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.
Working dogs such as kelpies are recommended to receive at least 2 hours of exercise a day. This includes several walks, running and games for their mental stimulation. It's these high energy pups that need homes which can give them an outlet to express their temperament.
While 5km may seem like a fairly long distance for a dog, kelpies are bred for farm work and can easily leg it for up to 50-60km per day.
Kelpies can run up to 60 kilometres in a working day. They require plenty of exercise, and can become frustrated and bored if cooped up for long periods of time.
Ideally, adult dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your Dog's Exercise Tolerance
Most dogs can tolerate a daily 20–30-minute walk if they have a relatively good body condition. Dogs in great physical health can tolerate walks for up to two hours or go hiking for hours at a time.
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 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.”
They require plenty of exercise, and may become bored if cooped up for long periods of time. Keep a Kelpie occupied and engaged, and they'll thrive. Their greatest joy is tender loving care, whilst their greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention.
A Working Kelpie makes a fine family dog gets on well with 'his' children and because they are naturally gentle almost all Working Kelpies live peaceably with other family pets. All dogs need training and intelligent dogs such as the Kelpie love to learn and take great pleasure in working for their owner's approval.
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.
Try throwing a stick, a ball or Frisbee into the water to encourage your dog to retrieve as this will keep them active. You could use inflatables, like a beach ball and get your pooch to nudge it along with their nose.
It is Just the Way They Move
Many learn as pups (probably from an older dog) and never grow out of it. Some breeds may even be more prone to sideways walking, especially if they have a shorter body length than other dogs. This causes their back legs and front legs to often interfere with each other.
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.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
The Australian Working Kelpie comes with a water-resistant double coat that can be smooth, short or rough. They are low-maintenance in this regard only requiring a weekly brush and occasional bath.
The Australian Kelpie is a lithe, active dog, capable of untiring work. He is extremely intelligent, alert, and eager with unlimited energy. As a herding dog, the Australian Kelpie is intensely loyal and devoted to duty.
Having ears back is often a welcoming gesture from your dog. They are trying to get close to you without looking threatening. It is a friendly demonstration accompanied by a happy-looking face and loose body language. They feel comfortable, and they would try to make you feel the same way with them.
The key to managing jumping up is to avoid reinforcing / rewarding your dog for jumping and instead rewarding it for sitting or at least having “paws on the floor”.