The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and agile dog which demands more attention and care in comparison to other dog breeds. Like most shepherd dogs, the Australian Shepherd's tendency to chase and herd is hard wired into its genetic make up, and it requires considerable skill and patience to ?tame? an Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd or Aussie was first developed in Western United States in the 19th century. The Australian Shepherd is a working dog, and due to its intelligence and agility is used to look over livestock like sheep. It is also a popular household pet known for its loyalty and watchdog abilities.

If you are planning on buying an Australian Shepherd here are a few things you need to understand about the Australian Shepherd's psyche. Like most working dogs, the Australian Shepherd is agile and aggressive. The Australian Shepherd is capable of making independent decisions and this makes it mischievous and sometimes difficult to handle. Being a working dog, the Australian Shepherd's energy is often misdirected, making it important for dog owners to give their Australian Shepherds proper exercise.

If you are a first time dog owner, you might not want to buy an Australian Shepherd, as the dog is not for the novice owner. Australian Shepherd's require considerable patience and understanding to get used to. Much like a child, the Australian Shepherd has to be taught to curb its curiosity and excessive energy. As a dog owner you should expect spending at least 2 hours a day with the dog, taking it for runs and giving your Australian Shepherd sufficient exercise. The Australian Shepherd is full of energy and loves activities like catching Frisbees and fetching balls.

Apart from its agility, the Australian Shepherd is a fantastic watch dog. Even the slightest movement can induce a curious look or a barking spell. Expect spending some time in training the dog to be less aggressive toward other dogs, and especially towards visitors. It is important to remember that the Australian Shepherd is a result of years of extensive inbreeding, and the Australian Shepherd was designed to be an aggressive watchdog. If you are a first time owner, you might want to use professional help to have your dog trained and to curb its aggressive instincts. An Australian Shepherd turns destructive if its energy is not expended or if it is neglected by its owner, so you might want to read a few books to understand the psyche of your dog.

Once trained, the Australian Shepherd is a loyal and dependable dog. It is an excellent watchdog and can be trusted around children and visitors. Unlike other dogs, the Australian Shepherd is known for its intelligence and is the dog of choice when it comes to working unusual livestock like rabbits, ducks and geese. If you are looking to buy an Australian Shepherd, keep in mind that Australian Shepherds are naturally aggressive and energetic; and you should expect to spend a certain part of your day training and exercising your dog.

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