Latest Australian Shepherd Frequently Asked Questions:
I have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd who I show in confirmation shows. If it is late in the day and hot outside he has no energy in the ring. What can I give him to help this situation?
Answer:Ha ha, I used to have this issue with my male Sheltie. Wanna know what worked really good? I had a female in heat. I wiped a piece of tissue on her vulva and kept it safe in a baggy far from my male until the show ring. Just before we stepped in, I let him sniff the tissue. What boy wouldn't perk up to that scent? Works great, isn't bad for his system and there are no rules against it.
What is the diffrence between Australian Shepherd and a Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Answer:An Australian Shepherd is an AKC recognized breed. The Mini Aussie is not recognized by the AKC and is being bred down specifially for size. One has to be very careful when selecting a dog like this - most breeders breed solely on size rather than structure and temperament. What's that mean? That they'll breed dogs that bite and have CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) just so they can make a smaller dog. I'm not saying that they won't become AKC recognized - you just have to be VERY careful, especially right now with this "mini" dog frenzy in the US, that the breeder is working towards the AKC recognition goal. The ASCA's statement about mini's: The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a variety of Australian Shepherd by ASCA. The club considers such dogs to be a distinct and separate breed and will not accept them into its registry. "Our bylaws state that ASCA's purpose is: 'To encourage members and breeders to accept one breed standard for the Australian Shepherd as approved by the Club as the only standard of excellence by which Australian Shepherds shall be judged.' It is the mission of this club and the mission of its members to preserve the breed rather than change it." Aussie Standard: SIZE: Preferred height at the withers for males is 20 to 23 inches; that for females is 18 to 21 inches, however, quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size.
I am about to buy a male Kelpie puppy, and I already own an 8yr old male miniature Australian Shepherd. The OZ Shepherd is usually calm towards puppies, but can get aggressive around other dogs and I'm not going to take any chances. How can I introduce the two safely and so that it creates a lasting relationship between them?
Answer:It's always nerve wracking introducing two dogs to each other, and it may take a while. First off, I would suggest having them meet for the first time in a neutral area, such as a nearby park. If you're really worried about your mini Aussie being aggressive, then if you feel better doing so, I would muzzle him just to be safe. Keep the excitement level to a minimum. If you're excited, your dogs are going to pick up on that, and you don't want them riled up. Also, be sure to keep them on leashes until you're confident that they're fine together. I'd also suggest allowing them to meet in short intervals. Bring them together and allow them to socialize for a minute or two, then walk them away and give them a little bit of alone time. Reward them all the while. Gradually increase the amount of time they're allowed together, and shorten the time when they're apart. You want the dogs to associate the other with something positive. Even after you've brought your new dog home, continuing this exercise if a great thing to do. Whenever the dog looks at the other one, reward them with a favorite treat. That way, they associate the other dog with a reward. If you do clicker training, then use that method instead. Once you get them both home, place the new dog in a spare bedroom, or somewhere your dog doesn't often frequent. Allow the new dog gradual roam of the house, but do not, in any way restrict your other dog's roaming space. He needs to know that his place is not being overthrown. Unfortunately, you can't force the two to get along. If all else fails, you can try taking both dogs to a trainer. Also make sure to give the dogs a place where they can go if they feel they need some alone-time. If there are still questions you have, you can check out training books from your local library, or checking online.
I have a two year old Australian Shepherd that I want to teach her how to herd, She's very active and incredibly smart. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Is there any place near that I could take my dog to teach her how to herd? It would take me 3 hours 28 mins to get to dogwood, but thanks anyway!
Answer:While some dogs do have natural instinct, it takes a good instructor to make that instinct useful. For trainers i'd suggest one of the following - first, this site can help you find trainers http://www.blueboniff.com/midwestherding/trainers.htm keep in mind that herding trainers are much fewer and farther between than most other trainers so you'll probably have to travel much further than for any other venue. Also, you can visit herding trials and talk with participants to see about finding someone with stock who can help you. There are four herding venues in North America and any one of them may be helpful to find a good trainer for you. Sources for listings of upcoming trials for these venues are: http://www.usbcha.com/upcomingtrials.htm http://www.akc.org/events/search/ http://www.ahba-herding.org/MainPage.php?AreaName=EventsCalendar http://www.workingaussiesource.com/calendar.html
I adopted a Chow Australian shepherd mix dog from the animal shelter. She is 2 years old. Should you cut their fur for the summer. She was upset at the vets first visit, so she doesn't like strangers that much. I was wondering,Should I get her professionally cut, or should I do it myself? Thanks for any help!
Answer:No. DEFINITELY no. Groomers like money, but the only genuine reasons for clipping a dog are: (a) When a vet needs to clear an area to operate or to clean up a wound. (b) When a long coat is so matted that you can't release the knots with a bath + a comb out. All else is stupid fashion. The original pompom cut still seen on many Poodles was practical - in those days those dogs were tossed overboard to retrieve the rope tied to the fisherman's lost net. You might have noted that dogs with wet coats shake when they stop galloping around. Clipping such dogs reduced the amount of water they could spray - the bobbles were left in hope of keeping those joints warm & dry and thus delaying arthritis. But how many Standard Poodles do YOU know that go out on fishing boats? (Can you imagine a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle towing a rope back to a fishing boat?) You, and others who think that clipping cools a dog, do not understand that dogs do NOT perspire through their skin (humans do, cats & dogs don't). Their perspiration is entirely through their lungs, their tongue, and their mucus passage, with a tiny amount through their feet. So it is important that dogs ALWAYS have access to drinking water, in order to keep their passages moist to promote cooling. When over-heated they, like us, enjoy a paddle or a swim in cool water, which cools them via the naturally exposed skin of feet and armpits and belly+groin. Dogs die very quickly from heat-stroke when left in a vehicle on a summer's day. Removing the coat removes the INSULATION a dog REQUIRES to protect it from the heat of the sun's rays and to protect it from the UV radiation that produces both sun-burn and skin cancer, so is a VERY BAD IDEA!!!!!! "raining4..." has a LOT to learn about dogs AND about the English language. Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_Friendly "In GSDs" as of 1967
