There’s no doubt that Australian Shepherds are one of the most active dog breeds out there. They’re always ready for a game of fetch or a long walk, and they never seem to calm down! But when do Australian Shepherds finally relax and take it easy? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the factors that influence their temperament and when they finally calm down.
What Makes Australian Shepherds So Active?
Australian Shepherds are always active because they have a lot of energy and are always looking for something to do. As you may already be aware, they need a lot of exercise, and when they don’t get it, they can become restless and destructive. This can include throwing toys around the house or causing the toys to squeak excessively (if you have squeakers in the toys). In other instances, your Aussie might chew on your clothing or furniture. A well-trained, bored Australian Shepherd will not typically cause much damage to your belongings.
Australian Shepherds also love to play, and they can be quite mischievous when they’re bored. So, if you’re looking for a calm, relaxed dog, an Aussie is probably not the right breed for you.
What Influences An Australian Shepherd’s Activity Level?
There are several factors that can influence an Australian Shepherd’s activity level, including:
- Genetics: Some dogs are simply bred to be more active than others. If your dog comes from a long line of working dogs, they’re likely to have a lot of energy.
- Environment: If your dog isn’t given enough opportunities to burn off energy, they’ll find ways to do it themselves. A lack of exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.
- Age of Aussie: Puppies and young dogs are usually more active than older dogs. As they age, they’ll start to calm down a bit.
So when do Australian Shepherds finally calm down? It really depends on the individual dog and the factors mentioned above. Some dogs may never completely calm down, while others will start to mellow out as they get older.
If you’re considering getting an Australian Shepherd, make sure you’re prepared for an active dog who needs a lot of exercises. Otherwise, you might end up with a destructive, mischievous pup!
Traits of A Hyper Australian Shepherd
When an Australian shepherd is excited, hyper, or wound up you notice a few key characteristics:
Barking & Being Vocal
When an Australian Shepherd is hyper, they often bark more than usual. This can be really annoying if you’re trying to calm them down or get them to stop barking. In some cases, they might even become so vocal that they start to whine or howl.
Running Around & Doing The Aussie Wiggle
When Australian Shepherd is hyper, they typically run around and shake their butt (hence the term wigglebutt). This can be really annoying if you’re trying to calm them down or get them to stop them from bouncing off the walls. In some cases, you may need to put your dog on a leash to gain control of the situation.
Complete Focus or Attention On Said Item
Your Australian shepherd may forget about everything else in the world except for the one thing they’re excited or hyper about. This is a normal trait and shows you what their attention is really focused on
Tips for Australian Shepherd Owners Who Live In Apartments
If you’re an Australian Shepherd parent (or considering becoming one), you know that your dog needs a lot of exercises. And when we say a lot, we mean A LOT. Playing fetch, going on long walks, and running around at the park are all great ways to wear your dog out.
But what if you live in an apartment and don’t have a lot of space for your pup to run around? Or maybe you’re just not the most active person and can’t keep up with your dog’s high energy level. In situations like these, it’s important to find other ways to tire out your Aussie. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help wear them out without breaking a sweat.
Mental Stimulation
One way to wear out your Aussie is to mental stimulation. This can be in the form of puzzle toys or training games. For example, you can hide their favorite toy around the house and have them search for it. Or you can teach them some new tricks and have them practice those tricks often. Mental stimulation is a great way to tire out your dog because it requires them to use their brain power, which can be just as exhausting as physical activity.
Interactive Toys
Another way to wear out your Aussie is through interactive toys. This can be anything from a Kong toy filled with treats to a simple game of tug-of-war. Interactive toys are great because they not only provide mental stimulation, but also give your dog a chance to burn off some physical energy.
Frequent Local Walks
One of the best habits you can get into with your furry, Aussie friend is to get into a daily walk schedule. Not only is this something that you will begin to look forward to, but your pet will also as well. Doing so will help improve your health, and your pet’s health, and allows you to enjoy a break from your daily activities.
I like to go on multiple walks a day with my Aussie. We will typically go at lunch and after work. This works for us as it breaks up the day for me and allows for the exercise my 8-year-old Aussie enjoys.
Check Out The Dog Park
If your Australian Shepherd is friendly with other dogs, you may want to consider going to a local dog park on a regular cadence. Doing so will allow for consistent exercise for your pet.
When your Aussie is making new friends and interacting with other dogs at your local dog park, you can typically see the excitement resonating from your furry friend. They may play, chase toys, or even meet the humans that are also at the said dog park.
Go Hiking
Location permitting, consider taking your Australian Shepherd on some trails. If the weather isn’t too hot (or cold) and the difficulty isn’t too much, it might be a great idea to mix things up. Your Aussie will thank you for letting them in on the adventure. The new smells, scenery, sounds, and sights of new animals are some of the most exciting experiences for an Australian Shepherd.
Australian Shepherds are one of the most active dog breeds out there. They’re always ready for a game of fetch or a long walk, and they never seem to calm down!
When Do Australian Shepherds Typically Calm Down?
Pretty much all puppies have more energy and tend to become less energetic as they grow into adulthood. Aussies fit into that statement. Australian Shepherds typically start to calm down around the age of two years old. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Aussies may calm down sooner, while others may take longer to settle down.
Regardless of when they start to calm down, it’s important to continue giving them plenty of exercises and mental stimulation throughout their life to help them stay happy and healthy.
What Factors Influence An Aussie’s Temperament
There are a few factors that can influence an Australian Shepherd’s temperament. This includes things like socialization, training, and exercise.
Socialization
Socialization is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for Aussies. This is because they are such social creatures and need to be around people to be happy. Without socialization, they can become anxious and stressed, which can lead to behavioral problems.
Training
Training is also important for Aussies. This is because they are such smart dogs and need to have a job to do to be happy. Without a job, they can get bored and start finding ways to entertain themselves, which often leads to destruction.
Exercise
Last but not least, exercise is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for Aussies. This is because they have so much energy and need to burn it off somehow. Without enough exercise, they can become restless and destructive.
How to Help Australian Shepherds Relax When They’re Wound-Up
There are a few things you can do to help your Aussie relax when they’re feeling wound up.
Exercise & Stick to an Exercise Routine
As discussed above, exercise can really help relax Australian shepherds. Pretty much any form of exercise can help your Aussie work through the energy. This includes things like walking, playing fetch with a frisbee or ball, and going to the dog park. Try to exercise your furry friend at least once per day.
Consider Pet Supplements
Another thing you might want to consider is pet supplements. There are many natural & naturally occurring relaxing agents that can naturally and holistically unwind your Aussie. CBD oil is a popular choice for many pet owners as it can help with anxiety and stress. There are also many other supplements on the market that can help with relaxation, such as chamomile and lavender.
Create a calm environment
You can also create a calm environment for your Aussie to relax in. This might include playing soft music, using essential oils diffusers, or providing them with a comfortable place to sleep.
Don’t Leave Them Alone For Too Long
Australian Shepherds typically don’t like to be alone. Instead, they love to be with you and by your side at almost all times – even if that means following you into the bathroom!
Benefits of Having a Calm Australian Shepherd
One of the greatest benefits of having a calm Australian shepherd is a calm home. When your Aussie is happy and relaxed, your home will be relaxed. Some of the other benefits include:
- Fewer incidents of damage to furniture, clothes, shoes, or related.
- Less barking/whining/crying
- A more sleepy Aussie
There are a few things you can do to help your Australian Shepherd relax when they’re feeling wound up. This includes things like getting them exercise, providing them with mental stimulation, and making sure they have a routine.
Conclusion
So, when do Australian Shepherds calm down? It really depends on the individual dog, but most Aussies will start to calm down around the age of two. However, it’s important to continue giving them plenty of exercises and mental stimulation throughout their life to help them stay happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Calm a Hyper Australian Shepherd?
We’ve discussed this section above, but as a gist, here are a few high-level ideas.- Exercise
- Mental Stimulation (Give Them Something Else to Focus On)
- Consider Supplements
- Remove Them From The Environment
