How To Keep An Australian Shepherd Entertained
Other Shepherd Breeds

How To Keep An Australian Shepherd Entertained? – 7 Tips

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Have you ever wondered how to keep your Australian Shepherd entertained? It’s no secret that Australian Shepherds are one of the most intelligent and active dog breeds. They require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

As any dog owner will attest, dogs need exercise, plenty of it. And while that daily walk or run is important, it’s not always enough to keep your best friend happy and entertained. That’s where Australian Shepherds come in.

These herding dogs were bred to work all day long, and they still have that same high energy level today. On the other hand, they are quite clever and have nice fur.

That means that they can learn new tricks and that owners need to pay attention to how to maintain their coats.

So the “keep them happy” phrase has many aspects to itself, and you should master them all if you want to be a responsible dog owner. Here are some ideas for how to keep your Aussie shepherd content:

1. Take Your Australian Shepherd For A Swim

Aussie Dog Swimming Lake Blue Floating Water Toy

Australian Shepherds love swimming! It’s a great way to get them some exercise and have some fun at the same time. If you don’t have a backyard pool, take them to the local dog park or beach for a swim.

Dogs love swimming, and it’s a great way to keep them cool in the summer heat. There are a few things you should keep in mind when taking your dog for a swim, though.

First, make sure that the body of water you’re going to be swimming in is clean and free of debris. You don’t want your dog swallowing any dirty water or getting cuts on their paws from sharp objects.

Second, always supervise your dog while they’re swimming. They may be strong swimmers, but they can still tire quickly or get into trouble if they’re not careful.

Third, have a towel handy to dry off your dog when they’re done swimming. Wet dogs can easily get cold, so it’s important to make sure they’re dried off as soon as possible after their swim.

2. Go Hiking With Your Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd Hiking By A River On Leash

You should incorporate hiking routines with your Australian Shepherd to make them happy and entertained. Hiking with your dog is good for you and your dog in many ways. For one, it’s a great way to bond with your furry friend. Secondly, hiking gives both of you a chance to get some exercise and fresh air.

Australian Shepherds are notoriously active dogs, so getting them out on hikes is a great way to tire them out (which can be quite helpful if you live in a small space). Lastly, hiking in nature can be calming for both humans and dogs alike – it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long week.

Aussies are bred to work and have a high level of intelligence. They need daily exercise, both mental and physical, to stay happy and healthy. Hiking is a great way to give your Aussie the stimulation they need while also getting some fresh air and enjoying the great outdoors together.

Before you head out on the trail, make sure you have all the supplies you need for a safe and fun hike. This includes plenty of water for both you and your dog, snacks, a first-aid kit, and appropriate gear for the weather conditions. Once you’re all set, hit the trails and enjoy spending some quality time with your furry friend!

3. Get The Right Toys For Your Australian Shepherd

Aussie Puppy Entertained With Plush Green Dog Toy

Now that you’ve mastered outdoor physical activities with your Aussie, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of toys they might like. This can be tough because there are so many different types and styles of toys on the market. But, don’t worry, we’re here to help.

  • Size: Make sure the toy is appropriate for your dog’s size. You don’t want them to choke on something too small or struggle to carry something too big.
  • Durability: Aussies (especially males) can be pretty tough on their toys, so you’ll want something that can withstand some chewing and roughhousing.
  • Interest Level: Choose a toy that will capture your Australian Shepherd’s attention and keep them entertained. If they get bored with it quickly, it’s not worth your money.

Now that you know what to look for, here are a few of our favorite dog toys:

  • Classic durable toys that they can chew and get a chance to eat sweets you pack inside. Usually, they are made out of durable rubber so they can stand up to some serious chewing. Additionally, they are hollow inside so you can stuff them with treats or peanut butter to keep your pup entertained.
  • If your dog is a big chewer, a chewing bone is a perfect toy for them. Aim to get one that is made out of super tough nylon so it can take even the strongest chewers. Chewing bones often come in flavors, such as bacon or chicken. It aims to mimic real animal bones, which can entice your dog.
  • For Australian Shepherd puppies try to get toys that are suitable for their age and physique. Purchase one that is soft and squishy so it won’t hurt their teeth or gums and its small size makes it easy for them to carry around.

4. Include Hide And Seek Game

Beautiful Merle Tricolor Dog Hiding Behind Flower Pot

You and your Aussie Shepherd will have hours of fun playing hide and seek! Here’s how to get started:

  • Choose a room or area where you’ll be able to keep an eye on your pup while they search for you.
  • Give them a few minutes to settle down and explore the area before you begin hiding. This will help them understand the game better.
  • Once they’re ready, start hiding! Get creative – behind furniture, in closets, under blankets – wherever you can think of! Make sure to leave some small clues like treats or toys so they can find you easily if needed.
  • Australian Shepherds are notoriously intelligent, so it won’t be long before they catch on and start finding you with ease! Just remember to always make the game fun for both of you – no peeking allowed!

5. Teach Your Australian Shepherd New Tricks

Brown And White Dog Shaking Hand With Paw

One of the great things about having an Aussie is that they are such intelligent dogs. This means they are easy to train and quickly learn new tricks. It also means that you can keep your Australian Shepherd entertained and mentally challenged by teaching them new tricks regularly.

Moreover, it is a must if you want to keep their minds sharp down the road and spare them from health issues.

Some of the best tricks to teach your Aussie include:

  • Sit: This is a basic but essential trick for any dog to know. Once your Aussie understands how to sit on command, you can use it as the foundation for other more advanced tricks (such as lying down or staying). It’s also a useful trick to have in general, for example when you want your dog to sit calmly at your feet while you’re cooking dinner.
  • Shake hands/paw: This is a classic doggy trick that always impresses people! To teach your Aussie how to shake hands or give their paw, start by getting them into a sitting position then gently hold one of their front paws in your hand and say “shake” or “give paw”. As they lift their paw off the ground in response, praise them enthusiastically and give them a treat.”
  • ‘Spin’: For this one, start by getting your Aussie to walk in a circle around you. As they get the hang of it, start asking them to spin faster and add some direction changes too.
  • ‘Fetch’: This classic game is great for keeping your pup active and engaged. Teach them to bring back different objects like their toy, a stick, or even the TV remote!

6. Train With Your Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd Having Fun Training On Agility Course

First of all, you need to find an activity that both of you will love. A lot of people think that running is the best way to train their dog, but this might not be the case for your Australian Shepherd.

They are herding dogs and were bred to work all day long, so they have a lot of energy. This means that they might not be able to keep up with you if you’re an avid runner. Instead, try something like hiking or cycling – activities where they can move at their own pace and still stay by your side.

Once you’ve found an activity that suits both of your needs, it’s time to start training! If possible, try and do this in short bursts throughout the day rather than one long session – again, remember that these dogs were built for endurance rather than sprinting!

Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity as both of you get fitter; before long, you’ll have created a bond through an exercise that will last forever. This will keep your Australian Shepherd entertained and in shape!

7. Groom Your Australian Shepherd

There are a few things you can do to make sure your Aussie is happy and has a nice fur coat. First, give them plenty of exercises. This breed loves to work and play, so making sure they get enough physical activity is important.

It will help them maintain their overall physique in top-notch condition. Consequently, it will reflect on the quality of their coat.

Second, brush them regularly. This will help remove any dead hair and keep their coat looking its best.

Finally, provide them with a healthy diet. Aussies are active dogs, so they need food that will give them the energy they need to stay playful and happy!

Australian Shepherds are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They require daily brushing and weekly baths. Their coat is prone to matting, so regular brushing is a must. A good quality brush will help remove any dead hair and help distribute the natural oils in their coat.

Baths should be given weekly, using a mild shampoo designed for dogs. Avoid getting water in their ears, as this can lead to ear infections. After bathing, be sure to thoroughly dry their coat with a towel or blow dryer set on low heat.

Conclusion

The above tips answered the topic of how to keep your Australian Shepherd entertained and happy in the long run. Of course, every dog is different and will have unique needs and preferences, so it’s important to get to know your pup and figure out what works best for them.

But if you keep these general guidelines in mind, you’ll be sure to set your Aussie up for a happy life filled with lots of fun!

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