There is no definitive answer to this question as there are mixed reviews from Australian Shepherd Owners. Australian Shepherds can make great pets around children and families, but there are some things you should keep in mind before making your decision.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning an Australian Shepherd around kids and loved ones. We will also provide you with some tips on how to make sure that everyone in the family enjoys living with this breed!
Are Australian Shepherds Good With Kids?
As mentioned above there are mixed reviews when it comes to Australian Shepherds and kids. Some families have said that their Aussie is great with their children, while others have had less than ideal experiences.
Australian Shepherds are known to herd small children as a result of their herding instinct. This means that they may try to nip or bite at children’s heels in an attempt to herd them. While this behavior is not usually aggressive, it can still be alarming for parents and kids alike. If you are considering getting an Australian Shepherd, it is important to make sure that you socialize them from a young age and train them not to herd children.
How Do I Stop My Australian Shepherd From Herding My Children?
There are many ways to stop your Australian Shepherd from herding your children. Some of the most important ones are:
Socializing With Children:
You can introduce your Australian Shepherd to children early on and get them used to their presence. This way, your dog will learn that children are not prey or animals to be herded, but rather people to be respected. There are other benefits of socialization as well, such as reducing fearfulness and aggression.
Teach Them Certain Commands Like Leave It:
You can also teach your Australian Shepherd certain commands that will help stop them from herding children. The most important one is “leave it.” This command tells your dog to stop what they’re doing and ignore whatever it is they’re trying to herd.
you can also use it to get your dog’s attention if they’re about to do something dangerous. Australian Shepherds are intelligent dogs and they can learn a lot of commands. In addition to “leave it,” you can also teach them “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.”
Teach The Kids About How To Be Around Your Australian Shepherd:
If you have small children, it’s important to teach them how to be around your Australian Shepherd. They should never pull on the dog’s fur or tail, and they should never try to ride the dog like a horse. Children should always treat dogs with respect, and if they’re too rough, you may need to put your Australian Shepherd in another room until they calm down.
Sometimes, Australian Shepherds can be a bit too much for small children. But if you teach your kids how to interact with them, and you supervise their interactions, they can be a great addition to your family.
Ensure Your Kids Are Old Enough To Play With Your Australian Shepherd
You should never leave small children alone with any dog, no matter how well they get along. But Australian Shepherds are particularly active, and they may not understand their own strengths.
If your kids are under the age of five, it’s probably best to wait until they’re a bit older before getting an Australian Shepherd. when your kids are old enough to play with your Australian Shepherd, make sure they know how to interact with dogs.
Do Australian Shepherds Make Good Family Pets?
Yes, Australian Shepherds can make great family pets. They’re loyal, loving and protective of their families. They can be a great addition to any family, as long as everyone is prepared for an active dog.
But you should respect the boundaries that your Australian Shepherd sets. And remember, every dog is different. Some Australian Shepherds may be more laid back than others, while some may never meet a stranger. It’s important to get to know your individual dog and what type of personality he or she has before making the decision to add an Australian Shepherd to your family.
Having said that following features are generally found in an Aussie:
Kid-friendly Energy Levels:
Australian Shepherd has a lot of energy and needs a lot of exercise. They are an athletic breed and love to run, play fetch, and go on hikes. Aussies are not the type of dogs that will be content lying around the house all day. This energy matches up with your kids’ energy levels and they can play together for hours.
They Make Excellent Workout Buddies:
Australian Shepherds are very proactive so make perfect workout partners. They will push you to keep going when you want to give up and make working out a lot more fun.
Why Might My Aussie Be Aggressive With Kids?
There are a number of reasons why your Aussie may become aggressive with kids. If they feel threatened or anxious, they may lash out. Lack of socialization can also lead to aggression.
If your dog hasn’t been around many kids, make sure to introduce they feel threatened or anxious. Your Aussie may also think that the kids are playing too rough and may become aggressive in order to protect them.
Australian Shepherds And Babies And Toddlers
Australian Shepherds can make great family pets, but they may not be the best breed for babies and toddlers. Your Australian Shepherd might try to herd the kids, which can be dangerous.
You might want to wait until your children are a bit older before getting an Aussie. Or, if you have an Aussie, make sure to closely supervise them around young children.
Conclusion:
We would like to conclude by saying that, if you are looking for a family-friendly dog breed, Australian Shepherds are not the best option. If you have an Aussie, make sure to closely supervise them around young children. If everything goes well with careful supervision, then the Aussie can make a great family pet.