Australian Shepherds Training is vital to having a well attuned and cheery puppy. Aussies are working dogs, distinctively they were bred as herders and the herding impulse runs strong in them. In addition, they often work at the herding without individual control, so they have a strong self-governing streak and will ‘challenge’ for a spot in your pack hierarchy. To keep the struggle for top dog from discoloring your bond you need to establish proper family pecking order from the minute you bring the puppy home. Here are three guidelines you can use to help your Aussie know his place and become a contented member of your family unit.

1.) Organize the physical space – In dog packs, the top dog will decide his space first – the other members of the pack will arrange themselves after. Aussies may try to take your favorite chair, your space in bed, even stretch out in hallways or doorways to establish control. When your puppy first comes home, be sure you establish where their area is, and more importantly, where yours is – this is a critical part of Australian Shepherd training. Let them curl up in your chair as a adorable puppy and you will deal with a dog willing to bite at you to keep the chair. Be gentle, but resolved and offer moderate praise when they lay down in their own place.

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