Although the Australian kelpie is known to bond with one family member in particular, the breed gets along well with children if raised with them from a young age and responds very well to continued socialization. The breed is extremely loyal and naturally protective of its family and home when necessary.
Do Kelpies bond with one person? Kelpies are known for being loyal and affectionate with their owners, but they can also bond with multiple people. They love to be part of your pack and will bond with everyone in the family.
Their greatest joy is tender loving care, whilst their greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention. Kelpies are 'velcro' dogs, so wherever their humans are, that is where they are… whether it's going for walks or on the lounge watching television.
Kelpies are not one of those dogs that can be left alone for a long time because they can suffer from separation anxiety. They will also display many destructive behaviors when left alone. Kelpies are those dogs that love to walk. They run all day with you so they cannot leave alone.
Kelpies usually like children, though you should interactions these interactions. As Charlotte Schwartz notes in Australian Kelpie, “Most Kelpies are not 'lap dogs,' but the degree to which they enjoy petting and cuddling varies from dog to dog.”
Kelpies respond to kindness, and will willingly work (whether stock work, obedience, tracking or agility) for someone who rewards their efforts. Kelpies are loyal dogs to the point of being jealous. Occasionally fights or squabbles break out at my home due to jealousy of another dog being near me.
Asserting Dominance
By sitting on people, dogs often feel higher and more in control. If you notice your dog barking or growling at other pets while sitting on your lap, it may be a sign that your dog is feeling the need to assert his dominance.
Kelpies are loyal and devoted to their family as well as loving and affectionate. To be happy, they need big spaces with a yard they can play in. They are so friendly they'll hang out with other dogs and even cats.
For most kelpies it is really hard to relax and shut down without a den: they feel they have to be alert all the time and any movement will trigger their instinct. When a kelpie (pup) is in a crate, covered with a towel or sheet so it cannot see out, it feels safe and secure and will go to sleep.
The Australian Kelpie is not recommended for apartment life. They are working dogs that need plenty of open space to run and will be happiest with a job to do. Their all-weather coat allows them to live where it is hot as well as where it is cold. They will be content to live outdoors with adequate shelter.
For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
As your Kelpie begins to mature you will see more and more of their calmness coming through. They tend to be most excitable around 9-14 weeks of age and then very gradually get a bit better. The more time you spend with them and the more you train them the easier it is.
Ideally, adult dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours.
For example, grey hounds, Shiba Inus, Cairn terriers, and Basenjis often bond strongly with one person, while Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, and beagles like to spread the love more equally.
But there is some good news: a kelpie has a weak spot – its bridle. Anyone who can get hold of a kelpie's bridle will have command over it and any other kelpie.
Kelpies do best in homes that provide lots of exercise—a short walk around the block is not enough to satisfy their need to be on the go. Hiking, swimming, and romps at the dog park are excellent activities to help kelpies burn off some of their energy.
Kelpies are common working dogs. They are usually extremely alert, highly intelligent and have an almost inexhaustible energy. Plenty of exercise is a must for these energy machines. These medium sized working dogs needs at least 2 hours of exercise a day.
Kelpies have a moderate tendency to bark. If Kelpies are not provided the physical and mental stimulation they require, they can be prone to boredom and developing problematic and compulsive behaviours such as incessant barking and digging.
"Dogs generally sleep on their back to cool down," McDermott says. "Dogs exchange heat through their paws, and this [position] allows them to cool off." Canines have fewer sweat glands than humans, but those they do have are mostly concentrated in their paws.
Why is my dog putting his paws on me? In addition to a way to say "I love you," your dog might paw at you if it needs something like food or a potty break. Anxious dogs might also paw at you for comfort or to request some space. Other dogs may paw at you to signify they need some activity time.
If your dog does this, it means they trust you. And, if they keep their bum toward your face, it shows that you make them feel safe. Your dog also wants to keep you safe and secure, which is why they plant their rumps where they do. This allows them to monitor the entire room and be ready for action if it's warranted.