How to Care for an Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds, often called Aussies, are intelligent herding dogs that usually thrive when they have purposeful activity and close interaction with their people. A thoughtful routine helps meet their physical, social, grooming, and training needs. Before bringing one home, plan for regular time together, a safe space, and the ongoing responsibilities of dog ownership. Individual needs vary, so ask a veterinarian about care suited to your dog’s age and circumstances.

What You’ll Need

A well-fitted collar or harness, leash, and identification tag
Secure fencing or another reliably controlled outdoor area
Food and water bowls, plus complete dog food appropriate for the dog’s life stage
A slicker brush or pin brush and a metal comb for the double coat
Dog toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs
Reward-sized treats, safe toys, and food puzzles
A comfortable resting place and a crate or other safe confinement option, if useful
Contact details for a veterinarian and a plan for routine preventive care

Step-by-Step

Set up a safe home. Put away medications, chemicals, small objects, and foods that dogs should not reach. Check gates and fence lines for gaps; Aussies can be quick and athletic. Attach identification to a well-fitting collar, and ask your veterinarian about microchip identification. Supervise outdoor time rather than relying on a yard alone.
Choose and measure suitable food. Feed a complete and balanced commercial dog food appropriate to your dog’s life stage, following the package’s feeding guidance as a starting point. A veterinarian can help tailor portions to growth, activity, body condition, and any individual needs. Keep clean water available, and make changes to food gradually with professional guidance if needed. Do not assume a high-energy breed needs unlimited food.
Build a steady activity routine. Provide daily walks, play, and opportunities to explore safely. Add brain work, such as scent games, short training sessions, or food puzzles. The right amount varies with age, fitness, weather, and health; build gradually and include breaks. Puppies need age-appropriate play rather than forced, repetitive high-impact exercise. Avoid exercising in dangerous heat, and provide shade and water.
Train with clear, kind cues. Start with practical skills such as responding to their name, coming when called, walking on leash, settling, and leaving items alone. Keep sessions brief and rewarding; use treats, play, or praise the dog values. Teach everyone at home to use consistent cues. Avoid harsh corrections, which can frighten a dog and undermine learning. Practice recall in enclosed spaces before attempting it near distractions.
Introduce people, places, and handling calmly. Gradually expose your dog to everyday sounds, surfaces, visitors, and friendly dogs at a pace that keeps them comfortable. Reward calm observation and allow distance or breaks if the dog seems overwhelmed. Pair gentle handling of paws, ears, mouth, and coat with rewards so routine grooming and veterinary visits become more familiar. Never force greetings.
Brush the double coat regularly. Brush through the coat at least weekly, and more often when shedding or when the coat tangles. Work in sections down to the undercoat, using a comb to check behind the ears, under the collar, around the legs, and at the tail. Be gentle with knots rather than pulling. A bath is needed when dirty; use dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Do not shave the coat just to reduce shedding, as it helps protect the skin and regulate temperature.
Make basic grooming routine. Brush teeth regularly with dog toothpaste; human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs. Check nails and trim them carefully when they are long enough to affect comfort or movement, taking off small amounts to avoid the sensitive quick. Look at ears and paws during grooming. If a nail, mat, or handling problem is difficult, ask a veterinarian or qualified groomer for help rather than forcing it.
Arrange preventive veterinary care. Schedule routine examinations and ask the veterinarian about vaccination, parasite prevention, dental care, and other needs based on the dog’s lifestyle and location. Keep records and follow the clinic’s recommended schedule. Call a veterinarian promptly for signs of illness, injury, pain, poisoning, or a sudden change in behavior; do not try to diagnose or treat the problem at home.
Protect rest and alone time. Provide a quiet resting area where the dog can settle without being disturbed. Teach short, calm periods alone gradually, pairing them with a safe activity when appropriate. Aussies are people-oriented, but constant stimulation is not the goal; predictable downtime supports a sustainable routine. Arrange suitable care when you will be away for longer than your dog can comfortably manage.

Common Mistakes

Relying on exercise alone: A long walk may not meet an Aussie’s need to think and learn. Add training, sniffing, and problem-solving rather than simply increasing strenuous activity.
Assuming a yard is enough: A fenced space does not replace interaction, training, or supervision. Dogs can become bored or find ways out.
Using harsh training or too much pressure: Punishment can create fear and confusion. Reward desired behavior, make tasks easier when the dog struggles, and seek a qualified reward-based trainer for persistent challenges.
Skipping coat checks: A fluffy surface can hide tangles close to the skin. Brush in sections and check common friction areas, especially during seasonal shedding.
Shaving the coat for convenience: This does not stop shedding and can interfere with the coat’s protective function. Ask a veterinarian about skin or coat concerns.
Overlooking individual differences: Not every Aussie has the same energy, confidence, or tolerance for activity. Match the routine to the individual dog, not just the breed description.

Tips

Use part of your dog’s regular food allowance for training or puzzle toys, and account for treats so portions remain appropriate.
Keep a brush, comb, and treats together to make brief grooming sessions easy to repeat.
Practice leash skills and recall in quiet, secure places before adding distractions.
Rotate safe toys and activities to maintain interest, checking toys regularly for damage.
Provide shade and fresh water outdoors, and bring activity indoors when conditions are too hot or otherwise unsafe.
Teach children to give the dog space while eating or sleeping, and supervise interactions.

Troubleshooting

Your dog seems restless or gets into mischief: First check whether the day includes attention, suitable activity, training, and rest. Offer a short scent game or training session and a calm settling space. If behavior changes suddenly or seems linked to distress, call your veterinarian.

Your dog pulls, ignores cues, or gets overexcited: Reduce distractions, increase distance from triggers, and reward small successes. Use a secure leash and harness while practicing; do not test recall off leash in an unsafe area. A reward-based trainer can help make a step-by-step plan.

Brushing reveals a tight mat or your dog resists grooming: Stop if brushing causes pain or the mat is close to the skin. Do not cut a mat with scissors near the skin. Contact a professional groomer or veterinarian, and restart future sessions with brief, gentle handling and rewards.

Your dog struggles to be alone: Avoid leaving the dog to panic for long periods. Practice very short absences and return before distress builds, increasing time gradually only when the dog stays comfortable. Ask a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional for help if distress persists.

You notice a health concern: Contact a veterinarian for illness, injury, pain, possible poisoning, or sudden unusual behavior. If you think your dog ate something harmful, call a veterinarian or an animal poison-control service promptly; do not induce vomiting or give a remedy unless a veterinary professional directs you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?

There is no single amount that suits every dog. Provide daily movement and mental activity, then adjust for age, fitness, weather, and veterinary guidance; puppies should not be pushed into prolonged, high-impact exercise.

Do Australian Shepherds shed?

Yes. Their double coat sheds, and shedding can become more noticeable at certain times. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and lets you find tangles early.

Should I shave my Australian Shepherd in summer?

Generally, do not shave the coat for heat or shedding. The double coat provides protection; instead, offer shade, water, and cooler times for activity, and ask a veterinarian about a specific coat or skin problem.

Are Australian Shepherds good for first-time dog owners?

They can be, if the owner can provide consistent training, daily engagement, grooming, and supervision. Their intelligence and energy may be challenging for someone expecting a low-activity dog.

Can an Australian Shepherd be left alone all day?

Long periods alone may not suit a people-oriented dog, especially without a gradual adjustment and activity. Plan appropriate companionship and breaks, and get professional guidance if the dog becomes distressed when alone.

Further reading: American Kennel Club. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.