r/AustralianShepherd

She’s enjoying our vacation.

My 8 month old is a certified menace to society and has been since about a day after I brought him home. I am obsessed with him, but he isn't really sweet or calm in any way. Still, in all my love for him I decided to take him on a week long vacation (that includes an 11 hour ride there and back) and the whole month leading up to it I was pouring out anxiety from every pore, just imagining how horrible and unmanageable it would be. Especially because it would be the first time he'll be sleeping in bed with me and not in the crate. But he slept pretty much the whole car ride, only occasionally getting nervous when we switched lanes or hit the brakes, or crossed some bumpy areas. Before this, the longest he had been in the car was 30 minutes. This trip holds a lot of firsts for him. It's his first time at the beach, and as I predicted he was a total maniac for the water, and was fully swimming underwater catching crabs and seaweed, and trying to wrestle with my mom's slightly water-aversive Great Dane and refusing to accept rejection. As soon as we'd get back from the beach, he'd fall asleep in bed like a natural and sleep through the night, and when he had to go to the bathroom he'd wake me up by licking my face. Mind you, he's not potty trained at our own house, but he managed to figure it out here. He's been so sweet and affectionate and totally chill with just lazing out by the water. (As long as he gets to leap like a dolphin in the water for at least 30 minutes first) I've never appreciated him more than this week. The week before we left he was a total nightmare. He wouldn't settle for shit and wanted to constantly run, jump, and CHOMP. he had explosive diarrhea and his crate was constantly soiled, and not to mention he suddenly forgot every command, I was exhausted and at the end of my rope. But I guess we both needed a vacation.

I just realized from his embark that he is genetically double merle. He came from a merle x black tri pairing, but I know hidden merle exists. Is he really a double merle? I couldn't find any information on double merles not being mostly white. He doesn't have any other noticeable issues. He also has the gene that says he should be solid colored so maybe that cancels out the double merle(at least phenotype)? I'm considering getting him tested with UC Davis for more information about his merle genes. I'm not worried about it, I have no plans to breed him, I'm just curious and fascinated with genetics.

I’ve been obsessed with Super Mario Bro’s since I was a kid. I got this mushroom for myself, but immediately upon bringing it home I noticed he was very interested in it. It’s been his ever since. Please enjoy this video of my dog responding to the sound effects as if it’s a squeaky toy lol

also: before anyone says anything, yes, he is very large 💀 he has a thyroid issue pls be nice to my big boy

My Aussie Cali. She’s 11.

I need help and advice. My Aussie is 4 years old, and previously he’d only shake/tremble/ pant when thunder and lightning happened. About 3 weeks ago he’s randomly started shaking in the evening, and it lasts 30 min to one hour. We went on a 6 hour road trip to my grandmas lake house, and he was having a blast until 3 days in, it was constant all day. He didn’t want to swim or be on the deck or yard anymore. Since we’ve been back he’s been scared on walks and shaking throughout the day. I have him booked for the vet, but I’m nervous they will just recommend putting him on anxiety meds. Has anyone gone through this and found out it wasn’t anxiety?

Just a little bit of a rascal! 12 weeks into his new job 🤭

One of the best perks of working at a pet company is getting to bring your best coworker with you every day, even better when he gets to sit on mom's lap outside. He's just happy to be there.

She's a great pain in the ass!

this weekend, my baby, Juni, turned one year old!!! this is my first time owning an aussie and I could not be more happy to have picked her. She is crazy but my favorite little crazy being ever

The pure happiness on my sweet Sophia’s face when she tried her first mobile gym experience.

Hi all! I’ve posted on her previously introducing my sweet girl. This is Nyx, she’s 17 weeks old today. She’s definitely not our first dog, but she’s our first Aussie. We rescued her a little over a month ago and she clicked with our family immediately (we also have a golden retriever).

For being a puppy she is surprisingly calm, and a little unsure of the world wanting to stick to our sides. She’s already our little Velcro baby and SUCH a sweetheart. When we rescued I was almost sure she’d be mixed with something. Turns out from DNA test we did our girl is 100% Aussie.

I have been researching this breed a lot and I find this breed incredibly fascinating and intelligent. I want to give my girl the best so while I do my own research, I’d love to hear from Aussie parents on any advice you’d like to share.

I’ve noticed her herding instincts started to kick in last few days. I’ve been doing herding games with her and we’ve been training since she came home. She is VERY smart.

I love her so much already.

Anything you’d share with tips, or just things I could expect would be lovely to read.

Here is a picture of her, and then her and her Golden Pal.