Sophie Bennett

Sophie Bennett

Sophie Bennett writes about dog behaviour, training, wellbeing and everyday life with dogs. She focuses on practical, thoughtful guidance that helps owners better understand their dogs and make informed decisions about care, training and life together.

Managing Australian Shepherds in Summer Heat

Managing Australian Shepherds in Summer Heat

Australian Shepherds in summer heat present a particular problem that doesn’t resolve with standard advice. These dogs were bred for work in variable conditions, and they carry a strong drive to stay active regardless of temperature. Over years of working…

Search Games for Australian Shepherds

Search Games for Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds have a particular way of engaging with search games. After years of working with this breed, I’ve noticed they don’t just play these games – they seem to understand the underlying structure almost immediately. Their herding background gives…

Snuffle Mats for Australian Shepherds

Snuffle Mats for Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds are working dogs with brains that rarely stop running. Over years of living with and observing them, I’ve noticed that the moment their mental engine isn’t engaged, they find ways to occupy themselves – often in ways their…

Food Enrichment for Australian Shepherds

Food Enrichment for Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds have a reputation for being high-energy dogs, and that reputation is earned. What often gets overlooked, though, is that their energy isn’t just physical. These dogs were bred to work livestock for hours, making decisions, responding to subtle…

Enrichment That Works for Australian Shepherds

Enrichment That Works for Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds have a particular way of moving through the world. They notice everything, process it quickly, and then look for the next thing. After years of working with this breed, I’ve learned that generic enrichment rarely satisfies them for…

Settling an Australian Shepherd at Home

Settling an Australian Shepherd at Home

Australian Shepherds don’t naturally settle. This is the first thing to understand, and it’s not a flaw in the dog or a reflection of poor training. It’s wiring. These dogs were bred to move, to think, to respond to subtle…

Do Australian Shepherds Really Need a Job

Do Australian Shepherds Really Need a Job

After years of working with Australian Shepherds, I’ve noticed that the question “do they need a job” usually comes from someone who’s either heard the breed is high-maintenance or who’s already living with one and sensing restlessness. The answer isn’t…