They are great dogs, but with 4 kids, you'd probably be better of with a golden retriever. Kids say they want a dog, but it's Mom who winds up taking care of Rover.So we have been thinking of adding another dog to the mix and I was looking at maybe an Australian Shepard (Aussie) ....I guess I should tell you a bit about us.We live in a single family home about an acre yard totally fenced in (6ft in back 4ft around the front part)we currently have Boston Terriers 3 females and 4 children living in the home ages 3,5,9 and 11 years old all boys.I am a stay at home mom so working and time away from home is not a problem.My 11yr old has expressed and interest in having his own dog something all his (as in not a BT) a dog he can teach new tricks and maybe go into advanced obedience,rally or agility with.(We would be doing basic obedience anyway)
So my questions are
How active are Aussie's in general are they bouncing off the walls all day long ? How much exercise do yours require ?
How are they with other smaller breeds (and young puppies),How are they with other animals in general ?
How are they with children (remember my youngest are 3 and 5) ? Can they take alot of noise and running around ect ? Are they gentle with young ones ?
Are they escape artist's do they in general like to dig and get out and run ?
Do you see any differences male vs female ?
I see alot of breeders breeding mini and other types of Aussie what size range should a well bred Aussie range? and what health testing should I be looking for any breeder referrals would be great!!!
Aussie Owners help me out ..I need advice
So we have been thinking of adding another dog to the mix and I was looking at maybe an Australian Shepard (Aussie) ....I guess I should tell you a bit about us.We live in a single family home about an acre yard totally fenced in (6ft in back 4ft around the front part)we currently have Boston Terriers 3 females and 4 children living in the home ages 3,5,9 and 11 years old all boys.I am a stay at home mom so working and time away from home is not a problem.My 11yr old has expressed and interest in having his own dog something all his (as in not a BT) a dog he can teach new tricks and maybe go into advanced obedience,rally or agility with.(We would be doing basic obedience anyway)
So my questions are
How active are Aussie's in general are they bouncing off the walls all day long ? How much exercise do yours require ?
How are they with other smaller breeds (and young puppies),How are they with other animals in general ?
How are they with children (remember my youngest are 3 and 5) ? Can they take alot of noise and running around ect ? Are they gentle with young ones ?
Are they escape artist's do they in general like to dig and get out and run ?
Do you see any differences male vs female ?
I see alot of breeders breeding mini and other types of Aussie what size range should a well bred Aussie range? and what health testing should I be looking for any breeder referrals would be great!!!
So my questions are
How active are Aussie's in general are they bouncing off the walls all day long ? How much exercise do yours require ?
How are they with other smaller breeds (and young puppies),How are they with other animals in general ?
How are they with children (remember my youngest are 3 and 5) ? Can they take alot of noise and running around ect ? Are they gentle with young ones ?
Are they escape artist's do they in general like to dig and get out and run ?
Do you see any differences male vs female ?
I see alot of breeders breeding mini and other types of Aussie what size range should a well bred Aussie range? and what health testing should I be looking for any breeder referrals would be great!!!
1 - 2 of 11 Posts
They are great dogs, but with 4 kids, you'd probably be better of with a golden retriever. Kids say they want a dog, but it's Mom who winds up taking care of Rover.
I'll put it this way; if I had 4 boys and 3 dogs already, I'd not want an Aussie. They need loads of attention, behavior training and might try to herd the kiddies around and are known to nip at kids' feet and the kids don't like it. They love their families but can be testy towards company and kids friends, should they come over to play with the kids. If my son had a friend over, for instance, we'd have to keep our old Aussie in another room, as she couldn't be trusted with people outside of the family. Aussies are good watchdoogs and guarddogs but they could annoy strangers and visitors, not all of them, but some. They are herding dogs so, although it's normal for a herding dog, the nipping can be hard to stop and the kids get annoyed with it.
I have a 4 month old Aussie and he is just like having a 3 year old on my hands. Always into everything and a bundle of energy. After about a year, he will settle into being a wonderful pet but it takes my energy all day to keep this "baby" in tow and train him into being a good adult dog.
I have a 4 month old Aussie and he is just like having a 3 year old on my hands. Always into everything and a bundle of energy. After about a year, he will settle into being a wonderful pet but it takes my energy all day to keep this "baby" in tow and train him into being a good adult dog.
1 - 2 of 11 Posts
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