4 Reasons An Australian Shepherd Is The Worst Dog 

The shedding is bad, but when you miss your dog you find those little hairs and it just makes you smile.

I’ve owned many Australian Shepherds. I will say on the positive, at least from my experience of 25 years of owning Aussies, they are very adaptable! They are ready to play and be active with you, but also willing to lay at your side or share your recliner with you. People say they are a hyper breed. I don’t find that to be true. They are an active breed because that is what they have been bred to be, but very trainable.

I had an Australian Shepherd at one point and she was the sweetest dog I've ever known. Some days I would go outside with her and sometimes I would cross my arms on my lap and put my head down and I would cry and she would just know. She'd come up next to me and lay her head under mine and just lay with me. I've had friends throughout my life but that Aussie was my best friend and still the best friend I've ever had. She genuinely was my escape from life. If I just needed someone or something to be with me on a bad day, she was right by my side. She always down to play and there was some things she did that I didn't even have to teach her. Oh but when she played, she PLAYED. She was normally calm but we she'd cue in on me being playful toward her, she could run and run and run and run and run and run and run and run all day and all night. I loved her so much and it absolutely destroyed me when she passed away. My dad eventually got a Boxer despite me telling him like... no. I'm not ready, I want another Aussie when the time comes. Ever since he's gotten that dog, I've never once felt connected to that Boxer. A Boxer is not a me kind of dog. I didn't want another dog either, I just wanted my friend back. Around the right people, I can be a VERY energetic person. That Aussie brought out that energetic side of me, and Aussies are the only breed of dog that's ever done it. There aren't many things in life I have an undying love for. Really the only two things are bunnies and Australian Shepherds.

Somebody dumped an undergo Australian Shepherd in my yard. He looked so scared, and he was so overweight, he could hardly walk. I could tell they never exceed used him. We had to carry him by wrapping a blanket under his middle. It was so cruel. He kept looking for whomever left him to come back. We took good care of him. Never could find the owner. He lost enough weight were he could walk, and go in and out with my other dogs. We named him Tubby. He was beautiful, but he was ill. After about five years, he passed away. We loved him. My home was constantly furry in the corners! Haha. He was very hard to keep clean and groomed. His face was so adorable. We miss you Tubby. Please don't leave your dog like this. I don't think he ever got over that betrayal. Its very cruel. I love all my dogs. No matter what may come. They know I will be there.

These videos are so helpful for people looking for the right breed for them and can prevent people from getting the wrong breed. A lot of people get Aussies because of how gorgeous they are and don't realize the maintenance and personality that come with them. We had originally wanted a mini aussie but we soon realized they aren't right for our family.

Remember that every dog is different and unique, even with the same breed and litter! I've owned a few over the last 24 years and each was uniquely different. Two out of the three have/had an off switch, so to speak and calm dogs when they need to be and when there is down time. Also, my current Aussie sheds very little, very rarely barks and never herds myself, any other animals or children, despite having grand master champion working dog bloodlines. My first Aussie was the highest energy and hardest for me as an owner and I believe that my inexperience was a big part of that. While researching the breed you want to get before getting it is a good thing, don't be surprised if you don't end up with the dog you thought you were going to get, since I've had the gammit with my three. One high energy and would never stop neurotic personality, one very independent and very low energy, and one that is right in the middle.

I’m getting a mini Aussie this summer I’m so excited! It’s the perfect breed for my life and I wanna give him the best life there is

I love your videos so much. The videography is amazing and the balance between random shots of franks and information is perfect. You can really see the effort you put in these and this is easily by far my favorite dog account on youtube. I’m getting and Australian Labradoodle puppy in a few weeks and I can’t wait to experience that deep bond again with a dog. We had a german shepherd who died almost three years ago, i miss him so much. Thank you for your amazing content, every video makes me fall in love with dogs even more

Well, we are on about 12 years of Aussies, with 2 at the moment, about 6 months apart in age. Currently have the most challenging dog I have ever owned in my 14 month old, as he is way too smart for his own good. My advice to anyone looking at getting their first Aussie, to do the research. Watch videos. We thought our older one at 8 weeks was kind of a laid back boy, as he seemed to have a different personality in the litter. Once away from his brothers, he wanted to take charge, and is always looking for a way to come out on top. I know many people that would have taken this guy to a shelter by now, but in my house, when we bring a puppy home, he is here to stay, no matter what the cost or amount of work it takes to train them.

I have an Aussie. He’s my best friend. I’ve had a Lab, an English Bulldog, an American Bulldog, a German Shepherd, a miniature Italian greyhound, a Basset Hound, and a Corgi. Aussies have energy, so if you’re a couch potato, don’t get one. You won’t be happy, they won’t be happy, and it won’t be fun for anyone. Aussies can tell time. They love routine and they will make sure you stick to the routine. They will memorize your schedule, your habits, and everything about you. Because they love you. If you get an Aussie, get used to having a schedule. Aussies are empaths. They understand your moods. If you are sad or lonely or upset, they will know this and they will try to help. They are happiest when you are happiest and they love playing. So, if you’re alone, crying on the couch, binge eating a tub of ice cream, they will bring you their favorite ball or frisbee to throw. They will bring you the leash you use to take them on walks. They will claw at the cabinet where you keep their treats. They equate these things with their happiness, so they will try to share it with you. Love is a two-way street. Aussies are emotional animals. If you show them unconditional love, they will show you the exact same. If you feed them, exercise them, and love them correctly, you’ll never be alone again….. but to be safe, put your dirty socks in the laundry hamper as soon as you take them off.

As a longtime PAW parent to an Aussie, you're so right about the four "endearing" points. They might drive some people nuts. For me, they were so much a part of her (my born deaf/blind double merle who recently went to the Rainbow Bridge after 16 trips around the sun). As a rescue, I saved her. For the last 14 years she saved me. With me working for her, I became a better person and parent. We would feed off each other's need to please the other. She was my ❤ dog. They definitely aren't for everyone (even more so for one with special needs). Yet, if they are a match, then the fulfillment is perfection.

You guys are amazing! Love the content! Question, how much hours of sleep per day did franky had between 8-12 weeks and how did you trained him?

16 years ago we rescued 2 Aussie sister pups from the pound. Totally changed my view of what a real best friend dogs can be. Of course I bonded with one more than the other, we clicked, she lived 16 years of wanting to be on my hip, go everywhere I went, she lived to please me. (her sister was a great dog to, just less active) She passed away a couple months ago (2 years after her sister), crushing blow I tell ya. Last week my wife and I went to go look at 2 Aussie pups from a litter that nobody wanted (guess not colorful enough, mostly black, a tri and a bi. Couldn't decide so we took both. We know what we are in for, but look forward to it. I agree with what you said about both of u being crazy, I felt the same way with mine. Hope you get as many years as I did with mine, priceless.

Frankie is exceptional. You are giving him his best life. Great you both have each other. I really enjoy your videos Joey, they really highlight the strong bond and connection you have with Frankie Furthermore the mood of your videos are very enticing. I look forward to watching them. I hope you achieve a strong following, your channel is really enjoyable and informative.

Only one con; massive amounts of fur everywhere. LOVE my Velcro dog! She was 6 months old and had been in the local animal shelter for 1- 1/2 days when we found each other. She is now 5 years old, healthy, beautiful, happy and my companion - part herapy dog, part service dog as she is ALWAYS by my side ready and willing to help :)

I loved this video!! So helpful! My cousins recently got a Aussie so I told them that your channel was AMAZING for learning everything about aussies. Thank you so much😀 (Yes today was very beautiful outside)

thank you for another great video and speaking of shedding I had a husky i could have made a jacket from all that fur but your so right when it comes to picking a breed make sure it fits into your life style its so important to read about the breed also again always a pleasure seeing you and frankie

5:26 Frankie: "Who are you always talking to? Throw the darn ball already!"

Aussie's also tend to be aloof with strangers, some are super friendly but the breed standard is very aloof and aloofness can become fear easily if the dog isn't socialized. Aussies also, like most farm dogs can be very protective of you or your property, again this isn't always the case but it is often enough to be notable.

Hold on! Shedding can be positive, if you want an Aussie sweater. Ferguson likes to wrap me in his leash, so I just have to step faster. ❤️

I have had Aussies so long! and I ask myself this all the time. I have never had anything else. I was afraid if I tried some other type of dog id be lost. So I have a Male red merle this time and hope to get another 15 years of best friendship like last time! Love this channel!

I have always loved Aussies. I believe my aunt had two standard sized ones? I have a vague memory of beach camping with someone who had 2. My last dogs were 2 King Charles Cavalier Spaniels from the same litter that we got for 1800 from a pet shop. I was in 1st grade at the time. They were my best friends, but hardly required any exercise. Once the male became blind and deaf it was even harder to walk them. At the time, I was grateful, because I was very busy with competitive softball, but now I quit. So a mini aussie is going to be very different from my Cavies, but thats a good thing. I really would enjoy being able to play a lot with my dog and going out to the park with them! With he pandemic, I definitely need more excuses to get outside for a few hours. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go on off leash hikes like you and Frankie do with the amount of rattlesnakes, coyotes, and mountain lions in our area (SoCal ftw) but still.

Nice vid. Appreciated the perspective and the music.

Hi I've been watching your videos for months and I recently got my mini Australian Shepherd Atlas about 2 months ago and your videos have helped me so much with his training and just everyday daily life please keep posting them ❤️

I trained my Aussie by always saying good girl when she barks.. I may of lucked out but she only barks/alerts me when a strange noise or the door bell, she also has a turn on/ off switch, she will be a couch potato but every day I do a training play time (gets her tuckered out) She went through a aggressive chewing until about 8-9 months old, I always had tear up toys as well as in-destructive horns or bones. Love my Aussie so much!

We have an Aussie doodle (similar instincts) and one somewhat annoying trait is selective listening, and lack of obeying particularly when they are overstimulated - (yes, we constantly train this). So, If you don't have patience, this can be an issue...

My Aussie just turned 16 years old. I have had him since he was a puppy. He is my sweet boy and has made my life better and been an emotional support through some rough years.

I have grown to loathe my girlfriend's Aussie for all the reasons you outline here. Wish I had seen your channel before we got him. That being said, I could fall asleep watching your videos with your Aussie. Very well produced and you really seem to love yours. Cheers! B

Haha, it’s so interesting to see Frankie because my aussie, Mooshu, is so calm and quiet

Your videos are so artsy I love it🥰

I’m bingeing your videos and am halfway through this one: at what age did Frankie become vocal? My 11 month girl Atlas is pretty quiet so far. She gets rowdy when playing with other dogs but not nearly as vocal as I expected so far.

It should be illegal to be this cute

i’m getting a mini aussie in two weeks. What are a few things I should focus on to start training her?

I LOOOOVVVEE this!!!!! These videos are the best because they are so true and helpful, thank you so much!

I wish Aussies lived longer. I recently had to put down my second - both lived 10 years. It is such a tough experience to go through so often. But, I am a slow learner. I now have my third Aussie whom I love dearly. There are nothing like Aussie eyes to look into. Like you, I am active and outdoors as much as I can be - so it's a good fit. We are tied at the hip. So it appears my heart is going to break again in about another decade. I guess that is the price of Aussie love.

I think when I get my pup which is this weekend I will be learning just like a kid again which there is nothing wrong. Thanks for this wonderful information! I think my Aussie will be a perfect fit for my life. :)

Love your videos they are so helpful, I totally agree with you all of my friends and me that own Aussie are very crazy 🐶❤️😂

their smiles are the very best!! When my aussie does it I call it her "derpy" look. She is a little over a year and we know all she ever wants is to please us. I had one question, does Frankie eat normal like breakfast and dinner? Our dog eats when we eat and when we go out to eat she lets her food just sit there while she is at home with it. We know she is very social so we are unsure if this is part of it. Just curious how Frankie is. Every other dog I've had eats when their dish is put down with food. Thanks for the help and sending warmy hairy hugs your way. I need to purchase stock in Swifter!!

What a beautiful film. I hope you never stop.

My family has had Australian Shepherds my whole life. They are smart, playful, and pretty easy to train. They have all been great family dogs and will definitely protect your family. Each one has had a different personality. Rio who we have now absolutely lives for food. He is a great dog! They do need space and they do shed a lot!

I have a mini. Which some people argue does not exist. He’s such a great dog. He’s fun, playful, loving. I dated a guy briefly who didn’t like my dog. I happily parted with the guy. Jazzy can be intense, he can be chill. He loves the beach and ball.

I want to get a mini aussie. I have some physical limitations from a back injury, but am not dead. I got into E-MTB, for light offroad adventures and do 8+ miles a day and once the puppy is old enough to jog along side me (then I usually am down for laying down hoping to get the dog in the same habit) I am home 24x7 and every 45 minutes I am outside for a smoke for pain management so with an acre yard have time for frisbee or throwing the ball, and a walk at night. I want to do the Volhard Pet Aptitude Test to look for a "more low key" mini aussie puppy to be my companion dog to keep me company and adventure with. Does this sound reasonable?

I will say with my 4 month old pup..they are incredibly smart, but they will test you every step of the way. You NEED to stick to your word every. Single. Time. If you’re tired, don’t feel like getting up, and tell them to sit and they ignore you, you need to get your butt up and go make sure they sit. They’ll constantly test you. They’ll know exactly what to do, but they’ll say… move one foot from a stay. Just to test to see if you’ll correct them and what they can get away with. VERY smart. But you MUST be VERY dedicated and a schedule and always making sure you stick to your word so they know you mean business when you give them a command. Not a good first dog. For example, I am very dedicated. Hours worth of exercise a day. At 4 months old we’re at about 1.8 miles MINIMJM a day. That means In 20 degree weather with 30 mph winds. Playing tug of war at night. Training to exercise their brain. With her all the time. Stick to my word. Correct her if she tests me. My bf? Not him. And he constantly wonders why she doesn’t listen to him and I’m a broken record saying the same things to him that I said here. If She knows she can get away with something with you, she absolutely will. Simple as that. You let them get away with something even ONE time, and they instantly learned it. That’s the benefit and the downside, very smart. Both a positive and a negative lol. I’ve also watched and googled hours upon hours of info, of which my bf never had the interest to do even ONCE, and he’s the one who wanted her. I resent my bf infinitely more than I ever could my Aussie because even at 4 months, she’s very smart and becoming a great member of the family. And keep in mind, the better you train, the better relationship you will have with them. If they’re constantly not listening and tearing apart your house and ignoring you, you’ll grow to resent them. That’s why I’m hammering so hard the importance of training and sticking to your word. It makes the entire difference in the end. Put in the very hard work now, so you can reap the benefits of a great dog for years to come.

About 3 weeks too late on this one 😅 My puppy Genn is a toy/mini and it's been rough on and off, but I'm adjusting. He's learning just as much as I am and I'm hoping to give him his best life.

As somebody who has two completely opposite dogs: One chill mini poodle that will lay down and sleep by me all day (but loves walks) and one Mini Aussie what will follow me around to the ends of the earth and catch a ball straight out of the air any second of the day, all day - The Mini Aussie is VERY outgoing & so so easy to pal around with - truly a best friend type. The mini poodle is sweet and loving & very easy to feel protective & maternal/paternal over - like a baby. There are key relationship vibe differences that are good to keep in mind with the personality of the breed you choose :)

Hi i was wondering how long do you have to walk an aussie on a regular day :)

My puppy hasn't started herding me yet but the energy/activity level is definitely one of the reasons I chose my mini! Can't wait until he's fully vaccinated and we can go out more

I just realized that i was the one who commented the question lol. Great video! Ty!

So when my Aussie sees another dog. He automatically starts whining. I feel like he is trying to talk to the other dog. 😂

We currently have Charlie, our 3rd mini aussie. He's the sweetest, cuddliest, funniest little guy. He has lots of energy that requires daily play or he will chew at stuff but he's also very intelligent, and eager to please. He's a very nervous dog and has what we call "nervous pees." When he gets nervous he does a funny little sideways crab walk and tinkles when really nervous or excited. So clearly his positives far outweigh his minor negatives. The other 2 we had (Murphy - passed away at 9 & Daisy now lives with my mother in law) were amazing too and were. All 3 of ours have been loved so much by our families that our parents and siblings now have aussies as well. (Previous daschund, boxer, and golden owners). Posting this for anyone who came to this video because of the title. Don't be deterred. They're amazing little wiggle butts ❤

My husband and I have had 4 Aussies over the course of 25 years of marriage. We also are pet sitters and have taken care of many dogs. I’ll give one example of a poor combination of dog breed and owner. The owner is a 75 year old, very petite woman. She has a large, exuberant male golden doodle. She struggles to walk him. He has pulled her down several times, most recently resulted in her breaking her wrist and injuries to her ribs. My husband is now walking him and he’s a good sized man. The dog almost knocked him over today. We have suggested to the owner several times that the dog is not thriving and maybe she should find him a better match. But she won’t hear of it.

have you done a video of ways you keep his mind occupied while you need to get work done? any certain interactive toys you swear by??

I’ve had a couple of Blue Heelers (Australian Cattle dogs). Herding instinct is very strong. I’ve taught each of them the word “off” & the words “back off”. It is teachable to stop them from herding you, children, other people & animals you don’t want them to herd; yet allows them to herd the animals you want them to such as a horse or cow that gets out of their enclosure.

what is the name of the breeder you got frankie from?

Beau Miles is great (kayaking video). Would whole-heartedly recommend checking out his whole collection of videos and storytellings.

i’m getting an aussie this upcoming fall in so exited!!!!

Is this a mini or standard?

I will soon find out about all the shedding myself Great video as always

I know that look!

I love my Minnie Aussie, she is now 10 years old. I have such a bond with her, she and I just look into each other's eyes and we know. She is not lethargic yet she is not overactive either. She will eat too much if allowed but it's up to the humans to keep her wt. right. She is having some arthritis issues and I have been giving her MSN Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement and I notice a difference. It is easier for her. I can say she is a smart dog but she does not have predator-type instincts. No fetch, no chasing cats. I had a Huskey-Collie in the past and she was highly intelligent.. not to say my Aussie is less intelligent. They are all unique.. I love my Aussie

Exercise, companionship, and agility training (play) . They are velcro dogs; don't leave them without human companions for extended periods. They are amazing.

I have a mini aussie and she's the best!

Aussies are smart and train some humans very well.....we have a bell at the door and he pranks us sometimes....hits the bell, goes out, and does nothing.... you've been pranked. Minis might be better fit than full size. They are great dogs and you have worked and trained him well....enjoy your videos and his smile.

Love your videos😍👍

You have a AMAZING dog, I have 5 of them & I agree with what you have said they need your attention & always something to do & it takes the right person to love them.💓

Would you say Frankie is his ideal weight at the moment or do you want him to beef up a little or possibly lose some weight?

I had a border collie and Baussie. For the hair issue I used a squeegee on an extension stich....home depot. its the best way to get hair off carpet.

The shedding can be hard but a small price to pay for the her loyalty and the other great aussie qualities like loyalty and sweetness . Can you recommend a good brush for grooming? We haven’t seem to found a good one?

The pro for shedding is one of the reasons I want an Aussie! I love their long fluffy fur! I love the furry dogs and the Aussie is the cutest furriest dog breed I’ve ever seen!

OMG ♥️ LoVeD your video!! Everything, SPOT ON!! I’m so very Blessed to have my Australian Shepherd!

Awesome photography!!!

Aussies will not be happy with just a yard run they need you and them time. They will bring all toys to you to play then after a good play session with you they can move on. My pup needs like 3-4 me sessions daily.

Hello where I can buy the dog like you can have information please

I dont know if there bad I never had one. But I'm going to get one

Just curious if you ever shaved or clipped the length of his hair? I ask because his coat length is short compared to most aussies and he looked to have a long coat when he was a puppy. Beautiful dog and my favorite breed. I am on my third, try two at once sometime. 😊👍

What do you feed your dog? I also have an Australian Shepherd named Frankie 😊

Love this video... you are so dead on!

So recently saw a huge debate over mini aussie vs mini americans. It got ugly. 🤦‍♀️I personally know the history of them but was wondering what your views are.

Right now I have two dogs a pitbull and a border collie but honestly all my life I’ve been wanting a Australian shepherd well 6 years but still I can’t get one right now I can’t have 3 big dogs and I just got a border collie so I’m researching for when I move out 👍🤨

Is Frankie fixed? What are the positives and negatives?

is this a mini aussie that you have?

They’re great dogs super smart but for some reason I have a large Australian Shepherd instead of a regular Australian Shepherd but they are crazy loving animals

I have a mini aussie and he is the best he never barks hes calm and he dosent shed much

GREAT vid…..anyone who wants ANY type dog should watch your videos

I want an Aussie for companionship and love. I want to give it the best life possible. I have two cavalier King Charles, I love cavs but they aren’t the perfect match for me. I would never get a dog just to get a dog. Dogs are better than humans could ever be. We hold grudges, they don’t. We aren’t always grateful, they are. Dogs are amazing creatures that we can’t live without

How do you make sure you're the perfect match as the dog?

Something I've noticed with my 6 month old aussie is he will bring his toys to my face and shake them in my face and hit me with his toys.

I get it...I have 3. One 4 yrs,mini, one 3, toy, and my newest will be 6 mths, mini.🥰

Omg hes so cute tho

How'd you know I made pillows with my dogs fur!!! 😮

I have the unicorn of puppies and he's an Australian shepherd. He's crazy fun and sweet as cotton candy! I didn't even have to potty train him he is so smart! I can't imagine a better dog. Ozzy the aussie. My granddog is Labrador Shepard mix and he sheds way more than my aussie!

My Aussie never wants to lay with me! But she’s only 5 months so maybe she has other things to be doing

From my experience with the family dogs who all have been aussies. Eve only had one nipper who never grew out of nipping when you run. I think it’s more of a if you don’t get it under control and train them to not nip. They won’t stop because it’s their instinct to nip. And from personal experience shedding wasn’t that bad.

I have two, a mini and a toy. My Mini, Jake is a frisbee freak. Shiloh my toy is a couch potato. he doesn't want to play frisbee or anything else. He just wants his belly rubbed. I also have a Shih Tzu girl, she's my baby. Can't live without animals, I have four cats too.

Mine sheds 3 times a year for about a week at a time.

Hi I have a short/medium haired Aussie, I really can’t tell that she sheds. Maybe that would help

I have a 1yr old blue Merle. If u tell them “no” there smart and think of another way to do it. Little turds. Also can’t seem to get a an workout in on my floor mat. She always wants to lay on my head

So true,

I have had 2 Australian Shepherd female s, the first one lived 17 yrs the last one lived only 12 yrs. Once you have an AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE ONE , SAME THING WITH A GERMAN SHEPHERD

loved the clip at 0:28