Smart, Spunky, and Trained: Key Skills to Teach Your Australian Shepherd
- Kendra
- Jan 13
- 6 min read
Australian Shepherds are incredibly smart, full of enthusiasm, and loyal to the core, which makes them amazing companions and adorable little overachievers. But all that brain power and drive mean they thrive with guidance, structure, and mental stimulation from an early age. Whether they are herding, hiking, doing tricks, or racing through an agility course, Aussies are happiest when their minds and bodies are engaged.
Training your Australian Shepherds the right skills early on helps build a confident and well-mannered dog that’s ready for new places, new people, and all the adventures in between.
At Sunset Hill Aussies, we’re passionate about giving our puppies and families the best start possible. Through early training and thoughtful socialization, we help shape puppies who are eager to learn, excited to explore, and ready to become lifelong family companions.
Basic Obedience Commands
Every successful Aussie begins with the basics! Starting your Australian Shepherd with
these foundational commands sets the stage for future training and helps your eager-to-please pup learn how to navigate the world with confidence.
Sit - a go-to cue that helps build focus and direction.
Stay or Wait - an important safety command that keeps your Aussie still in new, exciting, or even potentially risky situations.
Come - Essential for recall on trails, in open spaces, or at the park.
Down - Encourages calm behavior and helps prevent jumping, wiggling, and other bouncy Aussie greetings.
Leave It -Essential for impulse control; a great way to keep your curious pup away from things they shouldn’t be chewing on.
Drop It - Essential for impulse control; helps your Aussie listen to you even when they are really excited.
Aussies can start learning these basic commands as early as 8 weeks old! These early lessons not only make day-to-day life and future training easier, but they also strengthen you and your Aussie’s bond!
Here at Sunset Hill, we love using Tiny Training Moments after each meal your puppy or dog has. You can even replace one meal with training. This makes training time shorter, easier to manage, and, honestly, more realistic. When you "habit stack" Tiny Training Moments into daily doggy meals, you set yourself up for success. 5 -10 Minutes of practicing these foundational skills will be a game-changer for you and your puppy.
Reliable Recall
Australian Shepherds are natural-born explorers - this is why a reliable recall is one of the most important skills you can teach your pup to keep them safe, as well as provide yourself peace of mind to enjoy outdoor adventures together. It is easier than you think, especially if you start when they are young.
SSH's PRO TIP: Start working on your Aussie’s recall in a calm, low-distraction environment where they can focus solely on you. Think about places inside your home- hallway, guest bedroom, etc. Have a family member sit at one end and you at the other. Have your puppy go back and forth between you by calling its name, then "COME," and only say it once. Once they’re confidently responding, slowly add more excitement into the environment, such as new smells, new places, and even new people.
With consistency, patience, and a lot of praise, your Aussie will learn that coming back to you is always the best (and most rewarding) choice!
Socialization Skills
Early socialization is crucial for any breed, but especially for an Australian Shepherd. The more positive socialization experiences they have early on, the more confident and adaptable they will become.
Think of socialization in 3 categories- people, creatures, and environmental experiences:
Exposure to people of all ages - to learn that humans come in all shapes, sizes, and energy levels. Remember, it is ok to "people watch" from a distance while getting used to new things. We don't have to say hi to everyone on earth; just learn to be ok with them being around.
Supervised interactions with other dogs and pets - to practice good canine manners. It is essential to choose doggy friends that already have good manners you want your dog to emulate. We are like those we spend time with; this is true for our dogs, too
Provide variety with different environments, sounds, and experiences - to expand your Aussie’s comfort zone. It is ok to watch and listen at a distance first, while enjoying treats or a game of tug, to increase positive associations.
SSH's PRO TIP: We all thrive with good role models, our dogs too! So, be intentional about socializing only with other dogs you know are well-trained. This should be structured, like going on a walk together in your neighborhood.
A well-socialized Aussie grows into a confident, adaptable adult who can embrace new situations without fear or stress - perfect for a lifetime of adventures by your side!
Mental Stimulation and Exercise
Australian Shepherds are working dogs at heart - built for thinking, moving, and tackling whatever challenge you throw their way. To keep their minds and bodies engaged, they need both physical activity and mental stimulation.
Try adding these ideas to your Aussie’s day:
Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games.
Obedience exercises and mini training sessions.
Regular walks, runs, or agility play to channel their energy.
SSH's PRO TIP: Find local Nature Trails in your town and make it part of your weekly routine. It will become a wonderful part of your relationship with your Aussie.
A mentally and physically stimulated Aussie is a happy Aussie, who is less prone to boredom, mischief, and any unwanted behaviors.
Leadership and Consistent Rules
Aussies thrive when their environment feels consistent, and they rely on you to set boundaries that help them feel secure. When your rules stay steady, your Aussie knows exactly what’s expected.
Remember to use positive reinforcement as the foundation for your training. Australian Shepherds respond to praise, treats, play, and encouragement - they want to make you happy. Harsh punishment can create confusion or stress in such a sensitive and people-focused breed.
Your pup needs you to be patient, predictable, and always ready to celebrate their wins!
Herding Instinct Management
Australian Shepherds are born with big herding instincts. Aussies can herd just about anything - dogs, sheep, kids, toys, leaves - you name it, they’ll try to herd it. This behavior can lead to some quirky behaviors, like circling kids, nudging ankles, or chasing after anything that moves a little too fast.
Instead of trying to eliminate these instincts, the goal is to guide them. Teaching your Aussie early redirection cues and alternative behaviors helps channel that natural herding drive into something safe and appropriate (for everyone!).
Encourage games and activities that engage their intelligence (i.e., fetch and short training sessions) to give them a healthy outlet. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your Aussie can learn when it’s okay to “work” and when it’s time to relax and enjoy being a part of the family.
SSH's PRO TIP: You would be SURPRISED by what is in your area that you never knew existed!!! Try searching for local Herding Classes or Workshops for your dog. Many allow you to come for just one or a few sessions to "try it out". What a fun adventure!!!
Final Thoughts
Starting your Australian Shepherd off strong with basic obedience, socialization, mental stimulation, and clear boundaries to create the foundation for a confident, joyful, and well-adjusted dog. Aussies who learn these skills early on are better equipped to enjoy life to the fullest: new adventures, training victories, family routines, and all the excitement that comes their way.
At Sunset Hill Aussies, we’re dedicated to helping every puppy build that foundation from the beginning. With thoughtful guidance, early learning, and lots of positive experiences, our pups grow into lifelong companions ready to explore, learn, and love right alongside their families!
