Australian Shepherd Dog E-Book

Christina Cox-Evick

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Smart Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Seitenzahl: 250

Beschreibung

Dedicated to the Australian Shepherd, the world's most hard-working herding dog and the brightest family dog on the planet, this Smart Owner's Guide, created by the editors at Dog Fancy magazine, offers the most up-to-date and accurate information every dog owner needs to become a well-informed caregiver for his dog. Illustrated with color photographs of adorable puppies and handsome adults, this easy-to-read primer is designed in a modern, lively manner that readers will find user-friendly and entertaining.Each Smart Owner's Guide offers a description of the breed's character and physical conformation, historical overview, and its attributes as a companion dog. The reader will find informative chapters on everything he or she needs to know about acquiring, raising, and training this remarkable purebred dog, including: finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy; preparing for the puppy's homecoming, shopping for supplies, and puppy-proofing the home; house-training; veterinary and home health maintenance; feeding and nutrition; and grooming. Obedience training for basic cues (sit, stay, heel, come, etc.) and solving potential problem behaviors (barking, chewing, aggression, jumping up, etc.) are addressed in separate chapters, as are activities to enjoy with the dog, including showing, agility, therapy work, and more.Entertaining tidbits and smart advice fill up colorful sidebars in every chapter, which the editors call "It's a Fact," "Smart Tip," "Notable & Quotable," and "Did You Know?" Real-life heroes and rescue stories are retold in full-page features called "Pop Pups" and "True Tails." Recipes, training, and care tips are highlighted in the "Try This" feature pages.The Smart Owner's Guide series is the only series that offers readers an online component in which dog owners can join a breed-specific online club hosted by dogchannel.com. At Club Aussie, owners of the breed can find forums, blogs, and profiles to connect with other breed owners, as well as charts and checklists that can be downloaded. More than just 20,000 pages of solid information, there's a host of fun to be had at the club in the form of downloadable breed-specific e-cards, screensavers, games, and quizzes.The Resources section of the book includes contact information for breed-related organizations and rescues, as well as practical guidance on traveling with dogs, identification, and locating qualified professionals to assist the dog owner, such as pet sitters, trainers, and boarding facilities. This information-packed Smart Owner's Guide is fully indexed.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Foreword

CHAPTER 1 - THE AWESOME AUSSIE

AN ACTIVE HOME

LET ME IN

ME AND MY SHADOW

FAIR BUT FIRM

HOME BASE

A LITTLE ATTITUDE

OTHER PETS

I NEED YOU

CHAPTER 2 - AUSSIE ORIGINS

HIS ANCESTORS ARRIVE

SHAPING A BREED

THE RODEO AND BEYOND

THE ASCA AND THE AKC

FAME AND FORTUNE

CHAPTER 3 - ACQUIRING

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

PUPPY PARTICULARS

THE FINAL CHOICE

NO PAPER CHASE

ALTERNATIVES

CHAPTER 4 - SAFE AT HOME

PUPPY-PROOFING

MEET THE FAMILY

NIGHT-NIGHT TIME

SHOPPING LIST

CHAPTER 5 - HOUSE-TRAINING HOW-TO

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

SCHEDULE

THE CRATE

CLEANING UP

CHAPTER 6 - YOU AND YOUR VET

YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

ABOUT VACCINATIONS

FIRST-AID KIT

COMMON PROBLEMS

CHAPTER 7 - HEALTH CONCERNS

JOINT PROBLEMS

EYE PROBLEMS

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

ALLERGIES

INTERNAL PARASITES

EXTERNAL PARASITES

SEIZURES

CANCER

CHAPTER 8 - GOOD FOOD GUIDE

DIET TYPES

NUTRITION BASICS

PREVENTING BLOAT

LABELS AND LIFE STAGES

CHAPTER 9 - A NATURAL BEAUTY

“MUST-HAVE” ITEMS

GETTING STARTED

BRUSHING AND TRIMMING THE COAT

CLEANING THE EARS

EYE CARE

HEALTHY TEETH

DOGGY PEDICURES

BATHING

SKUNKED!

CHAPTER 10 - TRAINING BASICS

SOCIALIZATION

GOOD-DOG TIPS

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

COUNTERCONDITIONING

CHAPTER 11 - BAD BEHAVIOR

CHEWING

NIPPING

WHINING

EXCESSIVE BARKING

BEGGING

JUMPING UP

DIGGING

COPROPHAGIA

AGGRESSION

MOUNTING

SEPARATION ANXIETY

CHAPTER 12 - A WORLD OF ACTIVITIES

OBEDIENCE

RALLY

AGILITY

FLYBALL

FREESTYLE

TRACKING

DISC DOG

CONFORMATION

HERDING/STOCKDOG

DRAFTING

THERAPY WORK

DOCK DIVING

TRICKS

CHAPTER 13 - RESOURCES

CAR TRAVEL

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN

HOME AND AWAY

BOARDING AND PET SITTERS

IDENTIFICATION

Copyright Page

FOREWORD

K9 EXPERT

If you have brought an Australian Shepherd home from a responsible breeder or a rescue group—or are planning to do so—congratulations! You have fallen in love with one of the most intelligent and versatile of all dogs. The Aussie is truly a can-do canine. Give him a job and an outlet for his energy, and you will have a beautiful, devoted companion for many years to come.

Despite his name, the modern Aussie is considered an American creation. Theories abound concerning his origins, but his ancestors probably came from the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. It is believed that these dogs traveled with Basque shepherds who came to America from Australia in the 1800s, hence the Australian Shepherd moniker.

The Aussie became a fixture around rodeos and horse shows. Awareness of the breed increased sharply with the popularity of Western-style horseback riding following World War II. The Australian Shepherd’s incredible trainability makes him a welcome partner on farms and ranches.

Away from the farm, the Aussie has proven his worth as a guide dog for the blind, as a service and therapy dog, and in drug detection and search and rescue work. He is also unrivaled as a performance dog. Whether your interest lies in obedience, agility, or rally, your Aussie’s fundamental desire will be to please you. No dog trains himself, but the Aussie’s intelligence, enthusiasm, and enviable work ethic will make training your dog a pleasurable experience.

At home, Aussies are a joy and especially fond of children. In many families, the Aussie has been the one-and-only breed for generations. It is not uncommon at breed club events to see Grandma and Mom showing dogs in conformation and competing in agility and rally, and then having the same dogs taken into Junior Showmanship by the younger members of the family.

At home on the range and in front of the hearth, the Australian Shepherd is a do-it-all working dog and companion.

EDUCATION

Standing 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder for males and 18 to 21 inches for females, Aussies are sturdy yet compact enough to make great pets in suburbia, as long as their owners find ways to channel all of that energy. The American Kennel Club breed standard calls for a dog that is “solid and muscular without cloddiness.” The breed is all about moderation in size, bone, and coat. Aussies should be neither fine-boned and slight nor tall and musclebound.

The Aussie’s coat is of medium texture and length, straight to wavy, and weather resistant. Other than thorough brushing a few times a week to remove dead coat and reduce shedding, plus the routine care (nails, ears, teeth) that every dog requires, the Aussie is fairly low-maintenance in the grooming department.

Color is very dramatic in the breed. You will see black, red, and blue or red merle (a marbled pattern), all with or without white markings and/or copper points. Eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or any combination thereof, and the eyes can have flecks and marbling. Many people first fall in love with a shimmery blue merle complete with blue eyes and then learn to appreciate the beauty of the other colors and combinations.

This breed requires exercise; this is something that cannot be said too often. Jog, cycle, play Frisbee in the park, or join an agility or rally club with your Aussie. Leisurely strolls or time alone in the backyard will not be enough for this highly intelligent herding breed. You must wear him out. A tired Aussie is a happy Aussie (and owner!).

In the section on temperament, the AKC breed standard describes the Aussie as “intelligent, active…with an even disposition; he is good-natured, seldom quarrelsome.” What an endorsement!

With this Smart Owner’s Guide®, you are well on your way to earning your Australian Shepherd diploma. But your Aussie education doesn’t end here. You are invited to join Club Aussie™ (DogChannel.com/Club-Aussie), a FREE online site with lots of fun and instructive features, such as:

• forums, blogs, and profiles where you can connect with other Australian Shepherd owners

• downloadable charts and checklists to help you be a smart and loving dog owner

• access to Australian Shepherd e-cards and wallpapers

• interactive games

• canine quizzes

The Smart Owner’s Guide series and Club Aussie are backed by the experts at DOG FANCY® magazine and DogChannel.com—who have been providing trusted and up-to-date information about dogs and dog people for more than forty years. Log on and join the club today!

Allan ReznikEditor-at-Large, DOG FANCY

CHAPTER 1

THE AWESOME AUSSIE

Beautiful, intelligent, and adept at countless activities, the versatile Australian Shepherd seems the perfect dog, whether for the single person, married couple, or busy family. Yet a closer look will reveal that the very traits that make the Aussie so versatile make him perfect only when paired with the right home.

When that right home does find him, the Aussie becomes the best all-around dog anyone could hope for. He enjoys spending a day at the lake with the kids, jogging alongside an athletic owner, or competing at an agility trial. An Aussie can do just about anything a person wants him to do—the question usually comes down to whether the owner can keep up! And after a busy day, the Aussie happily joins his owner in some down time.

Is the Australian Shepherd the ideal breed for your home? The answer requires you to research the breed and to evaluate your lifestyle honestly. The extra work you do to assure a good match before you bring an Aussie home can save considerable stress and heartache later. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Aussie’s personality and needs and the type of home and owner that fit best with the breed.

Australian Shepherds are well known as escape artists if left to their own devices too long in a kennel or fenced area. Not only have Aussies been known to go over or under fences but this clever breed also often figures out how to open latches and gates.

AN ACTIVE HOME

The energetic Aussie needs ample exercise to prevent him from becoming restless, bored, and potentially troublesome. As a herding dog bred to spend his days running to and fro, controlling and moving herds of sheep or cattle, the Australian Shepherd needs much more than twice-daily walks around the block. He must burn off physical energy with frequent runs, games of fetch, canine sports, or other activities.

The Aussie is also a thinking breed, bred for the ability to solve problems on his own when necessary. Besides physical exercise, he needs mental exercise via daily chores such as fetching the paper or finding lost keys, or through some kind of organized training such as obedience, agility, or rally. If you don’t provide suitable activity to keep that clever canine mind engaged, the Aussie will find his own entertainment, and it won’t always be to your liking!

Other activities that the Aussie enjoys doing with his owner include walking, jogging or running, hiking, swimming, fetching, and other active pastimes. For people interested in a serious pursuit that ultimately helps others, the Aussie’s medium size and strong work instinct make him a good candidate for search and rescue work; this training requires dedication and effort on the part of the owner, too.

LET ME IN

The Aussie loves being near his owner as much as possible and thrives only when living indoors. Relegating an Australian Shepherd to a fenced-in backyard or outdoor kennel leaves the isolated dog looking for ways to occupy himself or trying to find someone to play with. This usually results in digging, barking, escaping, or other problem behaviors.

What about the Aussie’s history as an outdoor farm or ranch dog? Stock dogs constantly work under their owners’ guidance while moving and controlling their herds, which explains the incredibly strong bonds they form with their owners. Few dogs today live this lifestyle, though, and therefore the Aussie must enjoy time with his owners in other ways, such as overseeing household chores, hanging out with the kids, participating in training or competition, or sharing other family pastimes.

Adding a second Aussie may seem like a good idea for providing the current dog with companionship so that he’ll stop engaging in problem yard behaviors, but the dogs may not get along or they may simply enjoy digging, barking, or escaping together. No matter how many Aussies live in a household, they consistently need their owners’ attention and companionship to direct their energy and intelligence into acceptable outlets.

ME AND MY SHADOW

In typical herding-breed fashion, the Aussie likes to follow his owner throughout the day so he can keep a protective eye on his favorite person and satisfy his curious mind as to what’s going on around the home and yard. Many an Aussie will even follow his owner into the bathroom, apparently fearing that his beloved master will sneak out an unseen door or fall victim to some vicious water monster.

This desire to follow also applies every time the Aussie’s owner leaves the house. The dog wants to go along on every family adventure, no matter how mundane.

Meet other Aussie owners just like you. On our Australian Shepherd forums, you can chat about your Aussie and ask other owners for advice about training, health issues, and anything else about your favorite breed. Log on to DogChannel.com/Club-Aussie for details!

Don’t acquire an active breed like the Australian Sheperd with the idea that taking the dog for walks, going outdoors to play, and doing other activities together will increase your own activity level. Sometimes that works, but other times the dog ends up being rehomed if the owner can’t stick to his or her end of the deal. All dogs enjoy some activity, so get one that suits your current lifestyle.

And during those times when he must be left behind, few breeds can look more hangdog than a disappointed Aussie.

Overall, the busy, involved Aussie might drive owners who don’t like a dog at their heels a bit crazy. Such folks might prefer a less demanding, more laid-back breed that will contentedly sleep on the couch or lie in the sun as the owners go about their daily routines. But for people who want a dog that is keenly interested in his owners’ everyday lives, the Aussie fits perfectly.

FAIR BUT FIRM

As much as he adores his owner, the Aussie will occasionally test his limits, just as children or teenagers push their boundaries to see what they can get away with. Bred to possess the forcefulness to handle troublesome sheep and cattle, the Aussie’s natural assertiveness prompts him to check his owner’s resolve to be in charge by ignoring commands, barking to demand food, and displaying other pushy behaviors.

As with the unruly youngster who usually gets his way, the Aussie whose owner gives in to the dog’s undesirable behavior may end up running the household. Both the dog and you will be happier when you set forth and enforce doggy rules, such as expecting the dog to sit quietly as you prepare his dinner. This kind of structure within his home allows the Aussie to both love and respect the human members of his family.

Of course, a dog with the kind of attitude and brainpower for which the Aussie is known must learn basic obedience—sit, down, come, and stay, at the very least. This training helps teach the dog self-control and compliance while strengthening the dog/owner bond and producing a mannerly companion who will be welcome at friends’ homes, parks, and other locations.

HOME BASE

The Australian Shepherd needs room to run, making a home with a large fenced yard or acreage the ideal setting for him to stretch his legs, sniff about, and enjoy being a dog. That said, unlike dogs who view fences as impenetrable barriers, the thinking Aussie, left outside on his own for too long, starts to see the fence as an inconvenient obstacle to what’s beyond and soon figures out how to climb over, jump over, or dig under it.

What this means is that a large fenced yard proves ideal as long as the Aussie’s owner joins him or watches him closely during outdoor time. Given a good run several times a day and constructive outlets for his clever mind, the Aussie needn’t stay outside by himself, as he will happily follow you about the house as you clean, cook, or perform other indoor tasks.

Though many places sell outdoor kennels made of 6-foot-high chain link or welded wire-mesh fencing in various sizes, these smallish areas work only for intermittent confinement, such as those times when you want your Aussie to enjoy fresh air but stay safely out of the way when you’re doing something such as mowing the lawn. A dog who is kenneled too frequently develops behavior problems, such as barking, pacing, or constant circling, due to boredom.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Aussies thrive in households that include them in activities as part of the family. They want to be where you are and involved in whatever you are doing, not relegated to the backyard by themselves or in a crate all day long. Be prepared to make a commitment of time and energy as an Aussie owner.

—Jenn Merritt, certified professional dog trainer andAustralian Shepherd owner from Efland, North Carolina

To help you decide if you and the Aussie are meant for each other, go places where you can watch the breed in action, like agility trials or herding trials, and also visit several breeders’ homes to see what the dogs act like in their everyday setting. This up-closeand-personal view offers insights not available any other way.

Like any dog, the Aussie can adapt to various living situations if his exercise requirements are met by a dedicated owner. For instance, he will burn off more energy running 5 miles or swimming away the afternoon with an athletic owner than if left to his own devices in a large fenced yard, so a big yard is not necessary if you are committed to exercising your Aussie in other ways. However, the breed’s need for exercise does not decrease during rainy or winter conditions; this is not the breed for fair-weather owners!

Longtime Australian Shepherd owner Jenn Merritt, a certified professional dog trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, summarizes, “The ideal Aussie owner has an active lifestyle, time to devote to training, especially during the first two years of the dog’s life, and the ability to meet the dog’s daily physical exercise needs with access to a fenced-in space [in which] to run as well as to provide mental stimulation using toys and games.”

An excellent watchdog, the Aussie considers himself guardian of his home, hearth, yard, and vehicle and can get himself into trouble if someone he doesn’t know unthinkingly walks into his yard or opens the car door while he’s inside. If taught from an early age to accept the comings and goings of kids and teenagers, the Aussie learns to control this instinct, but adult strangers should not enter his territory without your nod.

Within the home, the Aussie raised with children becomes accustomed to the highpitched voices, quick movements, and other traits that dogs who are unfamiliar with kids can find bewildering and even annoying. This underscores the importance of finding an Aussie with an affinity for children when adopting an older puppy or adult.

Help assure a good relationship between your kids and your new Aussie by teaching children how to act with a puppy or dog before bringing one home. Use a stuffed toy to show youngsters how to gently pet and handle a puppy. If a friend has a child-loving, tolerant adult dog, allow your children to practice what they’ve learned with your guidance. For safety’s sake, after your Aussie comes home, always supervise small children and your dog to make sure that all parties mind their manners.

On another note, every Australian Shepherd home should be equipped with a quality vacuum cleaner unless those who live there don’t mind living with fur bunnies blowing about the house. Aussies shed, and when seasonal shedding times kick in, they shed a lot. A thorough twice-weekly grooming usually suffices, but daily brushing is required when the Aussie blows his coat (sheds his undercoat) in preparation for the summer heat.

An active Aussie is a happy Aussie! This athletic breed has energy to spare.

A LITTLE ATTITUDE

The Aussie’s success in so many activities rates him as one of the dog world’s smartest, most trainable breeds, but this doesn’t mean that he slavishly obeys your every whim, even once trained. Part of the Aussie’s charm comes from his inquisitive mind. If you tell him to lie down, he may think, “What if I do it this way instead?” and first do a sit or bounce between positions.

Such behavior comes not from disobedience but from the breed’s strong desire to please coupled with his curiosity and drive to work. With an owner he loves and respects, he will try different responses to see which one makes you happiest. Mixing things up also helps him alleviate boredom. Either way, training is best accomplished with a sense of humor and gentle insistence that your Aussie do things your way.

Despite his “I-can-do-it-better” attitude, the Australian Shepherd will take whatever task you put before him very seriously. If you train him to find your lost keys, he will search intently until he locates them. If you compete in agility, he’ll react to your directions at lightning-fast speed and expect you to keep up the pace. This “get-it-done” approach to life endears him to many but can be too much for others to handle.

As mentioned, the Aussie’s zest for whatever task his owner asks of him, coupled with superior intelligence and a manageable size, makes him a great prospect for serious jobs, such as search and rescue work. And despite his serious mindset, make no mistake, the Australian Shepherd has a softer, sillier side that he usually reveals only to those he loves. His sense of humor may be displayed through a range of vocalizations, such as sharp barks, yips, or whines, or a sudden thump as he hits the ground and rolls on his back in hopes of a good tummy rub.

In addition to being surprised by the Aussie’s lighthearted side, even the most experienced owners can be amazed by the breed’s intellect. Longtime fancier Cec Connair of Baltimore, Ohio, discovered the following with one of her Aussies: “This dog has always watched dog shows on television and loves it when the dogs pose and gait around the ring. It’s like she’s saying, ‘I know how to do that!’ She recognizes what those dogs are doing, and it’s just too funny.”

Affectionate with those he loves and sociable with known friends, the Australian Shepherd typically meets new people with reserve rather than with tail-wagging, face-licking greetings. The breed’s inherently reserved nature makes frequent and ongoing socialization starting in puppyhood very important. As your Aussie encounters a variety of people, other dogs, and life experiences in general, he learns that the world and those who live in it are quite pleasant.

In a ten-year span from 1999 to 2009,from 1999 to 2009, the Australian Shepherd rose from thirty-eighth in popularity among American Kennel Club-registered breeds to twenty-eighth, a rise unfortunately accompanied by a corresponding increase in the number of Aussies turned over by their owners to breed rescues and shelters.

The herding instinct remains strong in the Aussie and sometimes results in his nipping people’s heels, particularly those of “his” children, as he attempts to herd them like he would his flock. The Aussie likes his family where he can keep an eye on everyone. Because his well-intentioned nips hurt, though, an owner must direct this tendency from day one into suitable outlets, guiding the Aussie into games of fetch, playing with toys, and chewing safe bones to prevent a bad habit from ever forming.

Chasing moving objects is another instinct related to the Australian Shepherd’s herding heritage, and this must be directed properly in today’s crowded society. Chasing bicyclists, joggers, cars, or other passersby can be dangerous for all concerned. Start teaching your dog what he can and can’t chase as soon as he comes home with you—joggers and cars, no; balls and Frisbees, yes. Again, by never allowing inappropriate behavior in the first place, you forestall a problem.

OTHER PETS

Though the Aussie does fine as an only dog when he receives the daily interaction and exercise he needs, most dogs enjoy canine companions with whom they can run, play, and explore the yard when their owners’ attention turns elsewhere. Pairing dogs usually works best when combining sexually altered dogs of opposite sexes, which both negates the possibility of unwanted puppies and increases the likelihood that they’ll get along.

Keep in mind that another dog will never be a substitute for your attention. With two Australian Shepherds, you increase the devotion and love you get twofold, but you also increase the amount of training, exercise, and time required by you to give the dogs the individual attention that they crave. For owners who enjoy these facets of Aussie ownership, having two dogs doubles the fun; for those who do not, it simply doubles the work.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

The Australian Shepherd should not be a hyper dog; he should be able to go out and work hard for half the day but then settle under the truck for the afternoon while his owner fixes the fence. That’s how the Aussie of old has been, and I think that’s the ideal temperament for the breed.

—Terry Martin, longtime breeder and ranch-dog owner from Hico, Texas

Anyone considering two Aussies should also consider what happens if the two dogs do not get along. Even a male/female combination does not always work out. A professional trainer can sometimes resolve the dogs’ issues, but not every owner can keep the peace once the trainer leaves. In this event, would you keep the two dogs separated or find one of them a good home? Chances are, this situation won’t arise, but be aware that it can.

Many Australian Shepherds coexist peacefully or even companionably with cats, particularly when introduced to them at a young age. Some Aussies, usually those raised with small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs, live amenably with these pets, but this combination can be risky because Aussies tend toward a strong prey drive, meaning the instinct to chase and grab small game (or what they perceive as game).

Despite those picturesque movie scenes of sheep grazing on the hillsides with shepherd dogs quietly watching over them, in real life, sheep and especially cattle will physically challenge the dogs’ authority, hence the need for the assertive, tough Aussie that can convince uncooperative stock to do as he bids.

Obviously, this prey and chase instinct carries over to livestock kept as pets, so folks who have horses, goats, or other large animals that they do not want to be herded will have to teach their Aussies that those animals are off limits. As usual, this will be more easily accomplished when starting with a puppy or very young dog that can be taught before bad habits start. Stopping an Aussie from engaging in this natural behavior once established proves considerably more difficult.

I NEED YOU

At times, the Aussie seems a contradiction—a tough, independent-thinking herding dog on one hand, but a sensitive, completely devoted companion on the other. Yet these seemingly opposing forces are what make this breed the supreme working dog that he is, as he stoically withstands the rigors and hardships of working with animals many times his size while at the same time willingly and instantly responding to his master’s directions.

This combination can puzzle novice owners, especially those who try to train the Aussie based on his rugged image rather than considering his total character. Treat the Australian Shepherd harshly, and you lose his adoration; treat him indulgently, and you lose his respect. Instead, be consistent, show him what is wanted, and gently insist that he always comply, and then you’ll discover the trainability that this breed is famous for.

Another part of developing the Aussie’s trainability and character involves socialization. A puppy kindergarten class exposes the puppy to new people, other puppies, a new environment, and so on, but socialization cannot stop there with this naturally reserved and sometimes wary breed. In fact, all dogs, regardless of breed or mix, need ongoing and consistent exposure to various locations, people of all ages and races, other dogs, and life experiences.

The good news is that the Aussie loves nothing better than accompanying his owner wherever possible. As a puppy, your Aussie should be taken for very short car rides initially and gradually worked up to longer rides. Though a young pup must be crated for safety, once he matures a bit and becomes comfortable in the car, he can be safely strapped in with a car harness if desired so he can enjoy the view.

Whether running errands, going to the lake for a day of swimming, joining the family for a cookout, or embarking on a longer road trip, the well-socialized Aussie with good basic obedience training makes a wonderful companion. In addition, he doesn’t backseat-drive, talk your ear off, or sing off-key to the radio…what more could anyone ask of a travel buddy?

The Australian Shepherd is prized for his work ethic, companion qualities, and stunning good looks.

All in all, the Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, devoted, and ready-foranything companion suitable for a smart, active, and dedicated owner who wants a dog to share in his or her life. If you’re among those who appreciate and understand this breed’s many facets and realize that you and the Aussie are truly a match made in heaven, then you will find your Aussie happily following you to the ends of the earth.

Show your artistic side. Share photos, videos, and artwork of your favorite breed at Club Aussie. You can also submit jokes, riddles, and even poetry about Aussies. Browse through our various galleries and see the talent of fellow Aussie owners. Go to DogChannel.

com/Club-Aussie and click on “Galleries” to get started.

True Tails

The Thinker

Dog trainers like Cec Connair of Baltimore, Ohio, know that true canine intelligence goes beyond the aptitude to learn obedience or manners—it relates to the individual dog’s ability to solve problems without anyone’s help, an area in which the Aussie shines. But when her young Australian Shepherd caught her long line on a railroad tie along the driveway, what happened next surprised even Connair.

“Years ago, I was using a 50-foot long line on a four-month-old puppy to train her to some outside boundaries and to come when called. We were working in the front yard along the driveway when I decided to wrap things up and go inside the house. When I called Breena, she immediately started to come to me but then got her line, which I had put a few knots in, caught on one of the railroad ties lining the driveway,” says Connair.

Though ready to go to her aid if needed, Connair decided to wait and offer Breena some motivation. She says, “I talked to her in an encouraging tone, telling her,

‘C’mon, you can figure this out.’ For a short time, Breena stood there and looked at me, puzzled about what she should do.” Connair kept encouraging Breena, knowing that the pup had the genetics to solve her dilemma. “Her mom was extremely bright,” says Connair.

Next thing she knew, “This very young puppy turned, walked to the very spot where the long line was caught, picked it up in her teeth, pulled it loose, and came happily running over to me,” says Connair, who was stunned at the adept manner in which this baby Aussie had freed herself. “That was an incredibly clever move for any dog, but especially for such a young puppy,” she says.

Fortunately, Connair directed this puppy’s intelligence and problem-solving ability toward obedience and other types of training; otherwise, who knows what trouble such a bright Aussie might have gotten herself into? Though Aussie breeder Connair says that those sharp minds still surprise her every day, none have outdone that young puppy’s reasoning.

An Aussie trains on the pause table. In a true test of discipline, each dog in agility competition must break the fast pace of the course and stop on the table for a specified amount of time.

THE AUSSIE OUTLINE

This herding dog has it all!

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States

WHAT HIS FRIENDS CALL HIM: Aussie

SIZE: Males: 21 to 23 inches; females: 18 to 21 inches

OVERALL APPEARANCE: