The Australian Shepherd is an opinionated dog which comes from its heritage as a working dog where it used its loud barks to direct livestock. With this in mind, I decided to investigate further to find out whether all this breed are barkers, or whether it is just the opinionated few.
Do Australian Shepherds bark a lot? Australian Shepherds are vocal when they need to be, such as moving stock, warning of danger, or if a loud noise startles hem. They will also bark if they are neglected or become bored. Keeping Aussies busy and active is the secret to effective management of this breed.
The Australian Shepherd has a high level of intelligence and if they are not directed by a firm team leader (you) they will tend to take over and become verbally bossy! But well managed they become a well behaved and quiet companion.
What Causes Australian Shepherds to Bark a Lot?
This dog comes from a working background, where barking was the way it communicated to the livestock that it was time to move.
As they were smaller than the animals they were herding around, they would try to intimidate them with fast movements and loud barks. Therefore barking became a large part of their work ethic.
- Barking signaled to the herd that it was time to move to new pastures.
- Barking also warned of danger, such as predators approaching the livestock.
- A well timed bark also warned of strangers who entered your land or who were approaching your home.
- A sharp, short bark often conveyed the message “don’t ignore me – pay me attention!”
In short, the Australian Shepherd uses its bark for communication. They are strong, protective dogs and will use their voice to convey you a message.
If you don’t listen, they will keep persisting until you get it!
Do They Make Good Town Dogs?
This breed is adaptable and will adjust to most situations, keeping in mind the following points:
- The Aussie Shepherd requires a large backyard to patrol and roam around.
- They need an active family – this dog is an athlete and needs to exercise. Inactive owners with a confined dog will end up with a frustrated, barking Aussie.
- This dog requires a securely fenced in yard or they will be out investigating the neighborhood and getting into trouble.
- A ten minute walk is not enough exercise for this dog. They need a long run as in one to two hours or more. They need action such as agility training. With an abundance of energy, the Australian Shepherd needs plenty of activity to wear them out, keep them out of trouble, and keep them happy.
- A bored dog can become nippers as well as barkers. As in nipping and herding your children – this is a sure sign of a bored dog and should not be tolerated.
- On the plus side, they make an ideal guard dog as they will bark to warn you of anyone who ventures onto your property. Nobody will sneak up on you with an Australian Shepherd by your side.
How Can I Get My Australian Shepherd to Bark Less?
The Aussie Shepherd is a strong-willed dog who often thinks for themselves. Independent by nature, they require a firm leader.
There are many things that you can do to minimize their barking instinct or willful behavior, but it does take dedication and time on your part.
- Begin training your dog right from an early age – the younger the better. They need to know you are the boss and to listen to your orders. Training must be fun or they will get bored. It must challenge the dog and push them mentally and physically without overdoing it for their age and ability. The caveat here is that this dog responds best to kindness and fair treatment. Harsh methods will only lead to wilful, stubborn behaviour
- Give them plenty of attention – they like to be noticed and admired! Let them be your exercise buddy – take them on a leash with you when you go running or walking. Involve them in family in games so they learn vital socialising skills
- Give your dog some chores to do – this dog loves having a job. Train them to help bring in the firewood, or perhaps pick up the pegs from the ground and put them into a basket. This dog is ideal to teach some cool tricks such as crawl on their tummy, beg or roll over and play dead! Make sure you keep it interesting or they will start having selective deafness and wander off, ignoring all your commands!
Why Investing in Training Will Pay Off for This Breed
The Australian Shepherd is one dog breed where training really pays off.
Why?
Because they need plenty of mental stimulation.
Learning new tasks challenges your dog and gives them a sense of usefulness. They love to be able to achieve things, they live to please you. It also provides the following:
- Training helps to socialise your dog meaning they are better around other people and animals because they have been taught to interact correctly from an early age
- This dog loves having a job to do – they need to feel useful. Training fulfills this need making your dog more content which equals a quieter, calmer dog
- Investing in training will make your dog a better dog in character. The more they mix with other people and other animals, the more well behaved they are which means you can take them out in public with confidence
- If nothing else, training will help to wear off some of that abundant energy the Shepherd has. A tired dog equals a quiet dog
Summary
The best way to describe the Australian Shepherd is to say that they are a dog with a purpose.
They love to work and they need to be included in your family as a member.
Left outside on their own or at the end of a chain, they will become vocal as they tell the world how unfair it is that they are not inside with ‘their pack’, like a separation anxiety.
Kept busy and given tasks to perform will bring out the best in this breed. Driven to excel in all that they do, they can be a lively and very useful family team member.
If you let them know what is expected of them, lavish them with praise and affection, and keep them busy then this dog will have no need to bark.
A happy and contented Australian Shepherd is a quiet, affectionate, and lively personality who will keep you entertained with their antics!
Related Questions
The Australian Shepherd can make a good family pet with the caveat here that they are well trained and socialized at an early age.
If you have young children in the family, teach them how to handle the dog correctly and to show them respect. Ear biting and tail pulling is out, as they will be reprimanded by the dog with a loud bark, followed by a nip if ignored.
In general, the Australian Shepherd is a loyal and dedicated family dog. They form strong bonds with one owner in particular but extend their loyalty and affection to the rest of the ‘pack’.
Beautiful, opinionated, and eager for action, this dog will be able to keep up with the kids, protect when necessary and can become an integral part of your family.
No. In general, I would not recommend apartment living for the Australian Shepherd.
Why?
Because apartments don’t have enough space for this active dog.
Keep in mind that there are neighbors living all around and they will not appreciate a bored, barking dog that needs to go out for a run. The beautiful Australian Shepherd is a free spirited dog who deserves a bit of room to roam. Country living is ideal but a house with a large block of land in a town can work if you keep them active.
Yes, if you train them to be respectful.
If your dog gets away with things that are not respectful such as barking at you, jumping all over you, or running away from you when you want him/her to come then you have a problem.
The dog begins to think they are the boss. In a dog pack the members have an order of rank. The highest rank is the group leader. If you are not firm but fair with your dog, they will bark and defy your every move. They are trying to teach you to do what they want you to do! They are acting like the pack leader.
Right from the very first introduction of your dog into your pack (family) you must impress upon your dog that you are boss. If you do this, your Shepherd will respect you and will do what you want.
