Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have done some extensive research on Aussies and I'm getting conflicting information. I'm looking at getting an Aussie from a local rescue. My question is, I work an 8-5 job and plan to spend several hours in the evening training and playing. With me being gone for most of the day, is this dog going to be unhappy? I read that he shouldn't be without his family for more than a few hours. I also find resources that say as long as I dedicate my time to him every day, that he should be fine and happy. Any opinions on this? what would be fair to him and me?

Dogs sleep about 14 hours a day, more if they are very young, very old, or ill. So that's 8 hours at night plus about 6 during the day, as one possible combination. You can see that a dog can be fine with the human gone for part of each day.

It will be important that the dog's needs be met, including frequency of getting to relieve his- or herself. Eight hours is the absolute maximum, and that's too long for many dogs. It's a good idea to plan on a midday break, at least at first.

There are a lot of Australian Shepherds, and temperaments vary a great deal. A dog from a shelter will likely have separation anxiety, which can mean problems with being crated. Think about how you will handle this if it turns out to be the case.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Can you possibly get any time off of work at the time you get the dog?
Vacation time, personal time?
A rescue sometimes comes with his or her own set of issues.
Most will have been dealt with in a foster home, but the dog has to again adapt to your home and lifestyle.
You want to have time to spend with the dog and aquaint yourselves to each other.
But first I would apply to a rescue and see if they have a dog that would fit in with your schedule. A older, calm dog. Maybe one who is used to this lifestyle.
I have found that most aussies adapt very well to a living arrangement in a new home. But it also depends on the dog itself and its background.
But kudos to you for going thru rescue!!

Yes I'm taking a few days off of work so that we have a good solid 4-5 days together before i start leaving for the day. I can also come home from work during lunch...hopefully that will help the transition a little. I'm looking forward to having him at my house. I just hope he doesn't get bored when I'm at work. I think it will be ok.

If you can come home from work for lunch, even if its just for the first week or two and then only occasionally, I think it will be fine.
Let him/her out to potty, throw a ball for 5 minutes maybe and the dog should do ok.
I just started back to work and with our aussie, (3rd one) after the first week I didn't even crate her.
But, all dogs are different. And I only work 9 to 3.(and only 4 days a week)
And sometimes, my daughter comes home or my son, but some days she is alone for about 5 hrs.
Just give lots of love and attention and exercise when you are home.
A tired dog is a good dog.
try to regulate the dogs feeding and water intake also, so that potty time corresponds with when you are able to let the dog out.
Kongs! lol

Thanks for the info! I'm really excited and plan on spending quality time with him. I'm hoping to get to the point of doing some disc work with a local group, but he needs some obedience training and doesn't have much of a recall at this point, were going to need to concentrate on that for a while. Thanks again for the info.

Here is my new family member. He is a rescue, so he needs a little work, but I think he will be great.

Oops, try this again....

What a pretty boy!
I have always wanted a blue and will get one some day.
How old is he?
Did you get him from ARPH or a shelter?
You are going to have great fun with this guy, Aussie's are so intelligent and are willing to do anything!
Try out herding, (there are herding instinct tests) , rally, flyball, agility, tracking, search and rescue, and more.
An aussie can do all of the above.
Be sure and read up on the MDR1 issue also.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/

Thanks for the comments. He is from a shelter (rescue). I think thats the best way to get a dog! I'm going to a local disc event on Saturday. I think they are having a herding exhibition as well. It will be interesting to check out.

The possibilities are endless with an Aussie. Good luck with your new rescue and have fun!

Personally, as much as I love competitive obedience, my dogs don't so I don't force the issue on them. So, basically what I'm saying is your dog may not like the disk stuff, but there are plenty of other activities to try and typically an Aussie is versatile enough to enjoy more than one sport.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles