Australian Shepherds are a highly intelligent and active breed of dog that is often used as a working dog. They are loyal, eager to please, and obedient, making them a great companion and an ideal working partner. For owners of Australian Shepherds, it is important to understand the different commands that can be used to effectively train and manage their pet. Commands for Australian Shepherds range from basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to more advanced commands like ‘heel’ and ‘fetch’. With the right training and positive reinforcement, owners can teach their Australian Shepherd to obey their commands and become a well-behaved and loyal pet.
Australian Shepherd Basics
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Australian Shepherds, also known as Aussies, are intelligent and loyal herding dogs that require consistent, positive training to be their best. Aussies love to work, and are often used as herding, search and rescue, and agility dogs. They are also great family pets and thrive in a home with plenty of activity and love.
Aussies are highly trainable, but they need clear and consistent commands in order to understand what is expected of them. Fortunately, there are several basic commands that you can use to train your Australian Shepherd.
Sit Command
The sit command is one of the most basic commands for an Australian Shepherd. It is an important command to teach because it helps the dog stay in one place and it can be used as a way to control your dog’s behavior.
To teach your Aussie the sit command, start by having them stand in front of you. Then, take a treat in your hand and hold it above the dog’s head. When the dog looks up to get the treat, say the word “sit” and gently guide the dog’s back end down. As soon as the dog’s bottom touches the ground, give him the treat and praise him.
Repeat this process several times until the dog learns the command. You can then start to phase out the treat and use verbal praise or a pat on the head as a reward.
Stay Command
The stay command is another important command to teach your Australian Shepherd. This command is used to keep the dog in one spot. This is a helpful command to use if you need to take a break or if you are in a situation where the dog needs to stay put.
To teach the stay command, start by having the dog sit in front of you. Then, put your hand up in a “stop” position and say the word “stay”. Give the dog a treat if he stays in place for a few seconds.
As the dog gets more comfortable with the command, increase the amount of time he must stay in place before giving the treat. If the dog moves, give him a gentle reprimand and try again. Eventually, the dog will learn the command and you can use verbal praise or a pat on the head as a reward.
Come Command
The come command is another useful command for an Australian Shepherd. This command is used to call the dog to you, and it can be used in times of danger or if you want the dog to come to you.
To teach the come command, start by having the dog sit in front of you. Then, take a treat in your hand and hold it up in the air. Call the dog’s name and say the word “come”. As soon as the dog takes a few steps towards you, give him the treat and praise him.
Repeat this process several times until the dog learns the command. You can then start to phase out the treat and use verbal praise or a pat on the head as a reward.
Leave It Command
The leave it command is a useful command to teach your Australian Shepherd. This command is used to tell the dog to ignore something, such as food on the ground or a toy that another dog has.
To teach the leave it command, start by having the dog sit in front of you. Then, take a treat in your hand and hold it up in the air. Call the dog’s name and say the word “leave it”. As soon as the dog turns away from the treat, give him the treat and praise him.
Repeat this process several times until the dog learns the command. You can then start to phase out the treat and use verbal praise or a pat on the head as a reward.
Down Command
The down command is another useful command to teach your Australian Shepherd. This command is used to tell the dog to lay down. This command can be used if you want the dog to relax or if you need to control the situation.
To teach the down command, start by having the dog sit in front of you. Then, take a treat in your hand and hold it down near the ground. Call the dog’s name and say the word “down”. As soon as the dog’s bottom touches the ground, give him the treat and praise him.
Repeat this process several times until the dog learns the command. You can then start to phase out the treat and use verbal praise or a pat on the head as a reward.
### Common Myths about Australian Shepherds
1. Myth: Australian Shepherds need a lot of commands to be trained.
Fact: Australian Shepherds are extremely intelligent and can learn a variety of commands with minimal effort. Basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘heel’ are all easily taught with consistent reinforcement.
2. Myth: Australian Shepherds can’t be trusted off-leash.
Fact: Australian Shepherds can be trained to be reliable off-leash. With proper training, they can be trusted to stay close and respond to commands even when they’re not on a leash.
3. Myth: Australian Shepherds need lots of exercise to stay healthy.
Fact: Australian Shepherds are a highly active breed, but they do not require excessive amounts of exercise. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are all important for their physical and mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What commands should I teach my Australian Shepherd?
Answer: Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, heel and lay down are essential for every dog. Other specific commands, such as retrieving, rolling over, and shaking a paw, can be taught to Australian Shepherds to help them learn more complex behaviors.
How can I get my Australian Shepherd to obey commands?
Answer: Consistency and positive reinforcement are the keys to getting your Australian Shepherd to obey commands. Start by teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Once your dog has mastered these commands, you can move on to more complex commands. Make sure to reward your dog for obeying commands with treats or verbal praise.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds, also known as Aussies, are intelligent and loyal herding dogs that require consistent, positive training. To train your Aussie, start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, leave it, and down. Each command should be taught with clear and consistent commands and rewards. With patience and practice, your Aussie will soon understand and obey these commands.
