Maybe booties will help. Having more than one Australian Shepherd can be a lot of fun for you. Most of the owners I talked to say it takes a bit of time and planning to make things turn out successfully. HE is a great dog, but I really hoped by this many years in he would be more settled and be able to just chill when we are home. And frankly 30 miles a week running probably puts him in the top .0001% of exercise for dogs category. Well, there is something calledlittermate syndromewhich you can read more abouthere, but basically, 2 puppies can get so attached to each other that it can cause extreme anxiety and behavior problems for one or both of them. Its best tolet them meet each other on neutral territory. Throw it again. You dont want to feel like you need to get a second job to pay for a second pet, that kind of just defeats the purpose. If you really are committed to keeping him then do the research you skipped before. They are a hugely popular breed and many people aspire to own Aussies but we dont all live in big homes with gardens. Sometimes I wish I din't have him so I could just enjoy my other two shepherds cause they are much more suited to my personality and energy level. There are specific ways to train a dog to be less anxious (for example, giving a Kong ever time you leave so that they associate you leaving with a Good Thing), and certain medications can help as well. Reserved dogs can be encouraged to accept people with some success, but some never accept strangers. But we kind of just don't have more to give. So, get creative with your space! You should always stop to interact with friendly dogs and people, as well. I dont think youre ready for this jelly., Throw it again. 14. You say you work long hours and your wife is pregnant with your second kid, so there's no time for the dog. The short answer is yes. 4 0 obj My other dogs will be content and ready to relax after a long hike. Is training an Aussie more difficult in an apartment? He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. You are sure that your dog would thrive with a friend around to keep him company. Aussies tend to be vocal, communicative dogs, particularly when theyre having fun. If you're in illinois area, pm me. If finances are too tight for that check out youtubes helpful dog training videos (zak george is a great traininer on there). Having a playmate can help keep your Australian Shepherd from getting bored, and can take some of the pressure off of you to constantly entertain. It also takes some patience and understanding that your new dog and Aussie will most likely not instantly become best friends. If they start showing signs of nervousness or aggression, its best to back off and try again later when they are calmer and in a quieter place with less distraction. What will it take from us to have a calm, happy dog? However, a lack of space shouldnt directly cause boredom, so long as they have enough room to play and someone to play with. Youll want to keep them separated at first and closely monitor interactions while introducing them to each other a little at a time. Or potentially your wife could by strapping the baby in a stroller? This will cause a lot of extra care and work on your part to fix. This gives them a great foundation! Having a companion for your Australian Shepherd can be wonderful, but if and when something happens to either dog and they pass away, it can be devastating and very difficult for your remaining dog to deal with. If you guys are having a second kid, and you work long hours, and money is tight, a dog is not a thing you should have in your life. He ambushes visitors and will not leave them alone -- just running around the apartment whining even when they've sat down. Can Australian Shepherds Live In Apartments? To stop your Aussie from barking too much, quit playing whenever the barking starts, to show them that barking equals game over. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Use it with a negative action, such as ignoring your pup and crossing your arms, to communicate that you are not happy with their behavior. He is, however, an emotional wreck. I have to agree with TWZL. Come here, let me gently sniff your nose., Featured image viaBen/Flickr (left) andcarterse/Flickr (right), 16 Pictures That Perfectly Sum Up What Its Like To Own An Australian Shepherd. Many Aussies are friendly with everyone, but the Australian Shepherd generally tends to be reserved and cautious with strangers. If you live in an apartment, you may have to put in a little extra effort with your Aussie during training and playtime. However, when this happens, it can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors out of frustration. Just think about how many hours you can spend on YouTube watching cute Australian Shepherd videos. Are Australian Shepherds too hyper for apartments? Hi. Or are we better off just finding him a better home? What I'd like to know is: is this manageable? Slowly build up the time that you are gone each time, and never make a big deal about leaving, but always make a fuss of them when you come back. Finally, switch the cups around and ask your dog to find the treat. This behavior just keeps getting worse, and we're starting to trust him less. No matter where you live, its also important that your dog has their own space for things like sleeping, eating, and a place to keep their toys. I would guess that if he's already prone to being neurotic, the addition of human babies is going to make that worse unless he has someone who knows what they're doing to help him. It might be a way for him to get the exercise he needs during the day other than your runs. Buying a puppy of any breed can be a 12-15 year commitment.So often people fall in love with a cute puppy for all the wrong reasons and end up with a lot of heartache or a dog that is not suitable for their lifestyle. Okay, cool, cool, just checking., 13. Preventing boredom in Australian Shepherds, Aussies love to play games that exercise their natural instincts like fetch and chase, so make sure to incorporate some of these into daily life. If youre not able to give them several hours (not necessarily in a row) of your time each day to walk them, play with them, teach them, etc.. then you are probably not ready to get another dog that will also demand more of your time and attention. Even after miles of hiking offleash he is still pacing and pushing for attention. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> They are a hugely popular breed and many people aspire to own Aussies but we dont all live in big homes with gardens. So, as a prospective owner, you may be wondering, can Australian Shepherds live in apartments are theygood indoor dogs? Second thing, please, do not get another dog. endobj If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. This subreddit is a great starting point for a lot of information, but you should always verify and expand upon what you've read before putting it to use in your daily life. The run sounds like a lot, but if my math is right that works out to 4 miles a day, which really isn't very much. He is equally happy whether working or simply being with his owner or family, to whom he is very devoted. If your Australian Shepherd is getting into a lot of trouble you may need to think abouthow much time you are able to devote to your dog. Then I was pregnant, now little man is 9 months old. He is reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Which I take off when I get home. Honestly? I have come to find out through reading and personal experience that apartment living is far from ideal for Aussies. Steffi is the founder of SpiritDog Training. For older dogs, it could go one of two ways. Any foodor? To boot, I have a job that asks 60-80 hour weeks regularly and allows very little time to spend with my growing family and not nearly enough money to pay for additional training or even walks. Do things in your apartment with your dog that your dog finds fun and not stressful for some amount of time every day. That way the breeder or previous owner is prepared to help find another family if needed. Its best tohave a backup planif the meeting doesnt go well or your new dog doesnt get along with your existing one. The size and temperament of both dogs are big factors. <>>> 3 0 obj However, you will have to work extra hard to make sure that all of their needs are met. The Aussie was developed as a farm and ranch dog, not only to work livestock, but also to be a companion and guardian of the family and the familys possessions. I have an almost 3 year old mini aussie. All that aside, if you aren't up to the challenge, find someone who is. Good luck! I have no idea what sort of breeder you went to, but honestly there are plenty of really shitty ones, working with a "breed" that has less than stellar temperaments. Australian Shepherds are known for their fluffy derrieres. Does age matter when thinking about getting another dog? If you havea relatively healthy older Australian Shepherd then having a puppy around could be great for keeping them playful and youthful, but if youre older Australian Shepherd has health issues and doesnt have a lot of energy having a puppy around could cause a lot of added stress for them, either way, you will want to have space where your older dog can go to escape and be alone when they want a break. Australian Shepherds are high energy, need a job to do, and demand a lot of time. endobj It all just depends on how much you are willing to give for this dog. <> You may be wanting to get a friend for your Australian Shepherd if you think they are feeling lonely and need some companionship. Obedience training is highly recommended, and Aussies will learn quickly. Generally speaking dogs of the opposite sex to best with each other. If they play to rough then your new dog could be hurt or become fearful around your larger dog. It sounds like you are working up to re-homing your dog. Encourage solo-play with treat-dispensing toys and practice being apart by leaving the apartment for small amounts of time. You could even set up a mini obstacle course in your apartment using books and chairs to test out those agility skills or teach them a new trick with our training courses for dogs. You and your environment will greatly determine the dog you end up with. If you do end up getting two of the same gender, two males usually do best together. My pink paws look delectable, dont they?. How much space does an Australian Shepherd need? And again, but you run 30 miles a week? Invest in a few mentally stimulating toys like puzzle toys, puzzle feeders, and treat-dispensing balls. endobj However, it can be prevented (and tackled) by gradually building their independence. Well. I can relate!! And sorry to be harping on that, or sounding like I'm judging, but again, if you are a serious runner, and this dog is running with you, he's getting the exercise he needs. As medium-sized dogs with big personalities, Australian Shepherds are best suited to living in medium-large sized homes with some kind of outdoor space. You should be aware of his territorial instincts and that he may be naturally possessive and protective of his owners and home. Aussies dont necessarily need a farm to exercise on, but they do need daily exercise and attention. Australian Shepherds are well known for their high-energy and playful nature. Lets take a look at exactly how to do that. Why not just get 2 puppies from the same litter, or even just 2 puppies at the same time? If he gets bored, he finds something and completely deconstructs it. Please no. Heres what its like to own an Aussie, in pictures. Otherwise, giving the breeder a call sounds like a good idea (and they might also have some good advice for you). Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and with this comes a low tolerance for boredom. Some dogs will get along right away, others will take a little longer. Oh, for sure., This is no longer your human. 5. It sounds like you're waiting for someone to say, "play him in another home". And I totally get that. I play with him as much as possible. You say you guys don't have time for him, but if you run 30 miles a week, it sounds like you do have time for him. Australian Shepherds are well known for their high-energy and playful nature. However, your Aussie doesnt necessarily need tonnes of space at home to expend their energy, so long as you can get them out for nice, long walks every day. Border Collies and other Aussie mixes are popular among Aussie owners. I got a little bored, so I sorted your mail.. Talk to a breeder and get some advice from an experienced Aussie owner. This article covers the cost of grooming an Australian Shepherd: Cost to Groom an Australian Shepherd (Owners Surveyed). Shepherd breeds are naturally hyperactive because of the job that they were originally bred to do. Home Fun 16 Pictures That Perfectly Sum Up What Its Like To Own An Australian Shepherd. Our old place actually had a fenced-in dog run where we would play fetch for 20-30 minutes a day. , you will have to deal with serious behavioral issues. It's not as hard as you're making it seem. As the kids get older and more interested in him, he shows little to no interest. You could even set up a mini obstacle course in your apartment using books and chairs to test out those agility skills or teach them a new trick with our. We did absolutely zero research. Piece of cake! I know we made the right choice giving him a better life. But again, this dog is getting more than enough exercise. The running actually started, for the most part, because the dog needed exercise. It is impossible to tire him out! He adores you even if that's not a shared feeling. Dont react angrily to destructive behaviors, as the attention can encourage them. When taking your pup out to go potty, say the associative words that you want them to learn when they do their business, and always praise them afterward. We hope the following discussion will help you with your choice. Its a lot harder when you cant rush your dog out of the door and into a garden! New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Cats for example can become very annoyed and possibly aggressive around an Australian Shepherd trying to assert his will over it. Invest in some pee pads for emergencies and start using a negative verbal signal, like the word no. Here are some clues that might indicate your Australian Shepherd is lonely. If your Australian Shepherd is very well socialized and has had a lot of practice around other dogs its likely that they will do well with another breed. It can provide them with a friend and a playmate that will take some pressure off of you for entertainment and attention. Their herding instincts could potentially cause problems around other animals. We do just fine. It was not ideal; technically pets were not allowed but we always went later at night and cleaned up after ourselves. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, Screaming post hugger & chocolatey goodness. If a bored, destructive. If you did not get this dog from a breeder, go [here] (http://www.miniaussierescue.org) and ask for help placing him. If someday you upgrade to a house, most problems will probably disappear as you could let him stay outside most of the time. Dog parks, going to the pet store, walking in busy areas are all good things to try. Often they will begin to feel very depressed and it could take a long time for them to get over the separation from their friend. Then, call them to come and find you. Your dogs will hopefully end up sharing a bed, and possibly other things as well, but to begin with, its important that the dogs have no reason to feel threatened by each other. Our dog is now 3 and a half years old and is great. Most Aussies love to play ball and Frisbee, and many love water and swimming. Please keep in mind that tennis court floors are very abrasive and can cause your dog's paws to wear down. We ended up giving him back to the rescue we got him from because we were no where near active enough to care for him the way he needed. He is fine home alone but panics when locked in another room or in a backyard (when we're visiting people who have them). Finding that tipped-over garbage can with chewed-up trash isnt fun for any pet parent, but it will be double trouble if you add another puppy to the mix. What about Gender? Want to get a sniff on what SpiritDog's online training is all about? Maybe hiring a dog walker to supplement that could help. What can we do on a regular basis to help our pup calm down? If an Australian Shepherd is well socialized he can get along with any pet, he loves to herd and chase so expect that from him no matter what! Australian Shepherd can be energetic, feisty, and playful. Toys are another great way to challenge your Aussie. I have 2 Aussies and live in an apartment. Just very annoying. Somewhere outside the home, or even in your front yard (away from your front door), a neighbors yard, or a nearby park with no one around or limited distractions. But at the same time we love him and know he loves us. In order to avoid littermate syndrome,Behaviorists recommend waiting until your puppy is at least 1 or 2 years oldand has some good solid training before adding another addition. It's a dog. Australian Shepherds have a very strong desire to be in charge and herd other animals. Many Aussie owners find great success in using this online program to train their dogs. So, as a prospective owner, you may be wondering, can Australian Shepherds live in apartments are they. To play hide and seek, get your dog to sit and wait while you hide somewhere in the apartment. The mistake is ours. Aussie is left alone for many hours at a time. While he is yet to show aggression, we're worried it's getting to that point. if this dog fits your lifestyle, enjoy your Aussie! She is passionate about dog health & welfare and wants to arm owners with all of the essential info they need! Only an underworked, un-challenged Aussie will get bored. Have you thought about something like doggy day camp? Ill explain why that might just add to your problems instead of helping. Yeah, considering he already said the dog hates being outside this is not the best option. If she's a good breeder and a decent human being, she's going to want the dog back, not placed via Craig's List or something like that. Perhaps you want to get another Australian Shepherd, or maybe you are wondering what other dog breed he might get along with. To avoid this, you must make sure your Aussies body and mind are sufficiently exercised. It may take some time for your Aussie to get used to and become friends with another dog in the household. He whines incessantly -- when left alone, the hour before his walk, the hour before meals. Hey all. Early day Aussies were often depended upon to guard the children while both parents were in the field. We should've been smarter, and we should be giving him more time and attention. My wife and I decided very early on in our marriage to get a Mini Australian Shepard. They have so many wonderful stories about how their dogs are best friends and really help to keep each other company! I have done training and lots of exercise, but at this point its his temperament and he is well behaved overall. I once asked a dog trainer about an Aussie in an apartment with a baby and he called it "the perfect storm.". (The Truth Revealed), Bathing Your Siberian Husky (Tips & Tricks), Siberian Husky Teeth Complete Guide (Cleaning, Problems, and More), Siberian Husky Obsessive Licking (Quick Solutions), separate feeding bowls in different areas. With these willful personalities, they tend to like being the Alpha dog. And if you want to see crazy people, leave a barking dog in a backyard and leave the house for 8 or 10 hours. We fixed it. Once they have had a good first meeting you canbring the new dog inside and take a chance to show them around. Puppies will gradually get better at regulating their energy as they mature from puppyhood, but they will remain active dogs for their entire lives. Press J to jump to the feed. Dont force it. Problem is, we've lived in apartments ever since. Dogs left outside when no one is home have no protection at all against crazy people. So yeah, call the breeder: I'd do that, without hesitation, or thinking she'll be judging you. You say you don't have the money for a trainer. Give him lots of treats then. Whether it be inside or outside (outside is much preferred ). You do have free time. I second training the "go to mat". You could also hire someone for training, they would be able to help more with the energy when visitors arrive. A good way to test how your Aussie does with other dogs is carefully and safely putting them in situations where they can practice being around other dogs. Having one dog is expensive, but having multiple dogs can get even more expensive. Some will chew when left alone too long, Great news! An Aussie puppy generally needs 5 minutes of exercise per month of their life, and elderly Aussies will need to wind down as they get older. If someday you upgrade to a house, most problems will probably disappear as you could let him stay outside most of the time. It is estimated that it costs $2000-$6000 a year to own a dog so be sure you are ready for the additional cost it entails. He is constantly trying to nudge me for attention. Since you've already hired a trainer, I hope that you'll be able to work with a behaviorist. You will want to have a separate space for your new dog where he can feel safe and secure in a new environment. x[YoF~7}VjyZHPZP! He always, always seems tense. If you are considering buying or adopting an Australian Shepherd, you first need to learn as much as possible about the breed and then decide if it is the right kind of dog for you. This is especially likely to occur with shepherd breeds because they are naturally intense and have a tendency to form compulsive behaviors when theyre stressed. Remember that dogs of any breed may become aggressive if they are poorly socialized and untrained. However, when this happens, it can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors out of frustration. Unfortunately, hyper-intelligent breeds like Aussies are also more prone to experiencing separation anxiety, which can be even more difficult than usual when living in a smaller space. If you have a very senior dogthen getting a puppy might not be the right fit. Your Aussie will need to be very patient and gentle with this new little dog. Besides the run, what types of mental stimulation do you provide? You will also learn about the best companion breed for your Australian Shepherd and how to introduce them to each other successfully. Because the pup is contained to the court it's not as physically taxing human-wise. This is a tricky one. Think sheep-herd. Animals are so fun to watch and their horseplay is always entertaining. Have them both on a leash and harness and let them smell each other on their own terms. While im not in an apartment and have a huge yard and go hiking a few times a week, he always seems tense and ancy. He is not gentle when you do pet him. %PDF-1.5 You can't leave a dog outside, especially one who barks as much as it breaths (mini aussie) and think that no one will either call the cops/AC or just kill it. How much exercise your Aussie needs will depend on their age, but generally, a healthy adult Australian Shepherd needs at least two hours of exercise every day. Instead, show them that this kind of behavior gets no attention and try confining them to a smaller, safe area of the home until it calms down. If an Aussies exercise needs are met,he will enjoy to snuggle upwith his owner on the couch as well! 15. He's smart and knows lots of tricks. When he's running with you he's your best bud, just as when I'm running, I love my running shoes. Dogs that match the size and temperament of Australian Shepherd can do really well together. This should decrease by roughly an hour for every month of their life until they are 4-6 months old, by which time they should only need to go 3-5 times per day. Well, you are in the right place this article can be your guide and answer all your questions about getting another dog to be a companion for your furry companion. To compound the problem, we had our first child in 2013 and the next is due this October.