Training and education are needed to prevent your Australian Shepherd from biting and nipping. Even though they are very intelligent dogs, tutoring is still required.
This wonderful furry companion will make a great home pet and an even better working dog. Education is required for all dogs, including the Australian Shepherd.
You should start instructing and teaching your Aussie during puppyhood. Properly trained, this smart dog will surely behave itself.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Bite?
Why do Australian Shepherds bite? Most Australian Shepherds bite because they feel threatened or scared, they are feeling playful, or they are trying to herd someone or something. People bred Aussies to serve as herding dogs. When doing their job, biting and nipping are just some of the methods these dogs use to keep the livestock in order. Australian Shepherds will always try to herd everything that moves, as herding is deeply written in their DNA. Hence, the biting.
According to canine behaviorists, biting is the most common problem when it comes to puppies. Every known breed has the same problem, and Australian Shepherds are not excluded. Biting can be extremely frustrating for an owner. Especially if you have smaller children, biting will be a serious issue. The Aussie will always try to herd them by nipping their ankles.
Another reason could be that they’re feeling threatened or scared and they’re trying to protect their pack (which includes you and your family). Sometimes they just bite because they’re feeling playful! Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand why your dog might be biting so that you can help them stop.
If your Australian Shepherd is biting because they’re feeling threatened or scared, it’s important to help them feel more secure. This may mean providing them with a safe space in the house where they can go to feel calm, or working on training exercises that help them build confidence.
If your dog is biting because they’re trying to protect their pack, you’ll need to work on socialization exercises to help them learn that people are not a threat. Finally, if your dog is just feeling playful, you’ll need to provide them with plenty of toys and playtime so that they can burn off that excess energy!
How To Stop an Australian Shepherd From Biting
This issue can luckily be addressed. Aussies are not naturally aggressive, and all the biting comes from their desire to herd. These smart dogs can be easily trained, and below we’ll explain how to train your Australian Shepherd not to bite.
The process of teaching your Australian Shepherd is a three steps program. It will take some time; it will not be easy. Luckily for you, Aussies are super intelligent. If you needed to do this training with other breeds, it would be harder.
If you follow the instructions carefully, the training will be a success. Here is how to stop an Australian Shepherd from biting in three steps.
1. Bond with your Aussie Shepherd
Your relationship with the dog is another thing to consider. An owner’s bond with the pet is the most important thing in the dog’s training. You must become a calm, consistent leader. Your dog must look up to you for guidance and direction. Bonding with your Aussie can be beneficial for you both.
The Australian Shepherd can make you happier, and healthier. Also, a healthy relationship will help with the dog’s training.
A good leader will not ignore an issue like biting. You need to show your dog how you want it to behave. You can learn how to behave with your dog by simply observing a mum with its pup.
They can control the entire litter with simple growls or changes in body language. As a leader, you should be able to do the same thing with your pup. Once your Aussie respects you as a leader, future training may begin.
Biting is an issue that needs to be resolved early in the puppy’s life. Once you see your puppy biting, you need to address the issue quickly, fairly, and efficiently. If your puppy respects you as a leader, it will stop biting immediately. The same goes for asking your dog to do something. This is a two-way relationship, but there can be only one leader.
2. Exercise your Australian Shepherd
The Aussie’s high energy level is the second reason they bite. The Aussie gets frustrated if not properly worn out or left alone. A frustrated, unhappy dog will bite and chew everything it can find.
Releasing some energy will surely solve a big portion of the biting problem. Find yourself some time, and off to exercising.
Aussies are very active. There are a plethora of activities you can do with your Aussie pup. You can tie the leash to your bike and your dog will run beside you. If you go hiking or mountain climbing, your Aussie will be happy to join you.
Australian Shepherds can swim, play fetch, and flyball. Taking your pup to a dog park will be good for both of you. Socializing is very important for them.
Apart from physical activities, the Aussies also need mental challenges. They love working, and they thrive when given a job or a task. Give your Aussie some errands to run, and watch it succeed. Hide and seek games are another way to entertain and wear out your pup. Puzzle toys and chew toys will also keep your Australian Shepherd busy.
This breed requires activities on daily basis. The more the better, but an hour and a half per day should be enough. Aussies don’t get tired easily. Do not expect that. However, wearing the dog off will most certainly help in its training, including the no-bite education.
3. Train your Aussie not to bite
You’ve established the relationship with your dog and exercised it. You covered the basics. Now it’s time to get to more serious training. Training is the solution to the majority of dog issues, including biting.
If you want your puppy to behave, you need to create a developmental program. You must decide what you want your puppy to do at a certain age.
Gathering information on what young dogs are capable of is essential. You need to know what to expect from your Australian Shepherd.
The moment your Aussie bites something, you need to shift from being fun and loving to strict and firm. Leadership body language is very important. Shoulders back, chest up, serious face. Your body language should be accompanied by a very stern verbal correction.
Shifting personalities has to happen instantly. If you’ve already established yourself as a leader, this change should be more than enough for your dog to understand it’s doing something wrong.
After the verbal correction, remove yourself from whatever you were doing with the pup. If you were playing or cuddling, stop doing that. The dog needs to know it has done a mistake. You need to redirect the dog to the desired behavior.
It is up to you what kind of action you’ll undertake. One option is giving your dog the sit and stay command. Another one is giving your dog something else to chew and bite, like rope or rubber bone. Whichever you choose, it will pass your message to the Australian Shepherd.
Will My Aussie Stop Biting?
Will my Aussie stop biting? Yes. Aussies usually stop biting when they are around one year old. Puppies use their mouths to explore and play. They bite and nip everything until they reach adulthood. Biting is a natural behavior for dogs, but it’s one that often gets them into trouble. If your Aussie is biting people or other animals, it’s important to take action.
There are several things you can do to stop your Aussie from biting, including:
- Providing chew toys and bones for your Aussie to gnaw on
- Training your Aussie with positive reinforcement techniques
- Avoiding rough play or games that encourage biting
- Consulting with a professional trainer or behaviorist if the problem persists
With patience and consistency, you can help your Aussie learn to curb his biting habits. Soon enough, he’ll be everyone’s favorite furry friend again.
