3 Common Australian Shepherd Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Australian Shepherds are brilliant, athletic working dogs bred to be thinking partners. Give them challenging work that engages both their mind and body, and they'll become the devoted, impressive companions they were bred to be.

Where Do Australian Shepherds Come From?

Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the American West in the 1800s. They possibly came from Basque herding dogs that arrived through Australia with sheep imports (hence the misleading name).

They were refined by American ranchers in California who needed versatile herding dogs for large-scale ranching operations. The breed wasn't formally recognised until the 1950s.

What were they bred to do?

Australian Shepherds had demanding ranch work:

• Herd large flocks of sheep and cattle across vast Western American ranches
• Make independent decisions using intelligence
• Work 10-12 hour days covering enormous distances
• Navigate rough terrain with agility
• Work in extreme weather conditions
• Maintain strong handler focus whilst staying independent when needed

They needed to be "thinking partners" with ranchers, not mindless followers.

Key breeding traits:

Australian Shepherds have exceptional intelligence and problem-solving ability. They combine intense handler focus with the ability to work independently and have strong herding instinct using eye contact and body blocking.

They have extremely high energy and stamina bred for all-day work, herding drive that includes nipping to move stock, sensitivity to handler's mood requiring minimal correction, and versatility to switch between herding different species. They were bred to be thinking, sensitive workers.

Why Do Australian Shepherds Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Australian Shepherd isn't being difficult. Now they're primarily companions, though some still work on ranches. They're extremely popular in dog sports (agility, flyball, disc dog) where their intelligence and athleticism excel.

However, most 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.

Understanding they need both physical and mental work simultaneously is crucial.

Problem 1: High Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs

What's happening: Your Australian Shepherd seems impossible to tire out, develops destructive behaviours, or becomes anxious despite regular exercise.

Why it happens: Australian Shepherds were bred to work 10-12 hour days herding on large ranches, covering enormous distances whilst problem-solving independently. They're one of the most intelligent breeds with the stamina to match. Pet life drastically under-employs both their brain and body. They need jobs that challenge both physical and mental capacity simultaneously.

The fix: Provide 2+ hours daily of combined physical and mental work through dog sports (agility, herding, disc dog) - this must be challenging work, not just walks. Use "job rotation" where they learn multiple tasks (tricks, scent work, herding, agility) to stay mentally engaged. They get bored with repetition quickly.

Teach complex trick chains that require problem-solving: sequences of 5-7 behaviours performed in order, with variations so they must think rather than memorise.

Accept that they need actual work - consider herding lessons, competitive agility, or advanced obedience trials as non-negotiable lifestyle requirements, not optional activities.

This breed is one of a few (Kelpie, Blue Heeler, Border Collie) that need huge amounts of space. If you live in an apartment, this is likely not going to be a breed for you.

Can't tire out your Aussie? Australian Shepherds need challenging work, not just exercise. Join our free Skool community for job rotation ideas and dog sport guidance specifically for working breeds.

Problem 2: Velcro Behaviour & Separation Anxiety

What's happening: Your Australian Shepherd follows you everywhere, becomes distressed when you leave, or can't seem to function without you present.

Why it happens: Australian Shepherds were bred to work in close partnership with ranchers, constantly checking in and taking direction whilst herding. Their entire purpose was collaborative work requiring continuous handler connection. Independence from their person contradicts their breeding purpose. They were bred to be thinking partners, not solo workers.

The fix: Implement "place training" where they have a job ("monitor the house from this spot") rather than just being alone - giving them a purpose makes separation tolerable.

Practice "handler switch" exercises where they learn to take direction from multiple people throughout the day. Rotate which family member feeds, walks, and trains them daily.

Build gradual alone time starting with 30 seconds: leave room, return and ignore for 5 minutes until calm. If they whine, wait for silence before returning. Practice 30-40 times on weekends.

Exercise is not a behavioural solution but with this breed there is a minimum requirement. If you're not providing HIGH levels of physical and mental stimulation, you're going to have issues.

Make sure you only engage in affection on your own terms. Aussies will regularly bring over a toy to try and force you to play. Ignore this, wait 5 minutes, then pick up a toy and play with them. Same outcome to you, very different outcome to them.

Velcro Aussie driving you mad? Teaching independence to thinking partners is tricky. Inside our Skool community, you'll find place training protocols and can troubleshoot separation anxiety during live weekly webinars.

Problem 3: Herding Children & Nipping

What's happening: Your Australian Shepherd nips at children's heels, circles them, or tries to control their movement when they run or play.

Why it happens: Australian Shepherds 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 herding behaviours, including nipping at heels and ankles to redirect their path.

The fix: If I'm honest, this is a difficult one and some Aussies show this far more than others. If your Aussie is showing this, you're never going to remove the behaviour and you need to manage it.

Practice "boundary herding" where they learn to circle and monitor without physical contact - practice having them circle around you or objects whilst staying at a distance, rewarding heavily for maintaining space.

Get your children involved with feeding (where safe to do so) and training to make your Aussie aware that they're not in the herd (they wouldn't herd an adult because they don't think it's their job to).

When nipping occurs, immediately take them calmly by collar (use house lead), say nothing, and place them in a separate room for 5-10 minutes every single time without exception.

If you know you're going to be in an environment like this, create a wait command that keeps them next to you. This requires a lot of training and you'll also need a "release" command where you go and play with them.

Herding behaviour with kids? This instinct is deeply hardwired. Join our Skool community for boundary herding training and get advice on managing this safely from other Aussie owners with children.

Is an Australian Shepherd Right for a New Owner?

An Australian Shepherd might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

One of the most intelligent, versatile dogs - Australian Shepherds are exceptionally smart and excel at learning complex tasks. They're outstanding for advanced training and problem-solving activities.

An athletic companion for dog sports - If you're interested in agility, flyball, disc dog, or herding trials, Aussies dominate these sports. Their intelligence and athleticism make them natural competitors.

A devoted working partner for active lifestyles - These dogs need 2+ hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They're perfect for very active people who want a dog involved in everything they do.

A beautiful, eye-catching dog - Australian Shepherds are stunning with their varied coat colours and striking eyes. If you're committed to regular grooming, you'll have a gorgeous companion.

A loyal family dog for experienced owners - Aussies are very good with children (though may try to herd them) and bond deeply with their families. They thrive with people who understand working breeds.

If you can provide 2+ hours of challenging daily work (not just walks), have space for an active dog, and want a brilliant thinking partner, an Australian Shepherd will be the most impressive, devoted companion you could imagine.

Get the Full Support System for Your Australian Shepherd

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved 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.