At What Age Do Australian Shepherds Calm Down? - Aussie University

At What Age Do Australian Shepherds Calm Down?

Your Australian Shepherd is a ball of energy that never seems to tire. It’s been that way for months, and sometimes you wonder if it will ever stop. Will there come a point in your Aussie’s life when they relax a little? If so, when?

Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they’re considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.

If your Aussie puppy is a few months old and you don’t want to wait for years, then you’re not going to want to miss this article. In it, we’ll share tips and suggestions for tiring out your dog. That way your Aussie can give you a few hours of peace and quiet each day. Keep reading!

Why Is My Aussie So Full of Energy?

It seems like your Australian Shepherd goes 24/7. They’re up before the sun, waiting for you to get out of bed. They follow you like your furry shadow all morning before you leave for work. Then, the moment you get home, they want to play and go for a walk. This carries on until you go to bed.

Do you sip your morning cup of coffee and watch your Aussie run circles around themselves? Don’t you wish you could have even a bit of their energy? Where does it come from? Here are a few reasons your Australian Shepherd can keep going and going and going.

Australian Shepherd Characteristics

Some dogs are more reserved, quiet, and don’t care much for running around in a park or fetching a ball or a stick. The Australian Shepherd is the exact opposite. Their energetic nature is what the Aussie breed is most known for.

It doesn’t matter if this is your first Aussie or your fifth they are Action Jackson. For the most part, always packed to the gills with excitement, curiosity, and energy. Rambunctious is an understatement, but that’s why we love them.

Extended Period of Puppyhood in Australian Shepherds

Puppyhood is often the cutest period for some dogs, but it’s a short time that’s usually only 18 months. Yet some dog breeds will stay suspended in a state of puppyhood for longer. The Australian Shepherd is among them.

What does this mean for you? That you’ll have a more energetic and playful dog. Puppies are usually inquisitive and tireless, which explains your Aussie’s temperament.

Aussie Ancestry

We’ve talked about the history of the Australian Shepherd before on this blog. If you missed that, here’s a quick recap.

In the 19th century, ranchers bred Australian Shepherds across the United States. There, they would herd smaller animals and otherwise keep very busy.

Even though the 19th century was a long time ago, your Aussie can’t deny its ancestry. It’s in their genes to need tasks to keep them occupied. If you don’t give that to them, then they’re going to have to spend their energy somewhere.

Does any of this sound familiar?

  • Running around the house
    Chasing and barking at you
    Even ripping up the couch cushions or a pair of shoes

When Will My Australian Shepherd Calm Down?

Now you understand why your Aussie has boundless energy, you need to know when they may begin to calm down a little. You’d like to get some sleep and not be woken up to the wet, cold nose of your Aussie every morning.

The answer varies. Aussies reach a point of maturity at about two years old. As they become adults, their energy may decrease -somewhat.

If not, then at least your Shepherd can better manage their never-ending energy so they’re not zipping around the house like the energizer bunny.

Other dog owners have reported that their Aussie turned three years old, even seven years old without any changes to their energy. At that point, your dog has to enter seniority for any significant energy decreases to happen. Given that Aussies can live 13 to 15 years, you’d have quite a many years to wait until then.

That said, one’s experience with their Australian Shepherd is so unique that things can swing the opposite way as well. What do we mean by that? Some dog lovers adopt an Aussie that seems quieter and less energetic than the breed is supposed to be. Their dog might not say no to exercise, but they don’t go seeking it out either.

We’d recommend at least a checkup with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues. Lethargy in dogs can be a sign of something else… conditions like hypothermia, hypoglycemia (low blood pressure), hormonal disorders, dehydration, taking certain medications, infection, inflammation, and/or anemia.

If your Aussie is in otherwise good health but they’re more chill compared to others in their breed, that’s normal as well.

How to Better Manage Your Aussie’s Energy Levels

Your Aussie can’t help that they’re energetic, but you can help the activities you choose to do with them every day. Regardless of how high-spirited your Aussie is, you should still aim for two hours of daily exercise at least. If you have the time to commit to three hours, this is even better.

Here are some ideas you can use today to tire out your Australian Shepherd.

Take Them on a Long Walk

Today’s the day you make one of your Aussie’s biggest dreams come true. You’ll leash them up and walk for hours on all their favorite trails. You can be sure that by the time you return, your Aussie will curl right up and even sleep soundly for the night.

Taking walks like this together is very helpful for you both. Not only can a long walk suck up your Aussie’s energy, but the activity will reduce your pup’s stress, strengthen their bones and muscles, decrease their blood pressure, and aide their cardiovascular health.

You two will also bond, creating memories, and further building your relationship. All that outdoor time will supply you with your daily dose of vitamin D too. You’ll have healthier bones, as vitamin D can manage blood levels of phosphorus and maintain your calcium. Also, you’ll be in a better mood.

You can even get healthier and slimmer by walking. If you weigh 180 pounds and you walk for a mile, you’ll burn roughly 100 calories. That’s not too shabby!

Let Them Play in the Yard

If you don’t have the time to commit to walking your dog for hours, that’s okay. You can

always let your Aussie go off-leash and have a ball running and romping around your backyard. Of course, you should only do this if your yard has a fence.

It’s ideal if you can come out for at least for a little while and chase your dog around or throw a stick. Otherwise, the novelty of being outside by themselves will wear off and your Aussie will get bored.

Take Your Australian Shepherd to the Dog Park

While you’re taking a walk with your Australian Shepherd, make a beeline towards the local dog park. You can get great exercise for yourself. But, your furry friend gets all the stimulation and excitement! Your dog will also have the fun of meeting dozens of new doggy friends! The best part is it will drain your Aussie’s battery slowly yet surely. Once you two get home, it might be straight to dreamland for your pup!

Spend a Day at the Beach with your Aussie

You look forward to beach days so you can get some sun and spend time splashing in the sea. Next time you pack up for a trip to the beach, bring your Australian Shepherd too. They’ll love the freedom they have to run long stretches on the shoreline, and they could even take a dip in the water.

Between running and swimming all day, not to mention being out in the sun, your Aussie will be down for the count. Do make sure your safeguard your dog all day. If the sand is especially hot, consider doggy booties. Set up an umbrella or tent for your Aussie, bring portable water and food bowls, and keep your pup hydrated.

Use Stimulating Doggie Toys

You don’t only have to tire your dog out, but mentally as well. Give your Aussie a challenging treat toy such as this one from Amazon. Your pup will have lots of fun figuring out how to solve the puzzle so they can get to the treats inside. If it takes them hours, then they’ll be distracted for a while so you can relax.

Follow Your Usual Play Routine, But on an Incline

It seems like playing fetch just isn’t enough to tire out your Australian Shepherd anymore. Maybe you should try doing things a little differently, such as using an incline to change up the game. Having to ascend up and then run down a ramp will use new muscles in your Aussie’s body and present a fun challenge, leaving them ready for bed sooner!

I play ball with mine on the basement stairs. They both love it, and it’s a great way to exercise them when the weather is bad.

Join a Puppy Socialization Program

You could always enroll your Australian Shepherd in a puppy socialization program. This program for puppies (and somewhat older dogs who think they’re puppies) lets them play in a group. The other dogs in the group will usually have as much energy. The four-legged friends can all tire each other out!

Conclusion

Australian Shepherds have energy that goes for miles. Their energy levels may calm down some at around two years old, but this isn’t guaranteed.

Ensuring your Aussie gets two to three hours of exercise each day is the best means of regulating their energy and preventing destructive habits.

Best of luck!

Ryan Wood

Over 20 years ago I got my first Australian Shepherd. Ever since then, my family and I have been constantly learning and immersing myself with these wonderful and intriguing dogs. Now with 6 Aussie's and a couple Australian Cattle Dogs (aka Blue Heelers) in the family tree, We've learned from on-the-ground experience what makes the Australian breeds different than "regular dogs" and what doesn't. This is the site where we share everything we've learned.

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