What To Consider When Adopting An Australian Shepherd

So, you’ve decided to get a dog and you think Australian Shepherds are just the cutest, most adorable dogs and you’ve got to have one! Australian Shepherds are wonderful dogs, they really are, but wait! Before you take that final leap, here are a few things you might want to consider before you get your very own Aussie.
1.Are you an active person or a couch potato? If you’re the latter, then give up on your dreams of owning an Australian Shepherd right now. Aussies need regular, and I mean regular, exercise. They also need more than a ten minute stroll round the block. They require some high activity exercise � at least an hour a day of running, Frisbee throwing or agility.
2.Are you a timid person who can’t bear to say boo to a goose? If so, an Australian Shepherd is sure to rule the roost and run you ragged. Aussies are smart dogs with a high opinion of themselves and they like to be the alpha dogs. A firm, strong will is required to train them and teach them appropriate boundaries.
3.Do you have the energy, patience and time to invest in obedience training? This is a must if you want to have a well behaved pet that is a joy to the family rather than a hyper dog that drives you wild.
4.Are you prepared to spend time grooming your dog? Aussies have long coats and they do need regular brushing.
5.Do you want a puppy or an adult? Puppies are adorable, but you need to invest the time in training them, housebreaking them and dealing with the chewing phases.
6.If you prefer an adult, should you consider getting your Aussie from a Rescue organization? The advantage of this is that you’ll be providing a home for a dog that needs one, preventing yet another sad story in the dog world. In addition, rescue dogs are often placed with foster families and you can then evaluate how the dog behaves in a home setting and see if it would suit your home. A rescue dog Aussie is likely to be already housebroken and may even have basic training.
7.If you are determined you want a puppy, then you need to look for a reputable breeder with good credentials. You want a breeder who is committed to Australian Shepherds as a breed, has good ethics and looks after his dogs well. Ask the breeder lots of questions about the dogs, their parents and how they checked for potential genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia. If the breeder gets defensive or doesn’t ask you any questions then be suspicious. A breeder should be equally concerned as to where his/her dogs are placed so should also quiz you on your intentions with the dog.
Ultimately, though, if you know the Australian Shepherd is the right dog for you, and you spend time choosing a puppy or adult dog wisely, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful, loving and loyal companion.