Australian Shepherds can typically be potty trained very easily. The key to potty training your puppy is consistency. One of the easiest ways to housebreak an Australian Shepherd is by crate training.
It usually takes about four months to potty train your average dog, though it can sometimes take as long as six months. Of course, they will slowly get better.
As a rule of thumb, Australian Shepherds can hold their bladder for one hour per month of age. So, a two-month-old puppy could likely hold it for about two hours, while an eight-month-old could hold it for eight hours.
Rabbits and Ferrets and Cats, Oh My!
All three of these animals are popular house pets that can be easily litter trained, as they instinctively bury their waste. When you get a new rabbit, ferret, or cat, they are bound to be nervous and confused, so be easy on them if they have accidents.
Female dogs are often said to be easier to house train than male dogs. "Many pet owners report that female dogs are easier to house train and are more attentive to their owners than male dogs, with male dogs being more aloof," Johanna Reel, registered vet technician for NHV Natural Pet, told INSIDER.
The bottom line. Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
Adult dogs (older than 18 months) can be left alone at home for between 4 and 8 hours. Adult dogs are more than likely used to being alone at home and will probably lie down and sleep until you return.
That's not a good idea. A dog needs human contact. A dog needs to be let outside to do his or her business. A dog needs someone to tend to their food and water dishes.
It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully house trained, but some puppies may take up to a year. Size can be a predictor. For instance, smaller breeds have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms and require more frequent trips outside. Your puppy's previous living conditions are another predictor.
Is there such a thing as an untrainable dog? The short answer, according to animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti, is no. “Most dogs are trainable. There may be some dogs with brain disorders or injuries that find it hard to learn, but this is the exception,” she explains.
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months. Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
These dogs bond strongly with their families. Their loyalty with their intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train. Regardless of the activity, your dog will love doing it with you.
Puppies don't have long attention spans, so distractions can keep them on their toes and out of trouble. The more distracted they are, the less likely they are to take their boredom out on your belongings. So, to be clear – YES, leave the TV on for your dog.
But it takes time, patience and lots of praise and reward before your puppy will be ready to be left alone. Realistically, this can't be achieved in a week or even two. This means having a dog and working 9-5 can be challenging. However, with careful planning it is possible.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.
They, like some other animals, have their one chosen person, which is probably you if your dog sits on you all the time. When the Australian Shepherd chooses their person, they begin to exhibit loyalty towards you, even to an extreme degree.
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Dogs also naturally develop habits of where they would like to eliminate. For example, dogs that have a habit of eliminating on grass or dirt would rather not eliminate on concrete or gravel. You can use these natural tendencies for rapid and successful house training.
Male dogs are usually more affectionate than females, and some positively crave human attention. You'll find it's always you who brings the cuddling and fussing to an end – he could happily go on like this all day!