Are Australian Shepherds Good for First Time Dog Owners?

In short, I would say no. Now, I say this as someone who owns an Aussie who I love dearly, but I would be the first to admit she isn’t the easiest dog in the world. Prior to buying my Aussie, Maple, I have owned several different dogs over the years, most of them being mutts. One of my previous dogs was high energy, so I thought I knew what I was getting into when I got Maple. I didn’t. Here, I want to talk about the pros and the cons of this breed, and why I don’t think they are ideal for first time owners.

What makes a good dog for first time owners?

Personally, I think the best dogs for first time owners are friendly, non aggressive dogs who are easy to train with low to moderate energy levels. Dogs with low levels of predatory behaviors are also better for new owners, as well as dogs who are unlikely to become reactive. Dogs that are not stubborn are better for novice owners. Breeds that tend to get along better with other dogs are also ideal for inexperienced owners, as dog on dog aggression is a very difficult to deal with and manage. Basically, a good dog for a first time owner is a bomb-proof, easy going dog that isn’t likely to develop issues if everything doesn’t go quite right.

Why Aussies aren’t good for newbie owners:

It is important to remember that each and every dog is an individual. Some Australian Shepherds are complete couch potatoes, but as a general rule these are active, headstrong dogs that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation. When their needs aren’t met, it can create problems. Positive traits, such as intelligence, can pose a problem if the owner isn’t prepared to give proper outlets for the dog’s smarts. Below are some issues that can be present within the breed, along with considerations about traits typically found in the breed.

Reactivity: This is true of any dog breed, but herding dogs in general can develop reactive behaviors if not given proper outlets for their energy and intelligence. If someone is prepared for this, often times reactive behaviors can be avoided, or nipped in the bud if someone recognizes the early signs. Once ingrained, reactivity is extremely hard to train away, and often can only be managed unless the owner is a very skilled trainer.

Stubbornness: Aussies need to be head strong to deal with livestock. This translates to a dog that can be difficult to stop from doing what they want, when they want.

Intelligence: Everyone thinks they want a smart dog, but very few actually have the time or willpower to deal with a truly intelligent dog. While intelligence can be a good thing, it’s also challenging to deal with on a day to day basis. Smart dogs get into more trouble because they think of innovative ways to create mischief.  

Predation behaviors: Aussies were bred to herd livestock, which involves them chasing moving animals and controlling where the stock went. Ideally, herding dogs won’t kill the animals they are herding, but it is important to remember that herding behaviors are derived from the predatory sequence, and as such these dogs LOVE to chase things. Aussies will chase kids, cats, other dogs, bicycles, cars, really anything that moves, and Aussies can become aggressive with small animals as an extension of predatory behavior. Combine this with their stubborn nature, and you have a potentially very difficult dog on your hands. Once again, one needs to be very proactive and control what and when the dog gets to display chasing/herding behaviors.

Also important to note: this type of thing is managed and channeled, it is not trained away. If a dog enjoys chasing, this cannot be completely extinguished. Dogs need and deserves safe opportunities to express this behavior, but need to be trained and stopped from rehearsing these behaviors in inappropriate/dangerous situations. For instance, dogs should not be allowed to harass other dogs/cats/people, but instead one should play appropriate games with their Aussie, such as fetch, tug, lure coursing, etc.

Energy: Aussies have lots of energy! They need to run, play, and work their brains on a daily basis. New owners may be shocked by just how restless and destructive herding breeds, including Aussies, become without proper physical and mental exercise. Maple gets daily walks and training. Her walks average 1 – 2 hours a day. On weekends we hike. She goes to training classes once a week for extra mental stimulation. If she doesn’t walk, she gets a good play session running off leash in my fenced in backyard along with training sessions. Chew bones are her friend on rainy days, but as long as it isn’t too cold, she typically gets walked even in the rain. She can go a day here and there skipping activity, but I need to be prepared to make up for it the following day. Without enough exercise, Maple barks, paces, and gets into everything.

Stranger Danger: This is honestly pretty variable within the breed. Some Aussies are almost Golden Retriever like in their love for everyone. The breed standard calls for Aussies to be aloof, but they shouldn’t be aggressive. New owners typically do better with dogs who love everyone, as there is less chance of such dogs becoming aggressive with people. New owners are more likely to miss subtle cues that dogs give of being uncomfortable, and may think their dog is fine with guests, when in reality the dog is very stressed. This is how bites often happen.

Maple is skittish of strangers. She isn’t outright aggressive, but she would rather not be petted by people she doesn’t know and she is very hand shy. When company comes over, I typically put her in a separate room because it is less stressful for her. Out and about she is neutral to strangers, but she doesn’t like people she doesn’t know petting her, and she will avoid being touched. Maple’s nervousness around new people isn’t ideal, but it’s something that can be seen in Aussies and is a trait that can be tricky to handle for new dog owners.

Best homes for Aussies?

Obviously the best home for an Aussie would be a farm with livestock for the dog to work. Personally, I don’t have sheep or cows for Maple to herd, but we find other ways to have fun, including obedience, hiking, swimming, and lots of games of tug.

An active owner with an interest in dog sports can be an ideal home for an Aussie. Preferably the person will have had a dog in the past so the owner has a good concept on the time investment needed to keep the average dog healthy and happy, and they can expect their Aussie to need time above and beyond average. An ideal Aussie owner will be prepared to give their dog outlets for running, chasing, and herding. They will also be proactive in training to help assure they avoid problems such as reactivity or predatory behaviors.

Aussies are wonderful, loyal, and loving dogs, but they do require the right environment to meet their full potential and to avoid bad behaviors. I would recommend anyone thinking of adding one of these dogs to the family to visit dog shows and talk with Aussie owners to truly assess if an Aussie is right for them, and if the person is a first time owner, to strongly consider a different breed rather than the Aussie for their first dog.