RE: ZT27 Lisa
It sounds like it might get pretty tight there in your bathroom, Lisa
My dogs usually don't bark, quite frankly usually they are too tired, however, with having had the puppies here over the past few weeks, so we couldn't go to places that are frequented by dogs (because of the risk of parvo for young pups) and my crazy work schedule, the exercise was to a minimum, so they were barking a few times and chewing up some things.
I think Aussies are very kid friendly, I have two boys and the dogs follow them everywhere, they play together and just hang out. Remember Aussies are a CONSTANT shadow. BUT the disclaimer is, they have to come from a reputable breeder who usually guarantees the dogs' temperament/health and their dogs are well-socialized, they don't breed from lines that have shown aggression. So don't go to a pet store/puppy mill. Carefully research the breeder and make sure you continue socializing the puppy when you have it. There are quite a few Aussies with aggression problems due to lack of socialisation.
I got my Aussies when they were 4 months, 10 months and 2 years old, so they were already potty trained. I will let you know how it turns out with my 8 week old puppy when he comes back in two weeks.
I think people usually prefer female dogs, because they believe females don't display the alpha dog behavior, no humping/marking and they may be better with kids because of the mothering instinct. They are considered to be more docile and attentive and don't participate in fighting.
I think nothing could be further from the truth. My only girl, Pepper, is the alpha dog, she rules the rooste, she keeps the boys in check and will make it very clear if she is displeased. All I can say, there is a reason why female dogs are called b!tch in breeding terms.
I think males are more exuberant, attentive and loving. They will wait for your attention and stay as long as you want them to. Whereas the female will DEMAND your attention and move away once she had enough. My experience with female Aussies is that they are far more stubborn that the males.
Standard size Aussies are NOT small dogs, they'll weight up to 60 lbs. My dogs are Mini Aussies, same character traits and looks, just a smaller package. Minis stand between 14 to 18" at the shoulder and weigh between 20 to 40 lbs, standard size Aussies are 18+".
Aussies and Mini Aussies are herding dogs, depending on where you get your Aussie from they may have a pretty good developed herding instinct. My little boy, Scooter, had his herding instinct certified at 7 months. He gets along fine with the cats in our house, but heaven forbid the cat starts running, he will run after them. He wont hurt them, he is circling them and pushing them back towards the house.
All of my Aussies are herding certified, they can herd cows, horses, goats, chicken ....... It's a great way to channel their energy and challenge their minds. However, you don't let them run at will after whatever animal they are herding, they will have to listen to voice commands and hand signals.
As you may know from my posts here, I had a Labrador who passed last year and a German Shepherd mix that I had to rehome after 7 years, I love(d) both of them dearly but it is no comparison to my Aussies. They are by far easier to train and just a more fun-loving kind of breed, not to mention that they are much smaller, so I can take them anywhere.
Sorry this got so long-winded. I hope this answered your questions but feel free to ask anything you need to know. I am sure a few other people will chip in here too.
