If you’re the proud pet parent of an Australian Shepherd, you know how intelligent and sports-minded they are. Aussies love to be outdoors and would rather be working than stuck in a house, but if their owners want to sit on the couch and watch movies, they are going to be right there with them.
Aussies are loyal, protective, and loving, but they need exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy. However, you have to work, and you’re worried about how you’re going to keep your Aussie busy when you have to be away from it. Never fear; we’ll give you nine great options for keeping your Aussie healthy, happy, and busy.
The 9 Ways to Keep an Australian Shepherd Happily Busy
1. Frozen Treats
Giving your Aussie a frozen treat is an excellent way not only to keep him busy but to keep him hydrated as well. It’s great for those hot days when it’s scorching in the shade.
Frozen treats are simple to make. Simply fill a bowl with chicken or beef broth, put his favorite chew toy inside of the bowl, and let it freeze. Once the treat is frozen, put it in the backyard, let your Aussie outside, and watch him have fun with the frozen treat.
2. Run Short Errands Together
Although you might not be thrilled to run errands on your day off, the opposite is true for your Aussie. The breed loves to go anywhere with their pet parents, and running to the bank, the electric company, or even just to the corner store is thrilling for them.
He’ll enjoy the ride, and it’ll give you time to spend with your canine pal. Running short errands is the perfect way to bond with your Aussie and keep him busy at the same time.
3. Puzzle Games
Another way to keep your Australian Shepherd busy is by giving him puzzle games. They will stimulate him mentally and physically at the same time. You can purchase brands with different levels of difficulty, which will encourage your pet paw to roll over and take some of the pieces out using his mouth.
The dog’s reward at the end of solving the puzzle is a delicious dog treat, so it’s one game he’ll never grow tired of playing.
4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
While it’s a must to take your Aussie for a walk daily, there are many other forms of exercise that your Aussie will enjoy as well. Exercising is beneficial for you both, as your dog will expend energy, and you’ll get the exercise you need to be healthy and live a long life as well.
Running, hiking, playing in the park, and daily walks will go a long way toward keeping your energetic Aussie healthy.
5. Canine Sports
There are several sports you can get your Aussie involved in that they will love. There’s scenting, disc chasing, dock diving, flyball, herding, freestyle, and agility training to name a few. Aussies are great at these sports and other activities that’ll keep them busy and help them burn off the energy they always have. There are many canine sporting events that you and your Aussie can join as well.
6. Get Your Aussie a Job
You can let your Aussie help you do things around the house, such as retrieving items or even going with you to the nearest pet store. If you’re including your Aussie, it not only keeps him busy but makes him feel important.
Aussies also make excellent service dogs, and quite a few jobs will keep your pet busy and help the community.
7. Enroll Your Aussie in Obedience Class
While your Aussie probably doesn’t need to be taught how to behave, he could be kept busy and benefit from being enrolled in obedience classes. This will be beneficial to you and your Aussie.
Talk to your vet for recommendations, or look online to find obedience classes in your area for you and your pet to enroll in. Even though your Aussie might be well-behaved, it can’t hurt to have him trained by a professional.
8. Trick Training
Trick training is another way to keep your Aussie busy. Make sure you have plenty of patience and several treats to pull this one off. Your dog is intelligent, and training should come naturally to him. The more time your Aussie spends with you, the happier he will be.
9. Socialize Your Aussie
One of the best ways to keep your Aussie busy is by socializing him and letting him be around other dogs. This keeps him from becoming aggressive and will keep him occupied while playing with other canines. The dog park is a great place to take your pet so that he can get exercise, be busy, and socialize.
In Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy levels. The breed has quite a bit of stamina and would rather be working than sitting around inside. If you’re looking for ways to keep your Aussie busy, whether because you’re away from the house or looking for things to do together, our suggestions above should work well for you.
Do you have other ways to keep Australian Shepherds busy? Please share them with us in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock
