3 Common Australian Shepherd Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)
Remember: Your Australian Shepherd isn't being difficult. They're a working dog with one of the highest intelligence levels of any breed. Understanding their herding heritage is the key to managing these behaviours successfully.
Where Do Australian Shepherds Come From?
Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the American West during the 1800s. They possibly came from Basque herding dogs that arrived through Australia with sheep imports. American ranchers in California refined the breed for large-scale ranching operations. The breed wasn't formally recognised until the 1950s.
What were they bred to do?
- Herd large flocks of sheep and cattle across vast ranches
- Make independent decisions whilst working
- Work 10-12 hour days covering enormous distances
- Navigate rough terrain in extreme weather
- Maintain handler focus whilst thinking independently
Australian Shepherds have exceptional intelligence and problem-solving ability. They combine intense handler focus with the ability to work independently. Their strong herding instinct uses eye contact and body blocking. They were bred for all-day work with extremely high energy and stamina. They're also sensitive to their handler's mood and commands.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Have These Behaviour Problems?
Most Australian Shepherds today are companions, not working ranch dogs. Some still work on ranches, and they excel in dog sports like agility and flyball. But the vast majority live as pets without any herding outlet despite having some of the strongest working genetics in any breed.
Their intelligence unemployed becomes anxiety and neurotic behaviours. They were bred to be thinking partners with ranchers, making decisions whilst covering massive distances every single day. Modern pet life drastically under-employs both their brain and body.
Problem 1: High Exercise and Destructiveness
What's happening: Your Australian Shepherd is destructive, anxious, or exhibits neurotic behaviours like spinning or obsessive ball fetching.
Why it happens: They were bred to work 10-12 hour days herding on large ranches. They covered enormous distances whilst problem-solving independently. Pet life drastically under-employs both their brain and body.
The fix:
If you're at the destructiveness point, you need to change your lifestyle. Your consistency matters more than anything.
- Increase exercise and stimulation: Find your local dog sports club. If you're in a rural area, look for herding clubs. Many owners who dread this end up loving it and the community.
- Mental stimulation: Train commands. Most commands have no real-life utility, but they're difficult for your dog to learn and that tires them out mentally.
- The "Working Method": Some trainers teach your dog that "monitoring the home" is a job. Be cautious with this approach as it can create issues with herding, nipping, and reactivity.
Struggling to tire out your Aussie? Our community shares specific mental enrichment games and training progressions that actually work for high-drive herding breeds. Plus, get recommendations for local dog sports from other Aussie owners.
Problem 2: Velcro Behaviour and Separation Anxiety
What's happening: Your Australian Shepherd follows you everywhere and becomes distressed when left alone.
Why it happens: They were bred to work in close partnership with ranchers, constantly checking in and taking direction whilst herding. Independence from their person contradicts their breeding purpose. They were bred to be thinking partners, not solo workers.
The fix:
Practice numerous mini-departures throughout the day. Start with just 20 seconds. Return without any greeting, eye contact, or touching for 5 full minutes until they're completely calm. Never make departures dramatic by only picking up keys and putting on shoes when leaving. Do these actions randomly throughout the day.
- Practice 20-30 mini-departures on weekends with very short absences (even just to your car and back).
- When you return home and they're excited, freeze completely. No movement, speaking, or acknowledgment until they settle. Then quietly invite interaction on your terms.
- You cannot exercise separation anxiety away, but they do need sufficient mental and physical stimulation.
Is your Aussie's separation anxiety getting worse? Get personalised troubleshooting in our weekly live Q&As, where trainers help you adjust your departure practice based on your dog's specific reactions.
Problem 3: Herding Children and Nipping
What's happening: Your Australian Shepherd nips at children's heels or tries to control their movement.
Why it happens: They were bred to control movement through nipping, circling, and body-blocking livestock. Fast-moving children trigger the same herding response as running sheep. Their instinct to keep the "flock" (family) together means they'll attempt to control children's movement through nipping at heels and ankles.
The fix:
When nipping occurs, immediately take them calmly by the collar (use a house lead attached when children are present). Say absolutely nothing. Place them in a separate room for 5-10 minutes every single time without exception.
Never chase them. You'll turn it into a game. If your dog really exhibits this behaviour, use a short line to give yourself more control.
If you have small children, get them involved in dog ownership where it's safe. Never allow children to run away or scream near your dog.
Can't stop the nipping at kids? Community members share video demonstrations of proper timing for removals, and you can get feedback on whether your approach is working or needs adjustment.
Is an Australian Shepherd Right for a New Owner?
Australian Shepherds can work for committed first-time owners who understand what they're getting into.
An incredibly intelligent dog - Aussies are problem-solvers who learn quickly. If you enjoy training and mental challenges, they're incredibly rewarding. Their intelligence makes them versatile and capable of learning complex tasks.
An athletic adventure partner - If you're active and love hiking, running, or outdoor activities, an Aussie will match your energy. They thrive with owners who have active lifestyles and want a dog that can keep up.
A loyal, devoted dog - Australian Shepherds bond deeply with their families. Their handler focus means they're attentive and eager to work with you. This creates a strong partnership when channelled properly.
Excellent for dog sports - If you're interested in agility, flyball, disc dog, or herding trials, Aussies excel. They're built for these activities and genuinely enjoy the work. Many owners discover a new hobby through their Aussie.
A trainable, biddable breed - Despite their independent thinking, Aussies want to cooperate with you. They're sensitive to your mood and respond well to positive training methods. This makes them easier to train than truly stubborn breeds.
Australian Shepherds need 2+ hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They're not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or people who work long hours. But if you're prepared for an active, intelligent dog who needs a job, they're an excellent choice.
Get the Full Support System for Your Australian Shepherd
This article gives you real solutions you can start using today. But training an Australian Shepherd is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.
That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.
Inside the community, you'll get:
- Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Australian Shepherd and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
- Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
- A supportive community of other Australian Shepherd owners who understand exactly what you're going through
- Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
- Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
- Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints
Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.
Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Australian Shepherd.
