Entertaining an aussie?

[chaos270]

Ok everyone w/ an aussie or other high energy dog any suggestions on what to give an aussie for a 'job'.  There aren't any herding oppurtunities nearby and she's weird around people but we have been thinking of trying agility at home only.  I was wondering if anyone has any other ideas. 

[Scootergirl]

agility is a great idea. We've been toying with that idea for Rocko, too. Also fly ball or, if you just want an easy pastime activity that will wear 'em out - try frisbee. Rocko is obsessed with his frisbee. He considers that his job when he's not truckin' with Dad.

[hairprincessnyu]

Your picture just reminded me what beautiful eyes Aussies have....they are such amazing dogs!

[Leah...]

we are doing obedience, agilty, flyball, AND dog parks, long walks, etc, and my 5 month old is not slowing down! we can't do too much in a day, because his bones are not fully matured, but lacey does not have this problem. agility is probably the best bet for you, because if you get an instructor that will work with you, you can train in agility to tire her, and at the same time slowly adjust her to stange people. the more she is trained in agility, the more focused on it she will be, therefore, you could have a very odd looking person (judge w/ umbrella, wheelchair confined person, etc) out in the middle and she will not notice (or not care) because she is busy w/ agility.

my other dogs are aslo both very active, and love to run, so they tire him out on their own. you have a newf, so (not to stereotype, but) she isn't gonna want to run run run all the time, like an aussie. sorry....

herding is expensive, but if there is someone with sheep (ducks are not good for dogs w/ preydrive, cattle are scarey for first timers.) that wouldn't mind being harrassed by a wild child, they may not charge you much at all. just ask an instructor for type outs of exactly what to do to train her, or ask them to go w/ you.

hope this helps,
Leah

[chaos270]

Actually Kali has more energy then Lacey some times which I find suprising too. I think it's cause she grew up around Lacey the spaz.  Kali also learned to herd from Lacey.  Hopefully we'll be getting the agility equipment by xmas of this year and I can't wait as Kali already is doing agility in her dog class. We're going to have Lacey's aggression evaluated by Kali's trainer and hopefully we'll be getting over that hurdle as well since this trainer has worked with alot of aussies and aggressive dogs.  We have been playing frisbee and doing obedience so hopefully by next Spring we'll have everything worked out.

With the herding I don't think I'd really trust her because she's very bullheaded when she tries it on us and we don't want to encourage it with having horses that aren't keen on being herded.

Thanks for the advice everyone and Leah good luck with your aussie.

[bluskygirl]

I would definitely recommend frisbee! My cattle dog required frisbee every day after work. We also went for long hikes in the mountains every Saturday, and open space dog park each Sunday, and ball every morning at home.  When she got older, I also ran her 3 miles a day in the mornings... they will keep you busy, won't they???  All of the things I did helped a lot to release energy, but frisbee was her favorite because it required skill!  Best of luck!

[Moni]

I agree, frisbee and fetch are great ways to get out some physical energy.  With my guys I also found that they tired out faster by doing mental workouts as well.  Clicker training is a great way to get those gears turning!   

Another thing is that with high energy breeds, one of the most important things you can teach them is a "SETTLE" command.  Farm dogs usually aren't going 24/7, they're on when they're needed and off when they're not.  Some people mistakenly try to exercise them into tiredness, but in reality all they're really doing is building up their endurance.  Not a problem if that's what you're aiming for, but can be if its not.  These types of dogs need to learn that they don't need to go 24/7 and that they can chill and enjoy it.  My aussies don't seem to care if they're playing fetch, going for a ride, helping with cows or sleeping by my feet.  All that matters to them is that they're by my side. 

Have lots of fun, aussies are amazing dogs and one of the most rewarding breeds that I can think of!