“Their innate understanding of people also makes Aussies A GREAT CHOICE AS PET THERAPY DOGS.”
left unsupervised. And if a mole or chip- munk makes its presence known, look out! Th ey take their job as pest controllers very seriously. No chipmunk, squirrel, rabbit, or snake is safe when they’re on patrol! Terriers in general often have a reputation for being “stubborn,” but this isn’t entirely fair. A dog that is bred to go to ground needs a great deal of confidence and inde- pendence from its owner to do that work, which can be misconstrued as willfulness. As well, they have historically been companion animals and do best in close proximity to their families. Th eir rough
coat will protect them from the elements, but this is not a dog suited to live outside or spend too much time alone in a crate or kennel run. Likewise, they must never be allowed to roam unsupervised, as their prey drive is strong and they could easily be hit by a car, so a fenced yard is best. Th ey are alert watchdogs and will let their owners know if anyone or anything is too close for their liking, although in gen- eral, they do not bark just to make noise and are much quieter than other small breeds. As with other terriers, they can be somewhat bossy and will want to rule the
roost in your home, so some consideration must be given if you have other dogs in your household. On the plus side, Aussies have a real a ffi nity for children and the elderly, and are unswervingly devoted to their homes and families. Th ey need regular exercise, but not a lot, and daily walks and playing with a ball or a toy will su ffi ce. Because they are not very well known, they have not been overbred and are less prone to genetic ailments than other, more popu- lar breeds. Typically they live well into their teens with few problems. Coat care is
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