Will Atherton Australian Shepherd Show Educational and informative videos from Will Atherton covering everything you could want to know about the incredible Australian Shepherd dog breed.
Hi …. I am interested in the month course for aggression in Aussie, but when I click on the book camp does go to your course. Can you provide the link for me please.
My one and a half year old Aussie has high energy but it's very limited and enjoys his lazy time just as much. He loves play and activities but It can be hard to convince him to go on walks longer than 1 hour. No pacing, chewing, biting, or barking issues. Each individual has their own personality and behavior tendencies
WOW. Our Shepherd is nothing like you mentioned. Shes actually really lazy. All she needs is a cuddle and a walk once a day and a slice of bacon on the weekend. Super happy and relaxed dog!
I dont live in a farm, but I never had any problem with my Aussies. Yes, they tend to heard children and moving object,but they are not ruff. During my last 30 years of life, I have had only Australian Shepherds (I am on my fourth right now). They are so smart and amazingly good! In fact, I cant live without an Aussie. It is true that they are active, they like to bark, they are not very friendly to strangers, they shed a lot (lot of vacuuming around the house), they dont like to be left alone for long periods of time, and they need plenty of exercise. If you are a responsible owner, who are looking for a dog to make him/her part of your family (just like if he/she were your own child) then they are the perfect dog! If I can not have an Aussie, then I dont want any other breed or pet. I cant imagine a life without an Aussie!
Thank you for the great vids. I am just curious: what is the actual correction for pulling? I understood the food as a way of enticing the dog to heel position, but it was not clear what the actual correction or modification was when the dog pulls so you can return to a loose lead and heel position? Thanks
It's more about rest than burning the energy in my experience. Many aussies don't know how to shut down and rest with distractions. Aussies are not for everyone and are often rehomed, so please do your research before buying one. I wouldn't recommend this dog as your first dog. But they are not as difficult as this video portrays them to be. They're very loyal and protective.
Dog Trainer in the American Midwest here. Maybe there's a blood line difference from what we have out here but our border collies are much more intense than our Aussies. Great video, absolutely will be sending to people considering an aussie, but I found that comment interesting.
My Aussie is the greatest dog. Hes a handful sometimes but hes absolutely hilarious and the best watch dog and companion me and the girlfriend could ever ask for
My son and sister got an Australian shepherd while I was on vacation. We love dogs and told them I was on board. I know they're worker dog. When I got home I started training him. I will always keep in mind that he is a dog that needs a job.
Very good description of Aussie needs. They require engagement all the time. I like your use of the word "leadership" as a criteria we need to provide. They are a fantastic breed and should be treated like royalty, especially with our time and attention. Thanks
I've had a few Australian shepherds. I now have a two-year-old. That is the most well-disciplined, lovable Frisbee catching, intelligent boy you ever want to meet. Guess I keep him busy, but he is so family orientated..
If you research your breeder and the temperament of there lineage you will find an incredibly amazing Australian Shepherd that does none of the things you claim.. I've had 2 Aussies now both from a very good breeder and both have had such a calm demeanor and incredible intelligence.. research your breeder first ..!!
I absolutely love my AS , but I do have enough area for her to get exercise. She's so smart and so loyal! And she has no problem problem relaxing in the house.
Aussies are not simple minded dogs! I have had three and each has been smarter than the one before! I think probably because it was because I was smarter and realized my dog.had much greater comprehensíon that I realized. My advice to most is get a dumber dog! 😂
So you should get a pit bull. Ugly as F, angry as F. Stupid and untrustworthy as F. I have a purebred from working mom. Actually no problem. If you can't handle a 3 year old child don't get one.
On # 14. Have 3 right now. 10 yr old, 5 yr old and 6 m. They go everywhere with me. Most importantly I am the pack leader. Lead with love and attention. Treat them like a 3 yr old human child. It works! I love them and they love me.
She was so easy at first went in every night, Then she decided she did not want to go in. In fact won't go to the bedroom at all. When I put her in she pees all over the floor. And I can't leave her out cause she chews things up. I'm so frustrated.
My Aussie is the best dog I've ever had. She loves to be outside a good part of the day and play with very strong chew toys. I am single, work from home and no children. Molly and I are best friend!!
There is a lovely 2-3 year old animal shelter dog. I am told he is Aussie Shepard and border collie mix. I am strongly considering getting this dog in the next couple of days. I grew up with German Shepherds (one at a time but three different ones) . but they were outside only animals. They never were trained and my mom spoiled them with too much food. They would dig holes in the grass. I haven't owned any dogs as an adult and I am now 66 and use stability poles to walk. I have read about Aussies and Border Collies and watched videos and pet every dog I come across is their owner permits this. I gravitate strongly to these particular dog breeds. This dog, named Orion was found wandering around my town of about 30k persons and was taken in a month ago. Sadly, no one hardly has even taken an interest in him aside from me. Before this, I had been thinking of getting a mini-Aussie from a breeder when there was a dog that was a couple of years old who was returned for rehoming as then there is only a finder's fee. I have some mobility problems due to my feet, ankles and knee and lower back but I can walk for about 20 minutes at a time. This dog, Orion, appears to never have been trained. I was told he may been the dog of an 'unhoused' person or someone who was arrested. They don't really know. He didn't have any ID chip or identifying materials on him. I noticed Orion didn't respond to my calm, firm directive and firm, gentle hand suggestion on his lower back to 'sit' and though he would run after a ball that I threw he didn't know to 'drop it'. He would 'kind of' bring it back towards me a bit but then wander off into another area and start doing something else. On my second visit I brought treats and asked for staff to give me some toys. This worked. I was able to successfully use these to begin training him to sit and to 'drop the ball' in just about 20 minutes.He seemed really 'wiped out' from just 1/2 hour of running to get balss exercise which concerned me as he is supposed to only be 2 or at the most 3 years old. He did roll on his back and let me rub his belly. I was excited to know I could 'train' him, but I haven't owned a dog before myself and have only read about how to train a dog. I used to be a teacher of all ages and see a lot of potential in Orion. I am very calm, patient and methodical as also have ADD as he appears to! I believe I can help give him needed focus and structure and that we could have loads of fun together. I want to 'trick him out' by keeping him guessing about where and when I will throw a ball or do other activities to help stimulate his mind. I hope to teach him truffle hunting. . I hope to train him to become an awesome dog. However, he is 64 pounds and am not sure whether he would have to be a formal companion or service dog for me to be able to have him at my apartment complex. I will be checking more into this. My place is only 500 square feet with no fencing but there are back grassy areas and nearby dog parks. He was not all 'cuddly' or 'snuggly' with me...he did come to me more the second visit, likely because I had the 'treats and toys!' I don't need the dog to be all 'affectionate' with me but I do want a dog that will 'bond' with me and learn to trust me and accept being loved and cared for. Before I say "YES" to Orion I'm wanting feedback and an opinion from you as an expert on Aussies (and border collie mix of course) about me bringing him into my life! Indeed, they haven't done a DNA test and he is more 'black and white' border collie like than "Aussie" like with beautiful blue eyes. Thanks! Melissa
Can u just get to the point it’s taking you a year and a half to just for you to get to it I’m literally standing here waiting to actually tell me something important
I have a 1year old mini Australian shepard/great pyrenees mix and he is a handful!! He will fight to not go in his kennel, he tore a hole in our gaming futon, when he wants to play just before bed he will grab his leash thats in my hand and pull or he will jump up and nip my arm almost like he is saying "its my night time play time now!", he will whine at me if he wants me to get him something he can't reach, and like I said at the start he is a HANDFULL. however, he is a wonderful loving handful that quit literally completes our family. He almost died the day after we got him due to being malnurished and all kinds of other stuff and was 4 wks old. My 11yr old son, Arctic and I (mostly me) have an undeniable bond.
My aussie from working stock is extremely patient with kids, with no special training. He does need lots of exercise but the only herding hes done is up until say 4 y.o. he would when stirred up, grab my sweater or pants leg and try to take me somwhere. He'd always stop if told firmly. Hes a total love bug and very friendly with people, but a tad dog attentive and squirrel aggressive. He's better with small dogs than big ones. His potty training was basically this is where i want you to go potty when im not here. He had one or two mistakes, i looked slightly annoyed and didnt praise him and that fixed that! He was 5 months old when i got him but i have an older terrier who still has frequent accidents. 😂 i wouldn't trade him for the world, so smart and loving. But yes, needs enough exercise.
I have 5 and they adapted to my lifestyle and are my constant companions they are nothing like how this guy is describing them. I'm not saying that all Aussies are like mine or like the ones he's describing but they are a wonderful family dog and very loving. Like any dog they bark and using a vibrating collar works perfectly to get them to stop barking. But they do get exercise in my large yard and play ball and Chase each other so that helps to wear them out but they are not hyper at all.
i have a 7 months old red tri aussie pup and i'm full of injuries, i know he wants also to play and stuff but it's getting out of control for me and for people around us mostly. i'm gonna try to follow your advices! :)
I live in a small apartment with 1 aussie and 1 husky, both females, I agree with everything these good fellas said, BUT I think is not impossible to be able to train them to stay calm for period of 8-9 hours, The TRICK is to take her out 3 times at least per day, 15 to 30 mins each, and she is very happy, she doesn't bark at all when she is alone, but she did bark when she is playing with other dogs.
