My family is thinking to buy an aussie (austrailian shepard) In all the books and articles I read... they said they needed alot of exercize and needed a job to do. And I'm worried about that. I have a medium sized yard.
2007-01-16 14:57:46 · 5 answers · asked by Stephanie H 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I know I will be walking with her for an hour or so of exercize... but work to do part... Do they really need work ? Will they become destructive if they dont have any work to do?
2007-01-16 16:34:40 · update #1
I have seen a lot of neurotic Aussies, and it's all for the same reason- they don't have enough to do. Aussies, border collies, cattle dogs, and many other working breeds are not far removed from their actual working ancestors. They NEED exercise- several hours of good, hard activity per day, and they do need something to focus that energy on, whether it's herding, obedience, flyball, frisbee, or whatever else you choose. It is not a good idea to buy one as an idle pet and only let it play in a small yard. You will have a very unhappy Aussie. IF you can provide 2-3 hours minimum walking/jogging time, and take them to a dog park at least every other day for some serious games, you might consider it. But if you can't commit to that every day for the life of the dog, consider a less active breed.
2007-01-16 15:02:34 · answer #1 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do need *loads* of excercise, so if your not committed your better off not getting one.
They are bred to work sheep and cattle and when they arent working they arent happy.
It will be fine if the dog is walked atleast once a day, you can tire it out by playing fetch or something like that, but please be sure to train the pup asap cos they are very irratic by nature and are go go go all the time.
Its like having a small child at your feet 24/7, so really some research and make sure you can commit yourself because otherwise it could turn out to be a disarster.
Also try not to feed it high energy food, you will just be adding fuel to the fire.
Good Luck
2007-01-16 15:26:23 · answer #2 · answered by Krystle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aussies do need excercise. so if you have time to walk the dog it would do you or your family good also to excercise and also make a stronger bond with the dog. As for a job they are pretty content being around people as long as they are apart of something going on. A very people friendly and family oriented dog.
2007-01-16 15:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by AWRAmale 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The other answers here are great, your dog will not respect you as leader if all you do is put it out in the yard. Any working or sporting dog needs its energy drained and a job to be happy (all dogs do, but these one in particular). Look to see if there is a herding range close to you, if not, teach the dog to run beside you on leash as you ride a bike or give it a weighted back-pack. This is my sled dog's usual job. He gets tired and he is SO proud of himself. I live in an apartment and all my neighbours love him.
Good Luck.
2007-01-16 15:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by Noota Oolah 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Walks .... The yard doesn't matter!!! They do need lots of exercise..... As long as you walk him often you should be fine:)
2007-01-16 15:01:38 · answer #5 · answered by Proud Army Wife 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋