Australian shepherds or Aussies are popularly considered as the best herding dogs in the canine world. They are devoted companions which make them protective over their family owners. They are playful, loyal, lively and their demeanor is very mild and easy-going. They are very perceptive and intuitive that they would know what their family owner is wants from them. Aussies don't bark obsessively and they are quiet workers. Although these dogs are aggressive in herding of stock animals, they are gentle and friendly to people they are familiar with.
Aussies are classified to be a good watch dog, provided their owners would spend more time on them. Like any other intelligent dog, they get bored more easily especially when left alone for a long time. As a diversion from boredom, they usually chew up anything when feeling restless or dig holes. This type has a tendency to become destructive when attacked by boredom. Proper exercise is very important for an Aussie to avoid boredom. Aussies also have the natural inclination to 'herd'. They try to nip at the heels or at the back of people's knees as an act of herding. You have to train them on not to try to herd humans. Otherwise, it will be very hard to trust your dog around with others, especially on young children, which your dog might attempt to herd.
A person thinking of raising this type of dog needs certain requirements before acquiring it as a pet. One must know how to train their pet dogs for them to become comfortable with their family owner. It is best to build them a pet house where they can stay comfortably. Given their highly energetic character, there should also be a place where these dogs could run around and play hard. These intelligent dogs need vigorous mental and physical activities that the owner has to keep in mind to keep their dogs away from boredom.
Australian Shepherds possess a highly intelligent trait and are easy to train. They do very well in dog sports, as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, drug detectors, or even as show dogs. They work on open ranches, herding sheep, ducks and other poultry animals. Aussies are serious in doing their jobs and are known to be an obedient, good utility and a good worker with discipline. As a man's best friend, they are loving, loyal and devoted to their owner.
