd to have, especially when your arms are full! made with dog safety in mind like these options on Amazon. He is most happy when he is chasing his ball with his dad. Even if you dont plan to compete, just going to a course and having your dog do some of the obstacles with you will certainly keep your Aussie happy! Australian Shepherds are known for chewing, especially if they are bored and left alone. Now, Im on a mission to better understand Heelers and other herding dogs. This type of toy is a soft covering for a water bottle that will make a crinkle noise when your dog chews it, but there is no stuffing or squeaker that can be accidentally swallowed. You now have all the info on how to raise your Australian Shepard pup to be a happy and healthy adult. This breed is considered to be a medium-size dog. There are days now when you can quite literally find Ruth wearing a crown like the queen she is, With its abundance of both outdoor adventures and urban amenities, there aren't many cities dog-friendlier than Minneapolis. This is one of the easiest jobs to train your Aussie to do, especially if you also carry items. While it is possible to exercise a dog indoors, unless there is inclement weather, you should try to take your Aussie outside somewhere where they can roam and explore. According to some, many of these Basque shepherds came to California by way of Australia. If your dog is a serious chewer, you should also get ropes that are designed for aggressive chewers like these popular options.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herdingdogzone_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',154,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0')}; When it comes to mental stimulation, youll want to get some sort of puzzle toy for your Aussie. Hey there! Allergic reactions and intolerances to food are fairly common in dogs and many people notice symptoms clear up when they switch from highly processed to fresh, whole food. Hip and elbow dysplasia: While a hallmark of the Australian shepherd is their well-balanced body condition, they can, like many working dogs, suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to degenerative joint disease (DJD). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',147,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; To get started, check out these 7 easy steps to Train an Australian Shepherd. So if you are leaving for a few hours each day, its best to invest in a toy like a rubber Kong that is almost impossible to destroy that will keep your dog busy for hours. So where does the Australian label come from? A plan tailored to your smart shepherd will take the guesswork out of portion management, and ensure youre providing all the necessary nutrients, in the right balance. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_22',146,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1-0')};report this ad. They also have a lot of energy and need to be allowed to be active. So where does the Australian label come from? We're here to share what we've learned about cattle dogs and what other herding dog families share with us. Next time they carry a toy, tell them to come to you at the toy box and instruct them to drop it in. A healthy diet is the best way to support your Aussies health and happiness along with training, regular vet care, love, and some loving friends to herd, of course. Most owners use treats to reward during training time. Aussie puppies need physical activity throughout each day with frequent rest breaks. A healthy diet is the best way to support your Aussies health and happiness along with training, regular vet care, love, and some loving friends to herd, of course. And when it comes to exercise, a long walk or two is not going to cut it. That means its of the utmost importance to ensure your Aussie gets healthy food in the right amount they need to maintain a healthy weight. and sensitivities, its important to know exactly what youre feeding, something that can be impossible with kibble, which often contains ingredients not listed on the bag. Allergies: One of the most common health concerns facing Australian shepherds is allergies, especially skin allergies. Aussies originated in California in the 19th century, bred initially for ranch work in the harsh and varied climes of the western state. When this happens, you will want to look into buying healthy training treats that are smaller in size or breaking the treats you have into smaller pieces. The males max out at 18 inches tall and 40 pounds and have similar body conditions and energy levels to the standard version. And while there is some debate about the veracity of this claim, many experts believe that Australian shepherds originated from the dogs that Basque people coming from a mountainous region between Spain and Francebrought with them to the U.S. to. Mia is a soon-to-be 14-year-old toy Australia Shepherd. Make sure before you head to an agility training center that you know how all the obstacles work. If you dont want to be a couch potato and truly have a best friend, who is. Dogs love to play tug of war. Thank you Farmer Dog for giving my Mia her youthful exuberance back! Mias mom, Lisabeth. You can also teach them more challenging tricks as well which usually build on one another. It is also low impact, compared to running-based activities, especially for older Aussies who might have limited mobility. This trick is generally trained first with your dogs toys, then eventually with bags, water bottles, and whatever else you want your dog to carry in his or her mouth. Because of their high level of intelligence, its crucial for both an Aussies well-being and your own sanity that you start training them early and often, constantly reinforcing their boundaries, refreshing their skills, and teaching them new tricks. To get started, check out these 7 easy steps to Train an Australian Shepherd. They will also require you to brush their teeth for them regularly. A plan tailored to your smart shepherd will take the guesswork out of portion management, and ensure youre providing all the necessary nutrients, in the right balance. Aussies do not like being separated from their family members, so its important to teach an Aussie how to be on their own from an early age to prevent them from becoming destructive, possibly hurting themselves in the process. This means taking them to the groomer to get puppy cuts helps them learn how to behave at the grooming salon. Cant imagine life without him! This is because if a rope isnt dog safe, your Aussie could tear it apart and eat the threads, which could jam up their digestive system. And one surprising feature: 20% of Aussies have naturally bobbed tails. This breed is known for its unique coloring, and no two pups will ever have the same coat. Some Aussies like to destroy plush toys and eat the stuffing. Since you will likely have to leave your Aussie for a few hours at some point, its critical you have toys that they are allowed to chew on to keep them busy.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'herdingdogzone_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',155,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0')}; Chew toys come in all shapes and sizes. This goes for both standard and mini Aussies. At the same time, they can be reserved with strangers: they have to get to know people before their sparkling personalities come out to play. Always buy a dog-specific puzzle and one that is appropriate for your Aussies size. Its important not to leave your Aussie alone while it is socializing with unfamiliar dogs. Aussie owner Amanda Bard says her dog Lucy needs to find something to keep her brain occupied or she gets depressed. Bones, such as reindeer antlers, or other dog-safe bones, should not be given to your dog while they are unattended, as pieces could get broken off. Depending on sex, they range in size from 18 to 23 inches tall and 40 to 65 pounds. Happy herding! You can find the rules and explanations on an official competition website, and there are plenty of videos on YouTube you can reference as well. Not all dog breeds do well with agility training, but your Aussie will love it! Many people who adopt Aussies underestimate their needs, so its important to know, before adopting one, that they are smart, sweet, and demanding. If youre looking for pre-portioned, healthy meals, tailored to your Australian shepherds age, size, activity level, and weight, consider signing up for a fresh food plan. Symptoms include weakness and pain in the hind legs and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying down position. If you dont want to be a couch potato and truly have a best friend, who is smart, loyal, kind, and active, then I highly recommend Australian shepherds. Anxiety: As with many intelligent breeds, Aussies tend to suffer from higher rates of anxiety if they dont have an outlet for their mental and physical energy. They need a lot of attention and can sometimes be a little naughty when they are bored. Australian Shepards are very loyal and loving. But these ranch dogs are actually Americanby way of Spain. You Aussie can also be trained to find objects as well as family members. As for the mini Aussie, this scaled-down version was first bred in California in the 1960s as a livestock herder. An Australian Shepard will not be happy stuck in an apartment all day. Speak to your vet about how your dog might react to any medication being prescribed. !, Youd be forgiven for thinking Australian shepherds originated in Australia. 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