| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | If an adult dog displays aggression when dealing with |
| Aussie dogs, or Australian shepherds, are loyal and | | | | strangers, it too can be socialized. The dog can be |
| protective, which can be positive, but can also cause | | | | placed in a crate big enough for it to turn around or |
| problems if the dog is not socialized early. Ideally, | | | | lie down comfortably. A stranger can simply sit next |
| puppies should be socialized as soon as they begin | | | | to the dog and read a book for an extended period |
| the journey to their new homes. | | | | of time without trying to speak to the dog or touch |
| These dogs were bred to herd, and they instinctively | | | | it. At first this might prove stressful to the dog, but, |
| herd creatures smaller than themselves. They should | | | | given enough time, the dog will begin to relax, |
| be exposed to small children early, so that they | | | | realizing that the stranger will not hurt it. |
| develop a family relationship with them, rather than | | | | Using a muzzle is another way of providing protection |
| chasing children and attempting to herd them. | | | | for strangers who come near the dog. Muzzles are |
| Aussie dogs develop close bonds with their families, | | | | designed so that the dog can breathe, drink, and |
| but can fear outsiders. Dogs attack out of fear, so it | | | | even eat, so they are not cruel and unusual |
| is best to quash the fear factor early through puppy | | | | punishment. They are not punishment at all. Muzzles |
| training. Guests should be invited over early in a | | | | allow people to approach the dog safely and let it |
| puppy’s life, so it gets used to having | | | | know that they are not to be feared. |
| strangers around. The guests should sit next to the | | | | Treats are frequently a powerful training tool. The |
| puppy until it is used to them, before reaching out to | | | | owner of the dog should walk the dog on a leash |
| try to pick it up. | | | | and when another walker is spotted, a treat should |
| Socializing outside the home is important too. Puppies | | | | offered out of the line of sight of the approaching |
| should be placed on a leash and taken to parks or | | | | stranger. When the dog turns its head away from |
| shopping centers, or simply walked down the | | | | the stranger, it gets a reward. This will get the dog |
| sidewalk in a neighborhood where joggers and | | | | used to ignoring strangers rather than attacking them. |
| walkers are likely to be encountered. Being near | | | | Aussie dogs can make good friends and companions. |
| unfamiliar people without getting hurt will convince | | | | Getting them socialized will make them and their |
| the puppy that strangers are not a threat. | | | | families good citizens as well. |