Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity.
Australian Shepherds are born herders, and this trait extends to their human family. If your Aussie often tries to herd you by circling around, nudging, or pushing you in a particular direction, it's a clear sign of their instinctual love and care for you.
Maybe he just isn't a dog who enjoys cuddling, but will still make an excellent companion and bring joy to your household in other ways. Aside from cuddling, Aussies show affection by bringing you toys, nudging you with their noses, sitting on you, and showing their bellies to you.
Australian Shepherds will act very protectively around their owners and immediate family. Outsiders may make the Aussie cautious and guarded and sometimes even aggressive depending on whether you've socialized your dog.
Male Australian Shepherds tend to be more affectionate and exuberant throughout life, often forming strong attachments to their people. They are also known for being steadfast, reliable, and less moody than females.
With proper training, good socialization and adequate regular exercise, Australian Shepherds can be very well-behaved dogs. They are also very loyal and attentive to their owners, so it's not uncommon for them to become a shadow and follow their pet parents around as much as possible.
While you may brush off this act as a mere annoyance, it's actually your pup's way of trying to communicate with you. And it can mean something really sweet. If your dog puts his paw on you, it can be his way of saying "I love you." We pet our pups to show our love and affection.
“Some dogs do it when they are excited or anxious: The physical contact may be comforting to them,” Dr. Sung says. “It can also be a form of attention-seeking behavior. Who would not pay attention to a dog walking between their legs?”
An active yet easy-going dog, the Australian shepherd loves to romp with children and tends to get along well with other pets. Australian shepherds are great family pets, herding animals, police dogs and competitors in obedience trials.
Australian shepherd
If Australian shepherds are your favorite dog breed, you're very active and happiest when doing any physical activity. You're very extroverted, and you prefer to be outside looking for adventure. You're a very curious person, and you love going on long walks to see new things.
Australian Shepherds need to vent their energy on a regular basis and to utilize their active and brilliant minds, otherwise they will become out of control and bored stiff -- which they usually express by barking and destroying. A bored Aussie will trash your house and yard.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
Your dog might sit in your lap to show affection.
It could also be your pup's way of initiating playtime, especially if you're parked on the ground or on the floor. They might think you're inviting them to play. Sitting on you could also make them feel safe, since they look at you as their protector.
One of the most common reasons is that they are bored. This could be because they are not getting enough exercise, enough mental stimulation, or they are genuinely not getting enough attention from their owners.
Cons! The Australian Shepherd develops a strong bond with its owner that won't easily break. If this breed doesn't have an outlet for its bundled up energy, then it may start destroying objects around the home. This breed will complete any task or job you give it.
A proper dog walk
Believe it or not, there is a right way to walk your dog. Your pooch should either walk beside you or behind you, never in front of you. In other words, you should walk your dog, not the other way around. This may seem trivial, but it means a lot in your dog's world.
Herding dogs, especially the Australian Shepherd, have an instinct to herd and are more prone to anxiety if they cannot corral those in their care. As your shepherd cares so much about you, she may feel severe separation anxiety when you leave the house, and they are completely alone.
Typically, canines have innate protective instincts, which they express differently. Some bark aggressively while others lay their heads on their loved ones. So, a dog may lay his head on you to protect you from physical or emotional harm. On the other hand, he may do this to get protection from you.
Your dog loves you and you are their pack leader, so any bit of touch brings them comfort, warmth, and love to some degree. It is also their way of communicating any form of need as well.
Sometimes, your dog will bury their head in you to be close to your comforting scent. At the same time, your dog may want to be close to you to feel safer. They feel protected when they're close to you, and they know that they are close enough to keep you safe as well.
If they consider you family or part of their pack, Australian Shepherds will instinctively protect. They are wary of strangers, which is beneficial for protection and guarding. They are not aggressive by nature but due to their herding background, they may be a bit bossy at times.
Aussies are known to bare teeth when they smile, one of only a few breeds to do so. Although they are not obsessive barkers, they will bark to protect their property, and warn you of nearby activity.