Can Australian Shepherds Live in Apartments? Important Care Facts
Updated on
The Australian Shepherd, nicknamed the Aussie, is a medium-sized dog initially bred for herding. These dogs have been working dogs and pets since the 19th century and are loving, energetic pets.
If you’ve been considering adopting an Australian Shepherd, you might be worried that you won’t have room for the puppy since you live in an apartment. However, you needn’t be worried, as Aussies make great apartment dogs.
How do they make great apartment dogs? We’ll discuss that and more in the article below.
Can Australian Shepherds Live in Apartments?
Yes, Australian Shepherds can live in apartments. However, they need more wide-open spaces and the proper amount of exercise and play to ensure they stay healthy.
This breed needs no less than 60 minutes of exercise a day. This is not just physical activity; they need mental stimulation as well because they are an intelligent breed. If you can be sure that you have the time to take the dog to the park to exercise or at least walk, the Aussie can get used to living in a limited space such as an apartment.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Do Well in Apartments?
While they need to be exercised daily, there are a few factors that make them adaptable to apartment living. There are also a few things that don’t make them good apartment dogs.
Pro: Easy to Train
Aussies are easy to train, which means you won’t have much of a problem with the dog being destructive or using the bathroom in the apartment if you can’t get out right away to take it for a walk. However, you must keep your Aussie physically and mentally active for it to be trained easily.
As with any dog breed, it’s best to start training your Aussie as a puppy for the best results.
Con: Frequent Barkers
Aussies tend to bark a lot. Since they were initially bred to herd livestock, their bark also tends to be loud. Some of the reasons your Aussie might start barking include the following.
- To warn of someone outside, whether they are animals or strangers
- When they are feeling bored or not getting enough attention
- A loud noise startles or surprises them
- When they are not physically or mentally active
When you live in an apartment, the constant barking of your Aussie can lead to problems with the neighbors, which will lead to problems with the landlord. So, if you live in an apartment with your Aussie, it’s essential to train it not to bark excessively.
How to Successfully Live in an Apartment with an Aussie
If you have no choice but to live in an apartment with your Australian Shepherd, there are a few things you can do to make the living arrangements easier for both of you.
You can help by providing physical activity daily for your Aussie friend. Here are some ways to keep your Aussie physically active below.
- Daily walks
- Running
- Biking
- Dog parks
Remember, however, that physical activity isn’t the only thing your Aussie pup needs to be healthy and to keep boredom at bay. They need mental exercise as well. There are a few activities that will help avoid boredom.
- Exploring the environment
- Dog puzzle toys
- Professional training
Wrap Up
While Australian Shepherds can live in apartments, it’s not a good idea if you have any other option. These are very active dogs; they need to be stimulated physically and mentally to stay content and not become destructive due to pent-up energy. If you find that you must live in an apartment with your Aussie, follow the tips above to keep it happy and healthy.
See also:
- 15 Fascinating Facts About Australian Shepherds
- How Smart Are Australian Shepherds? Intelligence, Training, & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock
