AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS ALL ABOUT HERDING

[@timothywhite2666]

Aussies are GREAT pets. While they love having a job, they are absolutely fantastic pets.

[@jamesbrahm6918]

Timothy White Aussies are the Border Collie with out the cocaine problem

[@johnfischer9655]

@@jamesbrahm6918 lol-i don't know, I'm thinking my 2 year old Aussie is sneaking in a few lines here and there!🤣🤣🤣

[@TheMrMallardYT]

@@johnfischer9655 my 1 year old as well lol

[@katanaxoxo]

I agree with this so much 💕🤍

[@Sandy33569]

But they can’t JUST be the “average family pet”. That’s the point here. They do need to be able to have both physical and mental outlets of some sort (doesn’t have to be any kind of dog sport/herding, however). I do tend to find they have decent off switches, though. I have a related (but distinct) breed, the Mini American Shepherd, which is very similar temperamentally and doesn’t necessarily need less activity just because they tend to trend smaller. 😆 Nice off switch for both breeds when they are allowed to have an enriched life.

[@Brooklyn-dm8zn]

They adapt to their family lifestyles! If I wanna be out and about and exercise my Aussie Duke is all for it and if I’m having a lazy day in bed he’s all for it and can sleep for hours with me

[@dominickmasonry3878]

Brooklyn 98 so true

[@katelle]

Brooklyn 98 yes very true 😊

[@alexfns2427]

Absolutely the case with my Aussie as well

[@kevinvandeventer8690]

not mine. if he doesnt get at least three hours of exercise he is not happy.

[@64jamesh]

@@kevinvandeventer8690 I have to agree. Mine wants to be on the go all the time.

[@toodleloos]

I love this. My aussie is such a good boy. He doesn't herd but he runs animals out of our yard so I think that's the work he gave himself lol

[@madginger3634]

Good dog. Same for mine

[@jodimills7705]

Our toy Aussie does the same to deer lol

[@godschild2432]

That’s herding

[@Eaf2016]

I have a two year old aussie and he is so chill haha. Great family pet.

[@halimmia1643]

I coming

[@marlena6718]

I disagree with some of her comments about Aussies, honesty the most easy dog to train they are really smart and eager to please and make their owner happy. Also great in a family setting they are so nice and loving, only downfall would be exercising them but if your family is active then it shouldn't be a problem at all!

[@animalobsessed1]

I agree about them being easy to train, but not about being great family dogs. Being friendly to all family members is just normal/average dog behavior, not something to sing praises about. It takes a bit more than that to be a "great family dog". To me, the Aussie's tendency to pick a favorite person prevents them being "great" for families. A "great family dog" should be just as cooperative with the children (not try to herd them or boss them around) as it is with the adults in the household. Sure, it's possible to TEACH them to respect the kids, but the same can be said for just about any other breed, and does not make this particular breed exceptional. In my experience, less intelligent dogs tend to be better playmates for kids (aka better "family dogs").

[@paigeh.9208]

I think the whole family situation, for us at least, is due to how and who my Aussie was raised with. She was born on a farm and we adopted her after one of our golden retrievers passed away. Both goldens that we had were perfect family dogs and so the golden we still had sort of raised our Aussie. So an independently raised Aussie would definitely have the qualities she explained, but ours also has those nice family oriented traits and loves everyone she meets and doesn’t have any “favorites.” She’s really an amazing dog, and is extremely intelligent!

[@christinas596]

I think family orientation depends on the breeder! Some are strictly bred for working and some are family bred (like mine)! Mine love kids (will kiss them and are so gentle) are fine being lazy on the couch but I can go out and play ball or swim or go for a walk too they really just conform to your life really ! Idk it’s weird for me to hear they arnt great family dogs when mine have been nothing but great for my family for YEARS!! We do breed toys and mini aussies and they arnt recognized by akc as the “same breed”. So maybe standards are very different too? I just recommend people talk to different breeders and meet their dogs just to get a feel on personality size and energy! Australian Shepard’s are great and I love my 3 girls!

[@anthonyg.4761]

Marlena My Aussie who just passed away was bar none the best family pet I have ever had. He was not hyper either or out of control on days that he was bored. He also was the best babysitter I ever had and learned things never being formally trained so?

[@anthonyg.4761]

Christina R That was my experience too. My guy looked after the kids but he never herded them and he loved everyone in the home. I think people who ranch only know them as working dogs. I also have a Border Collie, he’s just as happy laying around in bed with me watching tv as when he’s going 30 mph chasing frisbees or the neighbors dog up and down the fence. Another not so great pet. So much so we just added a new Puppy, Aussie Border Collie mix to our home. Sweetest, most good natured dogs we’ve ever had in our family.

[@ZombieChimpanzee]

I gotta say, depending on where you live, and your family, they do make great pets. My uncle had one and he was a sweetheart. when all the kids were up at his place she would herd us when we were outside, he lived up in the mountains and in the woods, so if we'd wandered off it could have been bad. we all just knew that she'd stop us if we were going too far, and she'd get us back to the house. she'd also sleep up on the bed with guests she liked, My dad wound up being one of her favorite people, and she'd follow him around the house. you can't just have these dogs anywhere, but in the right place, they're excellent pets.

[@tangle70]

My brother has one and she herds the nephews. If they are in different rooms, she barks until they come into the same room. I find it funny.

[@marlena6718]

Seriously my favorite breed of dogs! I have 2 Aussie's and they are so loving, smart and active! So much fun and so beautiful I am in love with my blue eyed wiggle butts ❤️

[@travis5665]

haha yeah mine was a wiggle butt too.

[@lilystegemann9798]

I love my blue eyes wiggle butts as well😂

[@alphawolfproductions4861]

It’s just me and my Aussie in my apartment and he’s totally fine. I play with him and everything everyday he’s a great house pet. I take him everywhere I go and go to my moms he loves my little sisters

[@mrs.teelovesyoutoo657]

One of the best Aussie vids I've seen to date. Over the years, I encountered *a lot* of dogs on mountain bike trails. They wandered away from their owners. They were lost. They got in the way of (or worse, inadvertantly runover by) mountain bikers on trails. They got in fights with other dogs on the trails.... not the Aussies. Aussies were consistently the BEST TRAIL DOGS I encountered and were never a nuisance on the trail. This woman obviously knows the breed and has helped make a great video about a great dog, the Australian Shepherd.

[@danielm5324]

I've been thinking of getting an Aussie as a trail dog for a long time. Used to have them on a horse farm as a kid.

[@jordanchoate2453]

I have an Australian Shepard and blue heeler, both super smart. My Aussie is for sure a stock dog. He isn’t for show, he protects our house and his family. If you don’t take the time to teach them they will take over. Biggest thing is giving them something to do and keeping them active!

[@tooniemama6959]

Beautiful dog. I love the herding group! I was a proud mother of a Shetland Sheepdog (14-1/2 yrs) & loved every moment with her! Aussies are wonderful; they are the perfect size and are great with families! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story!

[@spadechillzzz1109]

We have a red tri stock Aussie and you summarized her traits very well. She is very loyal, wary of strangers, smart, and agile. Fetch is currently her job and she wants to work ALL the time, not exaggerating. We plan to take her to agility classes and herding soon. Thanks for the great video! :)

[@tyshufelt5299]

I got my Aussie I grew up with that dog he’s super hyper active I don’t live on a farm but I live what is a ton of farmland in the country he is the most loyal dog you’ll ever meet they are the best dogs ever

[@unrulycrow6299]

"They are hardwired to herd" yep, my Aussie does that with his buddies at the park, it's pretty funny (he also teams up with a bordercollie lady, sometimes). But I think he makes a great pet, because we're a fairly active family and he's involved in most of the things we do, be it a walk in town or a hike (... In the Pyrénées :D He's a French Aussie hehe), a tour in the vineyards... However, my dog has clearly been bred as a showdog. He's a big boy, with a long, fluffy coat. It's a bit sad we got him at a shelter, in a way (though he got lucky and only spent a week there before we found him, when he was 14 months old). I took care of his training, and always take care of him. If there's something health related, I'll be the first to notice and do something about it too. I think I'm the one with the strongest bond with my buddy (even though from outside people tend to think my father is the alpha... No no, I'm the actual alpha, and my buddy knows it), yet he isn't exclusive and love everybody in the family. He also adapts his behaviour and actions according to each person, it's pretty amazing. Overall, I'd say Aussies aren't made to be first dogs, because they are too difficult to handle for people who don't know how dogs work. In my family, we are used to dogs (mainly hunting dogs like Brittany Spaniels, but also race dogs like Borzois), and I'm also a horserider used to temperamental mares. So handling my buddy Junior was pretty easy, I only had to plan a bit ahead when I was training him, to make the orders clear for everybody. Now I don't even have to raise my voice to be heard and obeyed, I only have to look at him and ask him to do something, and he'll do it on the spot. He's also kind, cuddly and very playful. I love my buddy ❤

[@User18dog]

Nice story✌️

[@felicia1624]

My Aussie is licking my hands as I type this lol .. he’s my best friend 💕💕💕💕

[@davidcurry9794]

Thankyou ! Best , most informative reference on aussies . I'm sure the breed thanks you as well , your work in helping people understand them .

[@MisakiBlossom]

As a fellow Aussie owner, this can't be any more true. These guys are amazing animals to have, both in the home and out. Mita is my 17 month old Service Dog in Training, and holy shit she is not only SMART, but uses her intelligence to her advantage. Her brain is constantly ticking, non stop. Her desire to learn and please has made her an absolutely fantastic service dog, but her Aussie nature in regards to being a "1 person" dog is a struggle to overcome. Her focus on the world around her is beautiful- it's as if her brain is taking in every molecule in minutes. A new trail becomes a whole new fantasy world to her where she is the queen of it all. I couldn't ask for a more perfect dog. I'm definitely getting another one in time

[@Momz3]

I love the red tri!!!! He’s so handsome! We own a red Merle and she is the love of our life. We learned early on to train her and it was hard, but she is now a great dog.

[@flamingobirb3831]

My Aussie is pretty chill, I will take him on 30 min walks and play soccer with him and then he's good

[@fjiminy]

I've had two Aussies and they've been wonderful companions and pets. They will go all day but have an off switch and will chill out at home. She's nuts on that account.

[@susiealavi1425]

Our Aussie is absolutely amazing, loyal and observant. He is easy to train and loves to herd anything.

[@SpeedyWinds]

The NUMBER #1 channel for all dog info. THANK YOU for your efforts, thumbs up to your channel!

[@slainejaine4775]

I just took In an aussie this weekend the people had a sign on an old metal crate that said take one. Hes a blue merle and it was so cold I couldnt leave him. Hes now starting training for search and rescue.

[@youcantstopthescout8921]

*SCREECHING ENSUES* My favorite thing about this channel is the title intros, the format looks amazing each and every time. I'm glad that Aussies are getting some well-deserved spotlight!

[@ronaldbequeath2307]

Thankyou, for a long time I was beginning to believe that noone had an Aussie, as you say living single he's my best bud.

[@zebradun7407]

My Aussie is quick, spry energetic and smart as a whip. The look in her eyes speaks of intelligence. Her Name is Willow.

[@patrick2504]

we have Kodi a 5 month old Aussie,, we bought him off a breeder in southern England who is the longest standing breeder in the uk having bred Aussies for 32 years. He is a blue merle wqith blue eyes and is a fantastic family dog, we previously had a Border Collie who we sadly lost last year. I think people over analyse dogs,,, yes he is quirky,, he MUST have his daily exercise and loves chasing and catching his Frisbee,,, but he loves everyone and everything,,, what a kind and loving soul we have brought into our family. Ive had dogs my whole life and is he challenging,,, yes he is but thats part of the charm,,, we love him to bits and beyond !!

[@cindynitsch6196]

I love your description "kind and loving soul". My Aussie Luke is just that. He loves everyone he meets, especially children, must exercise and lives life to the fullest! If he hears a baby cry, we must restrain him to keep him from running to help. Yes he does follow me everywhere, as most of my dogs have, including my girl who passed in my arms at almost 16 years. I wish people would not say, he follows me because I spoiled him, or Aussies are crazy or nutty. My Aussie is a brilliant, protective, talented, beautiful, funny, "kind and loving soul". If I am sick he will not leave my side, if I have a bad dream he wakes me. I am proud of him and love him to the moon and back. Thanks for your post. Best to you.

[@TheSaintsAdvantage]

Our Red Merle Aussie (2.5 years old) is incredible. Gentle, loving, smart. She has not had a leash on her for 2 years. She can go anywhere with us. She gets backyard time at will plus 2 30 minutes walks a day. I take her on 2-4 miles hikes in the woods once or twice a week. She loves it and gets to see/chase squirrel and Deer. Sometimes when we are working in our unfenced front yard and She is out with us...we go inside and forget to bring her...and a few minutes later we notice her sitting quietly on the front porch

[@SpiritualTraveler888]

I agree with you. They are awesome dogs! I've had mine now for a few days, and he learns super fast his sense of recall memory and speed and agility blows away any other dog I've ever had! Not for the weak willed I would say. As he is super strong minded, and if you give him an inch, he will run with it. So gotta stay on him, but just an amazing dog! I couldn't have said it better. you're spot on everything about these dogs! Now I regret not buying one of his brothers to train two of them, but himself, he is super awesome and gets really close to me! I've noticed as you said he is leery of other people, unless I introduce them to him! Thanks again!

[@strwb8361]

My baby is definitely stock dog! We love our boy and he takes great care of my daughter when I'm not home.

[@jeremystewert4303]

The best dogs. Mine had to be the smartest animal I’ve ever seen in my life. I could literally talk to him like a person and it was almost like he would understand me. He loved riding around in the truck, front seat with the window, and his head handing out of course.

[@fenzie]

Australian Shepherds are beautiful Period.

[@grinster1]

Your knowledge of this breed is huge.

[@michaelpennington5790]

My Service Dog is a Tri Color Aussie named Murphy, currently 6 months old and still in training. Amazing dog, Service work, tracking, agility, and eventually Mountian SAR. I couldn't of made a better choice in a breed. He goes everywhere with me, and is always up for anything.

[@l0n3wolf89]

I really really like these shows that you produce on Dogumentary TV. I love the fact that ALL the breeders that you interview talk about pros AND cons in the breeds and are really honest about the breeds! Great shows!! Really well made!!!

[@l0n3wolf89]

Both this and the Golden retriever one I just love. Like I said; honest opinions that show breeders that love and respect their breed!! 💙 All there was before was Dogs 101 and Breed all about it. And those shows were missing alot and everything on every level. These clips and videos are just awesome and something great to show people who might be interested in different breeds. So, from Sweden, we LOVE these dogumentaries!!!

[@michelelewis5666]

“Just an all round good dog…the Australian Shepherd fit the bill.” You got that right!

[@michaelquillen2679]

Our Aussie is limited to "jobs" like herding (chasing) squirrels in our large back yard, playing with his interactive toys, playing fetch, catching frisbee, playing keep-a-way of toys from our Rotty/Chow-Chow mix, rough-housing with the Rotty/Chow-Chow, and jogging with mama. If he doesn't get enough mental and physical activity during the day, he turns into a neurotic mess (anxiety?) in the evening. As my wife and I are both retired, we have the time to devote to his jobs (play). He is indeed loyal and intelligent. We got him during COVID, so he did not get enough socialization in first year, but we've done our best to make up for it and he is a lot better for it. He isn't thrilled about traveling (riding in a car), but he does tolerate it. Thanks for the video!

[@tipphurler]

Loved the intro! Music was a nice change

[@Cenepk101]

Agreed. 100%. Smartest dogs. My niece has an Aussie & I had an AussiePoo. You absolutely could not tell their voices apart. She didn’t mention how verbose they are. And I’m not speaking of barking. They talk. Once - I was emotional & crying- My Aussie Poo scolded me & told me to GET OVER IT. When she died- my brother stated- Well - At least I don’t have to be corrected by a dog anymore! She didn’t permit crazy reactions to footballers scoring !!!!

[@candissdelcastillo7863]

I loved this documentary! Thank you so much. We have been studying and researching on Australian Shepherd’s for sometime now. This was extremely helpful. Very happy for your success with your dogs. Keep up the good work!😊👍

[@AutumnalAussies]

I love the intro and cinematography in this! I think having interviews with multiple people involved in the breed would take this to the next level. Listening to the same person got pretty tedious near the end, and there are some hot debate topics that split breed clubs, so getting the different sides to that would make for a very well rounded documentary.

[@hiramabiff9545]

Autumn Ritchie I love my aussie

[@yellerdogdog]

Such A great informative video, we love our black tri color mini Aussie Gucci. Gucci would run the household if it wasn’t for dad as the corrector, Mom just can’t say no . Thank you for the great information and beautiful video

[@mere1586]

I have an Aussie!! I love him soooo much

[@joedoe-sedoe7977]

My Aussie is loving because she demonstrates in ways that are close to humans. If she barks loud at the door to go outside she take note of my reaction and if I show anger she lowers her head. If I go away for a few hours she greets me with over the top excitement when I return but it is true that they are energetic and bother you for attention to throw a ball or go outside and thus are not the best choice if you are retired and don’t have the same level of energy

[@joefunke7410]

I have a 3 year old female. I live in town by myself. She absolutely loves to play so we play frisbee multiple times a day. She minds well and is eager to please. She's also very affectionate. I really like the dog but she is a high energy dog and definitely not for everyone

[@Kielforreal]

Agreed. We love our Aussie! She needs and asked for a lit of exercise. Running at the dog park and she needs other dogs, very entertaining. A lot if frisbee time in the back yard. She will demand play time. Good for me too.

[@kimewing3070]

When I hear people say Aussie don't make good pets it makes my blood boil. My mother and I have bread Australian Shepherds since the 70ies, evening breeding a few national champions along the way. The is no better companion dog ever bread than a Aussie. Every dog breed takes a little bit of effort and socializing to make a good family pet. If your not willing to do some training you shouldn't have any dog. My beloved Aussie sleeps beside my bed as I write this, ever loyal, willing to protect, family loving and always by my side. They are one of God's most perfect creatures. If you want the best dog you will ever have in your life get an Australian Shepherd

[@jjfreeman1]

Awesome Video!!! ..and Thank you for doing what you do!

[@misled5036]

I have just adopted a 4 yr old female red tricolor. She is the second dog I have ever cared for; my first dog was a mini Maltese who I lost last August at the age of 16. This Aussi was a crate dog, so when I came to take her home with me I never brought her crate in my house because I don't have the room. It has been an interesting 5 months as we are finally bonding but she has some emotional issues ( trust ) that I'm not sure how to handle. With in the first few months I had her I had to take her to the vets for immunization and a possible allergy problem. They gave me pills to give her 2 times a day and she was not going to have anything to do with it. I tried every trick in the book and she figured each one out PDQ; it was ruining our relationship because she thought I was doing bad things to her. I don't know anything about this breed and I'm not in farming though I would love to teach her to have tasks, but she only wants to do things on her terms. When I push an issue on training she shuts down and goes to the other room. As far as caring for her coat I am at a loss, she hates to be brushed because the former owner never did it. She was so matted when I got her the mats had to be cut out which left her coat uneven so another trip to the groomers to even it up is scheduled but I still don't know what is the best way to keep her coat manageable. Any advise would be appreciated. All I Know is I kept her from going to the pound.

[@ttlee]

AKC says the Aussie originated in the states....not Australia

[@kameohosley2175]

ttlee Ya.

[@AutumnalAussies]

She didn’t say they originated in Australia, but some of their ancestors did. The ancestors were brought over to the western United States and bred with stock dogs here to create the Australian Shepherd. :)

[@keathflohr2480]

Actually, the AKC states that the breed as we know it TODAY was bred in the US, but originated likely from Europe, just like she states in the video. www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd/detail/

[@anthonyg.4761]

ttlee That’s the info I have as well. Made in the USA lol.

[@katdel7596]

They are from France (standing up for my country xD)

[@houndlifevlogs1055]

Beautiful dogs. 😊🧡

[@2klatte]

Would be cool to do a follow up vid with this handler about living with the Aussie to show her dogs doing the house chores mentioned

[@jimhuskins8506]

Saying that Aussies are not great pets is an absurd claim. Our old line, working Aussies are the best pets imaginable and have been since our first in 1984.

[@misslola3342]

I have 3 mini aussies ! They are always so eager to learn and super laid back.

[@elizab2962]

hello! I just wanted to say I hope you and your family stay safe in these scary times!

[@ceeher4974]

Great intro!! Amazing work and time and effort displayed in this video

[@haukkumo]

Aussies are the best. :)

[@hiramabiff9545]

Haukkumo yes I love my aussie

[@GavnerWinterLuver]

I miss my Aussie, such a good girl

[@SuperAnimelover100]

I second it !!

[@stonecreekarts6349]

I love my Australian shepherd. He’s being trained currently for psychiatric service work

[@christinabrady9415]

We have a "Texas Heeler" he's half heeler and half Australian shepherd. Amos is definitely the best of both worlds!

[@christophercorrell9401]

I have a 3 yr old female tri NKC. I don't know how to do all the fancy dog stuff. She chewed up stuff as a puppy and still digs in the trash can. Just know this she is the most charming animal I have ever met. My Aussie loves my wife who came later and my wife's dog. My Aussie adopted them perfectly her instincts understood the whole situation. I love my Aussie. ( Mini) yes she is bossy and nosey but truly a great dog.

[@juliamcdonald-carberry146]

Owning a Miniature Australian Shepherd has been the most astonishing experience of my life. I have bred, trained owned & competed multiple dog breeds for over 40 years & vehemently disagree with many of the things this woman has to say about Aussies both standards & miniatures. My miniature is actually 18 inches at the shoulders & my standards range from 19" to 21" at the shoulders. All of them have wonderful personalities, are friendly, love people & are fantastic herders. As with Rough Collies & Border Collies, being outstanding herders does not translate to being standoffish or wary of people. It does however, require extreme intelligence & a willingness to obey versus an independent nature, as she explains. Aussies do not herd well due to having an independent nature when not in the presence of their leader but, because they retain everything they learn, once taught to them & the instinctual behaviour that's bred into them inherited from their Border Collie genes. In general, this woman's rhetoric does a great disservice to the truly magnificent nature & inherent abilities of the Australian Shepherd. She especially demeans their value as a family member & wonderful, affectionate & joyful nature in general. They're extremely gentle & tolerant with children, especially small children. Initially this woman discourages people from owning Aussies as pets then, later she says they're the best dog to have. She needs to remove this video, as it's contradictory & gives a totally confusing view of Australian Shepherd's characters. Since I have owned, trained & competed Rough Collies, Border Collies & Rottweilers, as well as Aussies over the years. In fact, I owned Rotts for many, many years, as I utterly adored their kind, peaceful & gentle nature's, as well as their noble & dignified characters, I can assert that this woman is speaking of Australian Shepherds as though they had the temperament & behaviour of Rottweilers versus the Border Collies & Rough Collie type of breeds from which the Australian Shepherd is descended. Aussies were not bred to herd independently as the larger Rottweilers & other European herding breeds were bred to do. In fact, the Australian Shepherd's origins are in the United States & basically the Border Collie crossed with several other breeds of dog. Her entire monologue is a disservice to the breed & should be removed. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, loving, extremely loyal, super dogs that can & will do just about anything u ask of them. They will defend u with their lives or run beside u until they drop dead. They will work cattle or sheep all day in the heat or freezing cold & wait for u as long as it takes for u to come home or howl like their heart is breaking the minute u walk out the door, as they will love u so deeply. They're brave, love cuddles & will beg u to play with them. They know when ur sick or down & become highly upset if u cry or ur feeling sad. They know when ur sick & will lay by ur side for hours to comfort u. They worry about u & will try to get help for u, if they feel u need it. Aussies are truly super dogs. They're the Lassies u saw on TV as a kid but, without the training. They're just naturally that amazing & I resent & challenge the bulk of this woman's line of commentary as limited & narrow minded.

[@silbay]

Damn straight and the same experiences I have had with my boys

[@ronaldbequeath2307]

When I was planning on getting a dog for my farmette I researched multiple breeds to find just the right fit. After discovering the Aussie and its traits I settled on a purebred male. I spent a week visiting him with treats and toys till he knew to look for me before bringing him home. Although he had a serious accident at 10 weeks other than a missing tooth he's all aussie. That being said, he at a young age would learn commands and instructions many times in just 3 tries. And would herd the ducks, chickens, goats, a terror to the cats, but avoids the cow because the calf nailed him one time went he let himself get in to tight of a spot. He has all the traits of an Aussie except he has been a friend to everyone and didn't seem to be that good of a watch dog unless there is a quality that he senses about a person. After he mated with the neighbors $6,000.00 show dog, which came looking for him, I felt a companion was in order to keep him home. Purchasing a year old Aussie female solved the problem. He herds the goats, and oversees the place as if he's the manager as long as l'm the boss, his only fault is he likes to chew and has ruined many quilts and blankets. Otherwise down time is taken by watching everything that's going on, on the stead. He has his free time to hunt groundhogs and usually lets me know before he goes, and is a great family man to his puppies. But don't think he won't outsmart you if given the chance. He puts his head on my chest at night and she sleeps at my feet, The female learns quickly and is the quard dog of the two. And believe in a God of miracles by a freak accident she was run over 3 times buy a van carrying 300 lbs of feed and after prayer lived to nurse her puppies and rip and tear with her partner as if there hadn't even been a close call to her life. They think on their own even to the point of protecting an infant from a male goat and letting me know when my sugers to high. Easily trained, and also very family oriented. There isn't a better dog around.

[@leannebrowne9877]

Spoken from a true aussie owner 😀👍

[@katk7505]

Rough collies aren't even used for herding anymore, they're almost all bred for show and have been for a long time, and border collies haven't been bred to be territorial- aussies have been. Being wary of people is a pretty standard thing for a working line aussie. Most Border collies are hardly territorial or protective at all- most working line aussies are.

[@jeevee9489]

Please tell me that this dog can clean my room for me...YES,HERD THOSE TOYS!

[@scary___mary]

Great video! Although I do think that they are great pets. But they need stimulation. Our Aussie is 11 and still has great energy! He definitely chose one person in the family (my dad) as a leader. He’s super loyal and always wants to be with us and his intelligence and „will to please“ made it that much more exciting to train him. He also has a mind of his own and will make his own choices if we‘re ever sloppy, which I think is a charming characteristic 😌 Overall an amazing breed with lots of potential!

[@mhintrepid]

Outstanding vid ! Thanks so much.

[@deiaaze]

I waited so much for this video, awesome, as always! Great job!

[@fioridragon1797]

I completely agree with her stance on them not being super easy pets. I've seen a lot of people with Aussies who don't put any work into them and then complain because they're destructive, or play rough, or are nippy. Mine is a gem and because of the way mine acts a friend went out and got one. Large difference is mine came from a conformation breeder who owned a farm, hers came from a backyard breeder. Mine was trained from the ground up to be a stable and versatile farm dog while hers was never given a job. Too often this is the story that plays out is a good breed is labeled a good pet and isn't respected for what it was bred for (Corgis are another bad one for this) people get more dog than they wanted and the dog ends up being a terror or ends up in a shelter.

[@GavnerWinterLuver]

They make amazing family dogs, idk what she’s talking about

[@wiktoriakohman2200]

But shes saying that they need metal and psyhical stymulation not like your typical couch dog

[@Sandy33569]

wiktoria kohman Exactly, she's just saying they should NOT just be a companion dog, the way a lot of toy breeds are designed for.

[@mmells_12]

They’re not amazing family dogs if you don’t give them the mental stimulation and exercise they need. Too many people give their Aussies up bc “they can’t handle their energy” and I APPLAUD this woman for being honest bc this is exactly how I explain Aussie ownership to people:bluntly, if you aren’t active, if you aren’t dedicated, and if you don’t have the patience or time for a working breed like this, they’re not for you, period. A girl I met when I first got my Aussie told me her mom was considering one, she’d only had yorkies and wanted something without as much excitement. I laughed and said to stay away from the Aussie, if she couldn’t handle yorkies and their energy, they absolutely will NOT handle an Aussie.

[@michaelpotter3627]

Always great videos Zeke

[@retokohler4226]

Fantastic movie! Your camera and editing work is outstanding.

[@thepenman357]

We're on our second Aussie, the first a female, the second a male. Both are great family dogs. Aussies are great in adjusting to their life situation. We haven't had to entertain or purposely keep them challenged, and they rarely get in trouble. They learn quite quickly what you allow and forbid. Now, they're the only breed I would own.

[@sleepycoyote1]

Australian Shepherds are deffinetly extrodinary. They have always been the measuring stick, by which I judge other dogs. My current 2 dogs are Shetland Sheepdogs. They are the first Shelties that I have ever owned and I am quite pleased to discover that they too, have many,many of the qualities that the Aussie has. Both the Aussie and the Shelties are so smart, that It's like having a person in a fuzzy outfit around all day. Such great dogs and companions.

[@silbay]

Owned Shelties for 30 years and have owned Aussies for the last 20. Wouldn't trade either breed for any other.

[@OsitaaBabiee]

I love my Aussie puppy! You can see her in my most recent video! 🐶💗

[@JeePnoY1]

She nailed it

[@meganmurphy1606]

Hah currently watching this while running my 2 yo Aussie in the backyard

[@privateryan8893]

Aussies are great dog ever

[@kevinp5325]

Zeke, I love the trend I’m seeing in these recent videos. A good bunch of breeders raising healthy and functional dogs. I’ve seen more than a few videos on herding dogs, which I’ve enjoyed. You should consider finding a breeder or owner who has a Blue Lacy. They originated in Texas and were developed to help herd cattle and hunt. I’d imagine there are a few livestock ranches near your area which might use them.

[@nmelkhunter1]

This is one of the very best videos I've ever seen on Aussies.

[@Cenepk101]

I don’t recommend these dogs for young families. These are super HIGH energy dogs that demand a consistent commitment to exercise in a suburban/rural environment. Even the AussiePoos as well. Best, smartest dog I have ever had.

[@tamara8908]

You are fantastic! Have a Red Tri rescue Aussie. We have had him for almost 14 years (rescued him at approximately three years old.)He had heart worm when we got him, almost died and today, he is an elder. Still smiles and barks at whatever is in the yard. Smartest best dog we have ever had (many lab mixes previously) but, PLEASE, you seem like an amazing Aussie Breeder...WHY DOCK THEIR TAILS? Our dog misses his tail everyday.

[@silbay]

roughly 3 of 5 Aussies are born with docked tails. BTW why do we circumcise male children? Not like people are too ignorant to maintain proper hygiene today

[@katk7505]

Can guarantee you your dog doesn't notice its tail being gone one bit

[@downeastjd1711]

We have a 8 month Aussie/Border/Blue Heeler/Hanin Tree mix. He is the smartest, most driven, athletic dog I've ever been around, and he has a great disposition. He's intense, but incredibly friendly and playful. He's going to be an amazing dog. He's big, too. Already 50 pounds, and only a few inches shy of our lab/husky, in length and at the shoulders.

[@teeh4690]

Aussies simply want to please you- even those pups who are more independently minded. They wish to live in your pocket 24/7, 365! Our family has raised, trained and loved our Australian Shepherd since the 1960's. Having been raised with the breed, I can attest to their amazing, talented & loyal dispositions! They make extraordinary family pets as well as top hand workers. My own special girl was my committed Service Dog for 16 yrs. The versatility of our breed goes without rival. Our own family farms/ranches could not have achieved the success we did without our Aussies. Whether in the Breed Ring or herding stock out on the ranch, they're simply AMAZING! We have the most biddable, brilliant & beautiful breed on Earth! They ARE the greatest dogs and there isn't another breed that can compare.

[@doppler3237]

I have a large merle aussie that I rescued, supposed to be of working stock from colorado. One day we went for hike down here in fl. in the three lakes management area . we have what are called cracker cattle, wild cattle descended from the spanish, they look like smaller texas longhorns, really rangy and long horns and very aggressive, We came upon a herd of about 12 with the bull right on the trail not wanting us to pass going from side to side keeping us from going around. Not sure why I did it but I said " get him cody" He ran in their and cut that bull out of the herd with no training at all. He split his attention from keeping that bull out of the herd and keeping the others from helping him and this was in the middle of palmetto scrub with him dodging the bull jumping over 3 and 4 ft. tall palmetto. when I said down cody he stopped and came back to me but still keeping an eye on the cattle standing on his hind legs to see over the brush. I know it was stupid and he could have been hurt but it was amazing to watch and the most fun I ever saw him have. I am sure I will get alot of wrath for this.

[@jbagz7956]

How did you rescue him?

[@terrydodson430]

Mine was a pet , he excelled at obedience, advanced obedience, we worked with the police department, he was the first to climb a ladder and across a building, he worked in attack ( although he had to use a puppy sleeve), he was the smartest dog I ever had

[@cjk5662]

Hello Jodie, Loved your video. It's very informative. I just a new Aussie pup from a farmer and our Dachshund is NOT taking kindly to him. Now we have a nice sized yard and the new aussie pup (Zues) definitely knows I'm the alpha. Has no problem, even at 11 weeks old, taking my orders. Can you offer any advice on cohabitation for the 2? Sammy is 4 years old. Zeus, like I said is 11 weeks.

[@aussiejim1616]

Well as a child in the country we had a black Kelpie (called Rusty - go figure) and she would have brown or black pups - she was a good sheep dog and her pupr sold quickly. Now a blue or a red cattle dog (I think you call them Merle) were a completely different dog and could be nippy.

[@baileyb123bb]

While I'm watching this my pet Aussie is demanding a piece of my toast

[@JennyJ520]

Man I’d hire this woman to help my family’s Aussie. I’m the newest member (marrying in to the “herd”) and being WEARY was an understatement lol. I got bit, but I’ve tried taking him out and working him mentally and physically. Wish I knew how to work him properly. Seriously such intelligent dogs, but if you’re not going to exercise their minds and bodies - don’t get one.

[@Janeway1269]

Great video about real life with a workaholic breed!

[@johnjplummer]

All so true! great review

[@mynameisntryan88]

Great video for the most part, but she was wrong about history and breed standard. My parents used to breed Australian Shepherds, and I've owned 2 of them. They are one of the few breeds without a weight standard. You could have a 45lb or a 95lb dog. As long as they look good for their weight... they meet standard. Plus there are more than the colors she listed. You can have a Black Bi or Tri, a Red Bi or Tri, a Blue Merle, and a Red Merle. There is not a difference in the show line coat and the working line coat. The show dogs are fluffier because they fluff them out and style them for the show ring. Australian Shepherds make great family dogs. They aren't as hyper as the Border Collie, but they can work all day like one. All dogs are individuals and may not all be the same. They do need something to do but chasing a ball can suffice. Although the Aussies I've met, get bored with repetitively chasing a ball. Australian Shepherds are an American Breed, but were called Australian Shepherds because they resembled the Australian herding/working breeds with the Blue and Red Merle color patterns of the Australian Cattle Dog as they migrated with the herding and farming immigrants from the West Coast of the US headed East. Other than that... not a bad video.

[@oldsagerat]

Overall a nice video. I do disagree with her history of the breed. The Basque people came to America not as shepherd's, but that was the work available. The version I read was a photographer took a picture of some Australian immigrants here to work with sheep. They had a dog in the picture. It was labeled an Australian Shepherd's dog. We don't know where the breed really came from. Some will tell you California, others such as myself firmly believe they were bred and perfected in Idaho. Most have a natural dock tail. ASCA breed requires a tail no longer than 4 inches. An old story goes the Aussies worked so close to the herds and flock, that the gate was shut on more than one dog's tail. A broken tail would have been a hindrance and a practical rancher would have cut it off. This flies in the face of evolution, but is an interesting "tale." My last Aussie became my service dog when I had a head injury. We taught each other signs and commands. Just put a deposit down on a beautiful red Merle male. He comes from herding stock. I plan to work him into an abatement program with my Harris hawk as a non lethal bird deterant. Thanks for the video ! ps. I have a bumper sticker on my pickup that says "My Australian Shepherd is smarter than your honor student."

[@thejerseydebil]

Well not true.... aussies bred for show DO have thicker coats and are larger boned.. i have a show aussie and one from working line.... very different in coat and size.

[@dianeschuller]

Sorry Noah, I will respectfully disagree about some of your comments. She knows the true history of the breed; there most definitely is a difference in coat; and the comment about weight is way off. I've had them for over 30 years but that has nothing to do with knowing her statements are correct. So pleased you like the breed. I agree with you and others that they made a nice video.

[@Kelsie154]

1. Aussies DO have a weight standard. Working lines tend to be leaner and smaller, while show lines are larger and "stockier". 2. Working Aussies tend to have shorter coats. 3. They're called Australian Shepherds because the stock dogs came from Australia.

[@thejerseydebil]

I agree...Aussies just want to be with you and please you. They don't need agility courses or working cattle to be happy. What they do need is attention from their humans. They love to play ball & frisbee and go for long walks. They love learning tricks and how to help you with chores. All of that adds up to a happy and healthy Aussie that makes the most wonderful fur friend a person could have

[@DavidTheCarpenter]

Thank you for a great, informative video. One of the most honest and clear I've seen yet. The horrible truth about them is they may be the best dog on the planet for the right kind of person. So AKC show tri Aussie meets bred on farm Blue Merle. I end up with the alpha female who is a red Merle and shows colors from both parents. She is a companion dog for me even though I live and work on farms. Lot's of toys to herd. She loves new toys, at least one a day. The breeder said she would be the best farm dog of the litter. Smart? I got her when she hit 8 weeks. 3 days later she is almost house trained, knows about 5 commands. When she asked for a cell phone and the car keys I had to say no.

[@nigralurker]

I had two Australian Shepherds as pets growing up. My father use to take us on walks 4 times a week and we'd even go out onto a farm to walk the dogs off a leash most of the time in order for them to chase Deer and encourage their habits. So it deeply disappoints me that people purchase these puppies and think only about how beautiful they are and not consider the amount of work they need to keep them happy just to abandon them or bring them to a shelter.

[@debbiesherrill7228]

Beautiful dogs! Love the documentary.

[@txterbug]

Dude I LOVE your videos

[@mello1023]

I positive I have an Aussie mix, his coat and body are the same, but his head is a little wider than most that I've seen. He was a surprise dog, as in he jumped into our fence one day and never left. He's actually great with kids, I think he spent his puppy hood being trained by a kid. His manners are horrible and he likes to bully to get his way. He also herds after all of our smaller animals and has a high prey drive. I'm pretty sure he was a street dog for awhile because he is always on high alert, if you barely touch him while sleeping he's immediately growling or barking. I love him to death, but he's a major asshole in our house. Since he joined us at around 6 months old, he's been difficult to train at least in the way I've trained dogs in the past. Any suggestions to combat the bully behavior? Such as barking because he thinks it's time to eat, or jumping on us when we head towards the door. I've tried making him calm down and sit quietly before letting him out of a room or the house, but the behavior happens pretty much every night when he thinks it's time for outside and dinner.

[@silbay]

Sounds like one I have. It has taken 6 mo to make him understand that I am alpha and so is his older brother that was here first. Key word patience patience patience and firm patience at that. When he acts up at feeding time I toss his bowl back into the food bin and walk away till he calms down. He learned fast. Took 2 days with a front hook harness to stop his pulling and to understand loose leash manners. Once again firm patience.Remember these dogs are smarter than some people I know LOL and their minds are always going and learning. Mine watches my every move and has a mind like a steel trap. Unlike almost every other breed I have ever owned.

[@mello1023]

silbay yeah that's what I typically do. If he's trying to bark his way to being let out or getting fed I stop what in doing and get him to calm down and sit. Or I'll stop mid walk to the door and stand there until he gets the hint. However he repeats the behavior again. I'm not sure how intelligent he is, he acts like a dope but that could just be how he acts when he's happy. I love him to death, but I've never understood why someone would abandon a dog until him. Lol I never would, but I could see some exhausted mom unable to handle him anymore. He is incredibly gentle with children and hand feeding treats.

[@AlphaAussies]

How do you transition an Aussie from a family dog to a herding dog?

[@mandyholmberg5106]

My childhood friend Courtney she has 2 Australian shepherds❤

[@kassandralandry6817]

I disagree with not being good family dogs they r amazing family dog's if trained right and trained around kid's. I have three kids and all four of my Aussies love my kids and never tried herding them one was never around kid's before mine were born and he was amazing and wouldn't harm a hair on their head he let them lay on him hug him everything so I do disagree with that but I they need to be trained and socialized. Mine do work with livestock and protective but wouldn't hurt you unless you threaten any of us. Forever my favorite breed.

[@miraviking]

Is they born with the abillity to herd or do they need to be trained for that? Could you just let them loose with the sheep whenever they need some exercize?

[@DanielFlores-fo1ee]

Yes they are born with the ability but they still need to be Led. The ability to herd is built within them.

[@katk7505]

No you cannot just let them loose on sheep with no direction or training unless you want the dog to chase them till they drop and bite them. They have a very high chase drive and without direction and training to be taught what to do woth it you're just letting your dog harass your livestock.