Australian Shepherds are not dogs that do well left alone for long stretches. I’ve worked with enough of them over the years to recognize this as one of the most consistent patterns in the breed. It’s not a training failure…
Australian Shepherd puppies grow fast, and their feeding needs change almost monthly during the first year. I’ve worked with enough of these dogs to recognize the patterns that lead to healthy development versus the problems that crop up when feeding…
Australian Shepherds present a particular challenge when it comes to recall. After years of working with this breed, I’ve noticed that owners often approach recall training the same way they would with a Labrador or Golden Retriever, then become frustrated…
Australian Shepherds on the trail are a different animal than they are at home. I’ve spent enough time hiking with them to know that their reputation for tireless energy isn’t marketing – it’s simply what they are. These dogs were…
Australian Shepherds have a working heritage that shaped their tolerance for varied conditions, but summer heat presents a genuine challenge for the breed. Their double coat, while essential for temperature regulation in milder climates, becomes a liability when temperatures climb…
Australian Shepherds shed. Not occasionally, not lightly – they shed consistently throughout the year, with two major blowouts that catch most owners off guard. After working with these dogs for years, I can tell you that coat management isn’t really…
After years of working with both Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds, I’ve noticed that people often treat these breeds as simple size variants of each other. They’re not. While the Miniature American Shepherd was developed from Australian Shepherd bloodlines,…
After years of working with Australian Shepherds through summer months, I’ve learned that the timing of exercise makes a measurable difference in how these dogs handle the heat. It’s not complicated, but it does require paying attention to what’s actually…
Australian Shepherds have a particular relationship with the stay command. They’re bred to work, to move, to manage stock across open ground. Asking one to hold position runs counter to their core wiring. This doesn’t make them difficult to train…