I've had Aussies since 1970. what do you need to know? Would love to see pictures.
Well, unfortunately, when one is opposed to crate training (or another form of confinement when the dog can't be watched), it does complicate house training. If she has free roaming priviledges when everyone is asleep, you really have no way to communicate to her that you don't like where she is choosing to go, or interrupt her when you catch her in the act. My Aussies have been among the easiest of dogs to housetrain, but then, they were supervised carefully AND crated when I couldn't supervise. Crates, like most management equipment, CAN be overused and abused, but are very handy for a number of reasons, used with good common sense. Additionally, there may be times when your dog has to stay over at the vet's or a boarding facility. In addition to normal stress (and in the case of the vet, possibly pain), if your dog has no experience with being confined in a small area they are likely to be panicked. I have one dog who would have surely lost a badly broken leg if he hadn't previously been trained to be calm in a crate. As to letting your dog roam out in the country? There are as many dangers to country dogs as there are to city dogs - they just tend to be better hidden. There are still vehicles that drive way too fast on country roads, there are usuallty large-ish dangerous wildlife like panthers and mountain lions, and packs of coyotes who will draw a dog out and kill them. You also mention she can "chase cows if she likes". VERY bad idea. Cattle can hurt or even kill dogs, especially dogs who haven't been specifically taught to herd cattle - and sometimes even experienced dogs who have been taught. A puppy is certainly at risk. Additionally, despite what your neighbors may be saying now, they WILL mind if your dog starts chasing the weight off their calves, or stressing the cows too bad to give milk. Or run them through fences. Dogs who do these things to people's livestock frequently end up being shot or poisoned by farmers who have an investment to protect.
For the nibbling, look for the "sticky" called "The Bite Stops Here". For crating - an area where the dog can be close to family. Start by putting something (good food) in there and shutting the dog OUT. Then open the door and click and treat her for going in, ask her to come out (no click and treat) back in again (click and treat) Ask her to wait in the crate with the door open. You want her to see the crate as a place to relax and get good treats - not something that traps her. At her age (did you say four months?) you may need to set the alarm to take her out once in the middle of the night. Stay comes from slightly increasing the amount of time between behavior (sit) and treat, and doing so gradually.
The thing is, as she grows up, I can almost guarantee that she will start expanding her territory (and will not know where "your" boundaries are. And if she's of decent breeding, she's going to want to control the motion of stock. With cattle this is dangerous for both the stock and the dog. And while your neighbors may be nice caring folk, I can guarantee you that when your pup starts running the weight off the cattle, they'll be less understanding. Will send some pics of my Aussies when I get home
If a crate still makes you feel a little weird, you could also try an 8-panel exercise pen. My boys are both under 2, and they stay in one together (with a top to keep them from jumping out) while I'm at work. That way even if they need to be in there, they can still stand/walk around/play/etc.
Yes, unfortunately he is. He's a special little guy, and makes the best of his situation
