Meet Austin in the daylight and then with a bit of dramatic lighting.
If choosing an Australian Shepherd, or any breed that was originally bred to herd, hunt, or otherwise work, you should have a VERY active lifestyle that includes the dog. To do otherwise, will mean your dog will be bored and become destructive as it tries to entertain itself. Many dogs, such as these, also require a lot of mental stimulation due to their high intelligence. Leaving a dog to exercise itself in a backyard is no exercise at all. Unlike humans, they do not do laps, they just get bored. And, like humans, without proper exercise they become obese.
This guy may look tired or bored but he gets no less than three (3) walks every single day of the year, without fail and regardless of the weather. Some days he and the others get more than 3 walks. Walking doesn’t mean on a leash either, which is totally inadequate for a medium to large breed. Walking means, the human walks while the dog runs, romps, and plays. But then you knew that, right? I admire anyone who, not only gives their dog the daily exercise it requires but, also involves the dog in dog sports (rally, flyball, dock jumping, agility, etc.), herding, tracking, or hunting. Doggy daycare is a great idea for people who have to leave a dog at home while they work — the dog gets to socialize, stimulate it’s brain, plus get some much-needed exercise.
Having a dog is a huge commitment in time and daily care. Anyone who has a dog in the family knows how they so willingly give love to their humans. They’re always thrilled when you come home!
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Sweet!
Beautiful portrait
Beautiful photographs! What type of camera did you use to take them?
Austin is such a pretty boy! I know I’m biased, but I think Aussies really are the most beautiful breed.
Our family feels sorry for our Zoli being in a fenced back yard most of the time. He does get bored and of all things he plays with large toy trucks that belonged to Matthew when he was little. He’ll put one front foot in the bed of a dump truck and push himself around the patio like a kid with a scooter. He’s getting over the destructive stage, but he is so bored, but we have no options for him right now. I like the captures and the read.
I have never heard of doggy daycare but it is such a brilliant idea. We currently have no pets at my house because we just don’t have the time to spend to and treat them how they deserve. My son would dearly love a little dog, maybe in the next few years when he is more responsible.
My daughter still has the photo cards you sent us of your dogs and loves them.
He’s so beautiful. I have wished for a dog for many years but it isn’t possible due to allergies.
What a sweet face!! 🙂
As you know, we have three dogs, which can be a bit of a headache at times!! I go home from work every day at lunch to walk two of them (Kylie it too old to walk very far), and we go to the off-leash dog park as often as possible — usually 3 or 4 times a week in the winter and more often the rest of the year.
And yes, dogs can get into BIG trouble when they don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation!!
Kelly
P.S. Thanks for supporting me in the Design Trade competition 🙂
Either you know the most beautiful dogs around – or you are gifted in capturing their sweet personalities. I think it is the latter. 🙂
Thank you, Diane, for your very kind comments on my blog.
Any relation to Miniature Australian Shepherds? We just discovered the breed the other week when we were walking in the park. We got to meet a “older lady”, she had been in competitive training for flyball all her life. She was then adopted out as a rescue dog to a wonderful new owner.
He loves her, and yes we do realize that she is a working dog, and needs many occupations throughout the day. But we were so very impressed with her.
Of course your beauty is a gorgeous animal, and you have captured great shots.
Jen
Wow, THREE walks a day. We try to get out on one but try and make that one walk about 3-4 km long. Good thing Mingus is a little fella. He could walk more though and in summer we try for 6 km or until my bunion starts giving me trouble.
Great photos of Austin … such an interesting looking breed.