Many times when people get a dog such as the Australian shepherd, they are not aware of all the demands that they have on your time. In fact, it does not take long for the owners to realize that they not only need physical exercise but they need mental stimulation as well.
Many times when people learn that the Australian shepherd needs to get a lot of exercise and stimulation, the people end up not getting the dog. However, just because the Aussie needs exercise does not mean that they aren't great dogs to get. In fact, Aussies are great dogs to get; especially with children and families. Many times when Australian shepherds are raised with children, that is all the exercise they need; the children have the dog moving and running constantly.
When it comes to the Australian shepherd, they are somewhat different than any other breed of dog. In fact, the Australian shepherd actually requires a lot of exercise and stimulation. Because of them needing so much exercise, they also need to have extra obedience training. Therefore, it is very important that you give your Australian shepherd all the exercise and mental stimulation they need each day. In fact, it is almost required that they get to vent out all their energy and also able to use their minds on a daily basis, otherwise it is a great possibility that they will become bored and rambunctious. If that should happen, they may express themselves by barking needlessly or chewing destructively. In most cases, a bored Australian shepherd can turn an average house and yard into shambles.
Most often people are not sure of how to give their dogs all the exercise and mental stimulation that they need. However, there are many different and simple ways to give your dog the things he/she needs. One of the best ways for your Aussie to shed some of its energy is by playing with it. There are many different ways to play. In fact, some of the most popular things to do with a dog are running with it, hiking or biking, swimming (dogs love to swim), playing fetch or Frisbee, or even taking it to some agility or obstacle course. The best way for your Aussie to run off his/her energy is by letting them herd up the animals on the farm, as that is what they were bred for. Not only are they getting the physical energy they need, but they are also getting the mental stimulation they need.
Because Australian shepherds are a family dog, it is not suggested that they be left outside alone or be tied up. In fact, because they are in need of so much exercise, they should be treated as part of the family, being able to move around and play. If you are not able to let your dog run around in the yard (a big yard is recommended) or take it to play, then it is not recommended that you get this breed of dog. In fact, Australian shepherds are/were not intended to be a simple household dog; they are more for working or being an outdoor dog.
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