Australian Shepherd Dog - Everything You Want to Know

Admit it or not, participating in an Australian Shepherd show can be one way to earn extra income and you can use your prize, if you win, for any expenses that you may need in maintaining your Aussie, like for the food that he eats, grooming and health.  There are so many dog shows in a year where you may bring your Aussie to participate in.

So how do you get your Australian Shepherd prepared for a dog show?  You need to know that there are no shortcuts.  What I mean is you cannot just immediately prepare your dog for a show that will happen in a month’s time.  Hence, if you already have it in your heart that your Aussie will be participating in future dog shows; prepare your dog ahead of time.  While your Aussie is still a puppy, start your preparations by paying special attention to his grooming.  Your Aussies skin and coat should be free of flaws.

Obedience training on your Australian Shepherd should also be given special attention.  If you see your Aussie is well behaved at home and in public, especially when exposed to other dogs, then that is one sign that he is ready for a dog show.

To make sure that your Aussie is healthy, visit a vet and ask him about the proper nutrition, vitamins and vaccinations that you should provide to your pet.  It may cost you but do not worry because all your efforts and expenses will be returned back to you when your Aussie starts winning on dog shows.  Always remember that any minor health problem that will be seen on your dog like a single flea can take your dog out from the show.

It would help if you practice at home by setting up show ring at your home.  This will orient your Aussie on what he will see on the show and how he is supposed to act.  It can also help remove any nervous feelings from your dog during the day of the show.

Before joining any dog show, be sure to read the rules of the contests that you will be participating in and prepare all the papers and pay the entry fees.  On the day of the dog show, make sure your Aussie is well groomed and has eaten well but do not overfeed him.  Make sure also that you have a treat in hand to give to your Aussie every time he obeys a command.

The most important preparation you need to do for an Australian Shepherd show is accepting defeat.  Always be prepared to lose, but never give up.  Practice with your dog more and join future contests.  The time will come for you and your dog and when that time comes trust me the rewards will keep on pouring in.

One of the responsibilities of having a miniature Aussie is teaching him to obey some basic commands like “sit”, “stay”, and “lie down”.  Here are a few ways you can use in teaching your miniature Australian Shepherd dog new tricks.

Teaching your dog to follow the command “sit”.

Take your miniature Aussie to a place where there is not as much distraction.  Get his attention by saying his name or by showing a treat in your hand. Now choose a gesture that you want to associate with the command “sit”, like clicks, a short whistle, or a certain hand gesture.  When you’re doing this gesture, say the word “sit” then move the treat you’re holding over your mini Aussie’s head and let him follow it with his eyes.  The dog’s normal reaction to this is to sit so he would to be able to lean his head back further.  When your dog is doing the “sit” position praise him and give your miniature Aussie his treat.

Teaching your dog to follow the command “lie down”.

Show the treat in your hand and then lay the treat on the ground just in front of your miniature Aussie as you say the word “lie down”.  Now use a hand gesture while saying the word “lie down”.  Your dog won’t like to sprain his back and neck when reaching straight down so close to his body.  When your miniature Aussie is able to follow your command properly give him a treat.

Teaching your dog to follow the command “stay”.

It is important that your miniature Aussie is able to follow the “sit” and “lie down” command before you can teach him to follow the “stay” command.  Put a leash on your dog then gently pull it straight to send him the signal you don’t want him to walk.  Right away use a hand gesture for the “stay” command while saying the word “stay” then slowly allow the leash to loosen.  If your dog stands up, say the word “no” then begin again. If your miniature Aussie does not get up, try to walk away and don’t look back at your dog.  When your dog follows you, say the word “no” then begin again.  After a few practices your miniature Aussie will surely understand what the command “stay” means.

Repetition is the secret in teaching your miniature Australian Shepherd dog new tricks.  Use the new trick always when your dog is able to follow it.  Otherwise, the dog will probably forget what to do.

Wouldn’t it be cool to capture some Australian Shepherd photo?  Every dog owner would love to have a photo of his pet as a keepsake.  However there are a few things you need to consider before taking your Aussie’s picture.

First you need to train your Australian Shepherd to obey some stay commands.  You must be firm when giving these commands.  Once your Aussie has learned the stay command you are now set to start your photo sessions.

Be sure to groom your Aussie.  Clean and wipe off dirt from his face.  Make sure you had fed him properly and had let him go potty before starting to take pictures.  Your dog might become restless when he needs to go potty or when he is hungry.  When this happens you won’t be able make him strike a good pose.

Now choose your background.  Prepare the place where you want to take the shot and take away things that may distract your Aussie.  Get the proper lighting and remove shadows in the area that might be obscuring the shot.

Invest in a good digital camera for it allows you take lots of pictures.  It is difficult to get the right shot each time during your first few attempts.  By means of a digital camera you can delete photos and need not worry on wasting film.  Familiarize yourself with your digital camera’s settings and options to maximize all potentials in taking great shots.

When you have prepared everything bring your Australian Shepherd to the area where you’re going to take his pictures.  Since he is obedience trained, let your Aussie sit down or you may let him stand then give the “Stay” command.  Now, to make the best shot, kneel down or sit to the Aussie’s eye level and take the shot at a close range.    Call your dog’s name so he will stare at the camera.  You may also want to take a few stolen shots.

Taking your Australian Shepherd photo is both fun and rewarding.  It enables you to capture memorable images of your dog.  So don’t forget to take many pictures of your Aussie with his favorite object or toy and also with the important persons in his life.

Our Australian Shepherds also need to be given the chance to socialize with people and other pets like them.  Basic Australian Shepherds info will tell us that just like its pet owners, they too need to socialize and as responsible dog owners, we need to take then out for a walk regularly to give them that chance to meet other people and animals like them.

Bringing your Australian Shepherd out often will make him develop social skills and this can contribute greatly on his development to be a good pet.

What then are the benefits of socializing your Aussie?

• Mental and physical stimulation - We know than an Aussie is a very active dog and it constantly needs exercise so it does not get bored.  When you bring your Aussie outside your house for a walk, it gets to exercise with the short walk and seeing so many people can help stimulate him mentally as he gets excited and learns how to properly react to whatever he sees outside your house.

• Lessen the possibility of an attempt to runaway – Dogs like human beings also run away from home.  Aside from running away, it will also lessen the instances of running wild around your house which may cause accidents.  They usually exhibit this behavior if they are isolated in the house and do not get exposed

• Avoid having your Aussie attack house guests – Socializing your dog will give them the idea that there are more people living in this planet, and not only him and the family of his owner.  This is very critical to prevent your dog from accidentally attacking and possibly biting your house guests.

Socializing your Aussie basically introduces him to the environment that you live in and exposing him to the things around you which he may encounter.  It is like exposing your little baby to the world so he does not get ignorant on things and occurrences around him.

Australian Shepherd owners need to learn Australian Shepherds info on socialization so that they get to raise a well-trained Aussie.  Remember that your Aussie is not only a pet which you must utilize as a watch dog or a herding dog, but see it as a creature that needs love and socialization.