Bonding with your Australian Shepherd is one of the most important things you can do for him. These dogs are very devoted to their families and need to feel like they are a part of the pack.
If you don’t take the time to bond with your Aussie, he may become destructive or aggressive. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to bond with your Australian Shepherd!
How Much Attention Do Australian Shepherds Need?
On Average, Australian Shepherds need about 30-60 minutes of full attention per day. This can be in the form of exercise, training, or simply playing together. Aussies are very intelligent dogs and need to have their minds challenged on a daily basis. You need to spend time with your Aussie every day to form a strong bond.
Effective Ways To Bond With Your Australian Shepherd
There are many ways to bond with your Australian Shepherd, but some are more effective than others. Here are a few of the best ways to bond with your Aussie:
- Spending lots of time playing with them
- Give them lots of cuddles
- Exercise together
- Train your Aussie
- Keep calm with them and don’t ever shout
- Groom them regularly
- Give them a massage
- Talk to them
- Hire a dog walker if you can’t spend much time with them
Spending A Lot Of Time Playing With Them
Playing with your Aussie is one of the best ways to bond with them. It helps them burn off excess energy, keeps their minds active, and strengthens the bond between you. There are a few different types of play you can do with your Aussie:
Tug-of-war – This is a great way to play with your Aussie’s natural prey drive. Use a rope toy or tugging toy and let your Aussie pull on it.
Fetch – This is a classic game that all dogs love. Throw a ball, Frisbee, or stick and have your Aussie bring it back to you.
Hide-and-seek – This is a great game for Aussies who are food motivated. Hide treats around the house and have your Aussie find them.
Give them lots of cuddles
Australian Shepherds are very social creatures and love attention from their humans. Give them lots of cuddles and scratches behind the ears. A lot of kisses are always appreciated too! The main thing is to have fun and bond with your Aussie. They are such amazing dogs and will love you unconditionally.
Exercise together
Go on walks, runs, or hikes with your Aussie. They love being outdoors and exploring new smells. This is also a great way to tire them out so they can have a good night’s sleep. you can also play fetch or frisbee in the backyard. There are specific dog parks designed for Aussies to run and play off-leash.
Train your Aussie
Training your Aussie is a great way to bond with them. They are very intelligent dogs and love to please their humans. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. Once they have mastered these, you can move on to more advanced tricks.
Keep calm with them and don’t ever shout on them
If your Australian Shepherd is not responding to you, it’s important to stay calm. They can sense your emotions and if you’re angry or frustrated, they will only get more stressed. Try using positive reinforcement methods like treats or praise instead of punishment.
Groom them regularly
Grooming is not only important for your Aussie’s health, but it’s also a great way to bond with them. They love being brushed and petted, and it’s a relaxing activity for both of you. you can brush their coat, trim their nails, and clean their ears.
Give them a massage
Your Aussie will love a good massage, and it’s a great way to show them affection. Just use your hands to gently rub their back, legs, and belly. They’ll start to relax and enjoy the attention.
Talk To Them
Talking to your Aussie is a great way to bond with them and build trust. They may not understand everything you’re saying, but they’ll love the sound of your voice. Plus, it’s a great way to get them used to your presence. You can sing to them, tell them a story, or just have a conversation. Just be sure to use a calm and gentle tone.
Hire a dog walker if you can’t spend much time with them
If you can’t spend a lot of time with your Aussie, consider hiring a dog walker. This way, they’ll still get the exercise and attention they need. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with them when you’re not around.
How Do Australian Shepherds Show Affection?
There are a number of ways Australian Shepherds show affection. They may lean against you, rest their head on your lap, or even give you a gentle nudge with their nose. Whatever the case may be, they’ll let you know that they care. each dog has its own unique personality, so it’s important to get to know your Aussie and how they express themselves.
How Do You Tell if Your Australian Shepherd Loves You?
If Your Australian Shepherd puts itself in a vulnerable position around you, such as lying on its back or rolling over, it’s a good sign that they trust and love you. They would only do this around someone they feel comfortable with. Another way to tell if your Aussie loves you is if they stare at you intently. This is their way of saying, “I’m paying attention to everything you’re saying and doing, because I care about you.”
Australian Shepherds are very intelligent dogs, so they are able to understand a lot of what you say to them. If you tell your Aussie that you love them, they will likely respond in kind.
Why Are Australian Shepherds Clingy Dogs?
They cling because of their active lifestyle. They live to play and run around, so when they’re not doing those things, they want to be close to their favorite person. This doesn’t mean that they don’t like other people, it just means that they have a strong bond with their owners.
Do Australian Shepherds Have A Favorite Person?
Yes, they often do have a favorite person. This is usually the person who they spend the most time with or the person who they feel the most comfortable with. Once Your Australian Shepherd is bonded to you, it will be your loyal companion for life.
Conclusion
We would like to conclude by saying that if you are thinking about getting an Australian Shepherd, then go for it! They make amazing companions and will bond with you for life. Just be prepared to give them plenty of exercise and attention as they do require a lot of both.