Sophie Bennett

After years of living with Australian Shepherds, I’ve noticed that the difference between a well-adjusted dog and one that develops behavioral problems often comes down to how their day is structured. These dogs don’t need a rigid military schedule, but…

Australian Shepherds have a reputation for being natural herding dogs, and in some ways that’s accurate. But that reputation often creates false expectations. I’ve worked with enough of these dogs around sheep, cattle, and poultry to know that “natural instinct”…

Australian Shepherds chase. It’s not a behavioral problem or a sign of poor training – it’s what they were built to do. I’ve worked with dozens of these dogs over the years, and the ones whose owners understand this simple…

Australian Shepherds chase bikes because they were bred to chase moving objects. It’s not a training failure or a sign of aggression – it’s the breed’s core instinct expressing itself. I’ve worked with dozens of these dogs over the years,…

Australian Shepherds chase cars because it feels natural to them. This isn’t a behavioral flaw or a training gap – it’s hardwired herding instinct expressing itself in an environment full of moving objects. After years of working with this breed,…

Australian Shepherds herd. It’s what they were built to do, and no amount of wishing changes that fundamental drive. After years of working with this breed, I’ve learned that the herding impulse isn’t something you eliminate – it’s something you…