TRAINING/ACTIVITIES

Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsibly dog ownership. It will make your dog a better companion and will help establish a stronger bond between the two of you. Because your Aussie wants to please you and is eager to learn, training can be a very enjoyable experience. Positive training methods using lots of praise and//or treats will work well for most Aussies. Harsh corrections are seldom necessary for this breed.

Most communities offer dog training classes. Check your local Yellow Pages under "Pet Training" or ask for recommendations from friends. Classes often begin with puppy courses and continue with basic adult obedience.

Herding:
Aussies are born with varying amounts of herding instinct and ability. If you are interested in developing your dogs herding talents, you will need to let him work livestock on a regular basis. If you own sheep or cattle, your Aussie will quickly learn to help with chores and can be a tremendous asset in handling stock.