ARE MINI AUSSIES HYPER?
I don't consider them hyper. They have a high energy level
just like any working breed. They need to be played with. Aussies of any size were not bred to be lay in
your lap companion dogs. They require a little bit of room to run and play. Even if it is going to the park on
the weekends, or just simply going for a nice long walk. I don't consider them as active or hyper as most terriers.
After a nice run outside and maybe alittle ball, all my dogs come inside and are couch potatos!!
DO MINI AUSSIES MAKE GOOD PETS?
Yes, they can make wonderful housepets as long as they are properly socialized and exercised.
The mini aussie is a working dog, and sometimes to smart for there own good. It has very high energy level,
and can not be expected to be a lap dog, although they are very loyal to there masters. Some people even consider them
"velcro dogs". They always tend to be where there family is. This is not a breed that does well if it is
left outside all the time. They would enjoy a fenced yard while the family is at work, but then would like to come in
and sleep in your bed....
ARE MINI AUSSIES EASY TO TRAIN?
Mini's are very easy to train and housebreak. All my dogs were housebroken by the time
they were 6 months old. You have to remember, a young puppy will not be able to hold it for several hours, but will
learn in time. If you are going to be away from home for more then a couple of hours, you can place a wee wee
pad in the puppies crate for it to go on.
A mini also is easy to obediance train, they are very smart dogs. They can however become board
if you continue to ask the same thing over, and over, and over again. Change the treat, and change what you are asking.
Make training periods short and to the point several times a day, instead of tring everything at once.
ARE MINI AUSSIES A HEALTHY BREED?
Yes they are healthy, but not without genetic problems. Some of the genetic problems
to watch out for are eye disorders, hip dysplasia, MDR-1(see weblink on other page), and epilepsy. Good breeders know
the lines they breed, and also test for eyes, hips, and mdr-1. Make sure when looking at a breeder, you ask about
testing and there health guarentees. A dog can not be tested for hip dysplasia until it is atleast 18months old.
If the parents of a puppy are tested and healthy, then you are more likely to purchase a healthy puppy.
CAN A MINI AUSSIE BE AGRESSIVE?
Any dog can if not properly socialized. A mini aussie will guard there flock,
and now adays that is there family. They are not supposed to be overly agressive or attack, but reserved with strangers.
The more places you take your new puppy, and the more people they meet the better they will be. Mini aussies have been
known to nip at the ankles of small children, and on rare occasion an adult. This is their herding instinct, and they
have to be trained not to herd people, the same way you would train a new pup to do anything. Although uncommon, it
is easily delt with.
SHOULDN'T I BREED MY DOG BEFORE ALTERING IT?
NEVER. You always want to alter you dog as soon as the vets feels it is ok. Anytime you
let your dog, male or female, breed or become hormonally active it can lead to agression, or marking. It can also increase
the dogs chances or getting breast or testicular cancer. A male dog can smell a female dog in heat over a mile
away, and yes dogs can mate through a fence. Altering a dog can usually make them easier to train.
