Facts You Need to Know Before Choosing an Australian Shepherd
An Aussie may be many people’s dream dog due to the breed’s genetic features— brainy, personable, smart, athletic, and more—but it is not for everyone.
If you’re thinking about getting an Australian Shepherd dog, you should certainly read through the essential elements and determine if you’re up to the task.
Facts to Check Before Buying an Australian Shepherd Dog
1. Find out a Certified Breeder
The first step to owning a healthy Australian Shepherd is to identify a certified breeder, unless you wish to develop a herd. Start by contacting local breeders, reputable pet stores, and India’s leading dog websites.
If Australian Shepherds are purchased from puppy mills or backyard breeders, they are susceptible to a variety of serious and uncommon health problems. To locate working lines or show lines, look up the Australian Shepherd puppy’s ancestry up to a few generations on both sides.
Working lines should be avoided because they are bred for a strong mind and herding instincts, which are not suited for a family dog. If you aren’t planning on herding, look for a show line instead, especially if you have youngsters at home— working lines are a no-no!
2. Socialise them like the Sky’s the Limit.
Despite being sociable, Australian Shepherds are quiet and reserved by nature. So, if you don’t want your Aussie to be shy or distrustful of everyone who comes to your house, start socialising with him right away. It’s not enough to socialise your puppy with a few kids or a stroll down the street; you’ll need to go above and beyond what you’d do with a typical dog.
If you’re serious about getting an Australian Shepherd puppy, this should be your top priority. Make time to go to dog shows, puppy training programs, and parks where there are a lot of people. It will acquire affection for humans and will not become unnecessarily hostile in this way.
3. Training is a must.
It would be unthinkable to own an Australian Shepherd and not train it. To be tamed, Australian Shepherds require intensive instruction from skilled trainers. Otherwise, its boundless energy and adventurous spirit may cause havoc in your and your neighbors’ homes.
Australians are built to work and think, but the lack of opportunities to showcase their talents may be a problem for you. Professional Australian Shepherd trainers can be found on dog websites in India, as well as vets and pet stores.
4. Require Exercise and Assigned Works
Exercising vigorously will keep your Aussie not only healthy, but also happy and sane. Aussies are incredibly bright and require constant stimulation-even if it is as basic as babysitting or house guarding. If you don’t give it a job, it will find one for itself, which may or may not be good for you.
5. Health Care
Australian Shepherds require routine health examinations since they are susceptible to hip dysplasia, eye anomalies, cataracts, skin infections, and other ailments. Australian Shepherds are high-maintenance dogs who require a balanced (and rigorous) diet, plenty of exercise, and regular vet visits.
If you think you won’t be able to achieve the above standards, owning an Aussie is a bad decision. These main criteria influence in determining whether or not an Aussie is right for you.
