Mini Australian Shepherds love performing tasks and learning new skills like their herding ancestors. They’re natural learners and want to help their families as much as possible. But, like any breed, they have high energy levels and must be bonded to their humans. They require plenty of space, exercise, and mental stimulation to thrive.
Friendly
When a mini Australian shepherd is adequately trained, they bond well with their families. They’re not aggressive or shy and happily join you on hikes or sit beside your feet at the end of a long day. These dogs have a strong work ethic, and they get fulfillment from having daily tasks to complete. They love playing and exercising but also need regular mental stimulation and attention. If they don’t receive enough activity, they may become bored and try to entertain themselves with destructive behaviors. Fortunately, these dogs are very perceptive and will pick up on their owner’s moods and tone of voice. This helps them avoid unnecessary barking, especially around strangers. They’re often apprehensive towards unfamiliar dogs and people, but early socialization can help minimize this.
Active
Known to their owners as Mini Aussies, these dogs are very active and require plenty of exercise. This includes regular outdoor walks and off-leash playtime in a fenced-in yard or at the dog park. Australian Shepherds are easy to train, brilliant, and naturally eager to please. However, they can become quickly bored if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. This can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing and biting, house soiling, and destroying furniture. Training your Mini Aussie as early as possible is essential so they know what you expect and how to respond. To keep your pup stimulated, consider training classes or doggy daycare. These activities will help your pup feel part of the family and prevent him from feeling lonely. Take action if you notice signs of loneliness, such as clingy behavior or excessive shedding. A little love and attention can go a long way to keeping your Aussie happy!
Intelligent
Mini Australian Shepherds, or MAS, love training and feel fulfilled when they have a job. They are intelligent dogs that will pick up on commands quickly. They enjoy having something to work towards and will be able to concentrate for long periods. They must be given plenty of daily exercise and interaction to keep their energy levels in check. This will help prevent them from acting out or developing problem behaviors. They will appreciate puzzles and interactive toys that stimulate their mind and keep them occupied for hours. As with any dog, they will become bored if you don’t correctly exercise and train your MAS puppy. This can lead to destructive behavior, and they may develop separation anxiety. Fortunately, early socialization will teach them to trust their people and not be nervous around strangers. The good news is that if you are patient with your MAS, they will learn to respond well to you and see training as another way to spend time with their proud family.
Loyal
This herding-type breed is highly loyal and gets satisfaction from performing a task well. They thrive on being challenged mentally and physically. This helps them focus when training and quickly pick up on new skills. They also love to perform and participate in dog sports, such as agility and obedience. These dogs make great family pets and enjoy playing with children. However, they can be too much for small children because of their herding instincts. Early socialization is vital in helping them get used to children’s rough-and-tumble play. Mini Australian Shepherds can be wary of strangers and may try to herd them if startled. Therefore, they should be properly socialized from a young age and given regular outdoor exercise to burn off energy.
Good With Children
Aussies love kids and can be great companions, especially if they have early training and socialization. They’re eager to please and learn quickly. Because they were bred to herd livestock, it’s in their nature to push children around, but this behavior can be corrected with obedience training and plenty of patience. One command that helps control this behavior is “leave it,” which tells your dog to move away from an object or person. However, if your children are too young to play roughly with an Aussie or you don’t have the time for two-hour-long walks daily, this breed may not suit you. These dogs love to be active and require much attention, making them best for families who can meet their needs. Aussies make lovely pets for singles and couples who want to adopt a loyal companion. They’ll be a happy and healthy addition to any family with proper exercise, training, and socialization. Just be sure to find a puppy screened adequately for genetic diseases and health issues before taking them home.
