Merle Australian Shepherd is loyal and protective of their humans and turf but can be wary and territorial around strangers if not properly socialized. As your pup is building up immunity during their initial vaccination series, you can start acclimating them to the outside world. At 16 weeks, your puppy will be vaccinated and ready to fully venture out. Whether you go to puppy classes, friends’ houses, or on walks down new streets, the more comfortable they are with new people, pets, and places early on, the better they’ll adjust to them in the future.

Aussies have a natural impulse to herd and may try to herd kids, other pets – even you! While you can’t change their urges, you can work on impulse control to help them direct their behaviors appropriately. For example, if your dog likes to jump up and grab the toy out of your hand or bolt out the door as soon as you open it, teach them to “sit” and “stay” until you queue them to take the toy or go outside, then reward them with treats and praise. Aussies are eager to please and excel with positive reinforcement.

While physical activity is key to keeping energetic Aussies happy and well-behaved, so is mental stimulation. As smart working dogs, they’re happiest when they have a problem to solve or a job to do. Keep them thinking with basic training, puzzle toys, and brain games. Finally, find a sport to do together that channels their herding instincts and challenges their mind, like flyball, tribal, disc dog, or agility training!