Thinking about getting an Aussie, what should I know?

Exotic Pets Forum
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I’ve been thinking about getting an Australian Shepherd, but IDK if I can keep up with their energy. I hear they need tons of exercise and mental stimulation. Anyone have one? What’s it like owning an Aussie?

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Yeah, they’re super energetic! Mine needs at least an hour of exercise daily, plus mental stimulation. Otherwise, they get bored and start chewing up stuff.

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Vic said:
Yeah, they’re super energetic! Mine needs at least an hour of exercise daily, plus mental stimulation. Otherwise, they get bored and start chewing up stuff.

Dang, that’s a lot. What do you do for mental stimulation?

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@Sage
I use puzzle toys and train them to do tricks. They love learning new things.

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Aussies are crazy smart. If they don’t get enough to do, they’ll find ‘jobs’ themselves… usually not jobs you’ll like lol.

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Darby said:
Aussies are crazy smart. If they don’t get enough to do, they’ll find ‘jobs’ themselves… usually not jobs you’ll like lol.

Lmao, what kind of ‘jobs’?

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Sage said:

Darby said:
Aussies are crazy smart. If they don’t get enough to do, they’ll find ‘jobs’ themselves… usually not jobs you’ll like lol.

Lmao, what kind of ‘jobs’?

Mine tried to ‘herd’ my kids… nipping at their heels like they were sheep. Had to train that out of him.

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Be ready for fur everywhere. They have a double coat and shed like crazy, especially when the seasons change.

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Orion said:
Be ready for fur everywhere. They have a double coat and shed like crazy, especially when the seasons change.

Oh no, I wasn’t prepared for that lol. How often do you brush them?

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@Sage
At least once a week, sometimes more. Otherwise, their fur gets matted.

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They’re great dogs, but not for couch potatoes. If you’re active, they make awesome companions.

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Paxton said:
They’re great dogs, but not for couch potatoes. If you’re active, they make awesome companions.

I’m decently active but not like… running marathons. Would that be enough?

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@Sage
If you can do long walks, play fetch, and train them regularly, you should be good!

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Don’t forget to check for health issues! Aussies can have hip dysplasia, MDR1 (drug sensitivity), and eye problems. Good breeders test for these.

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Teo said:
Don’t forget to check for health issues! Aussies can have hip dysplasia, MDR1 (drug sensitivity), and eye problems. Good breeders test for these.

What’s MDR1?

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Sage said:

Teo said:
Don’t forget to check for health issues! Aussies can have hip dysplasia, MDR1 (drug sensitivity), and eye problems. Good breeders test for these.

What’s MDR1?

It’s a genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to some meds. If they have it, certain drugs can be dangerous.