Ryan Wood, Author at Aussie University

The Aussiedoodle: The Best Dog Ever?

Meet the Aussiedoodle! An Aussiedoodle may sound like the sketch of a funny cartoon character. But, Aussiedoodle comes from breeding the Australian Shepherd and poodle together. They are an...

Are Australian Shepherds Protective of Their Owners?

In your research for a dog breed, you've come across the Australian Shepherd. You love the sweet, exciting nature of the breed, but you wonder "are Australian Shepherds protective of their...

How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost?

What You’ll Pay Up Front If you’re asking how much an Australian Shepherd costs, the honest answer is more than you think and less than the internet horror stories suggest. The purchase price...

How Can I Get My Australian Shepherd to Stop Whining?

At first, you almost don’t think you hear it, it’s so low. Then the noise grows in volume until it’s unmistakable. Your Australian Shepherd is whining at you, and you have no idea why. What’s...

Australian Shepherd Separation Anxiety: What Actually Works

When Rango would sit by the door for hours after I left, I thought it was loyalty. It wasn’t. Here’s what separation anxiety in Australian Shepherds actually looks like and what helped.

Why Do Australian Shepherds Have Different Colored Eyes?

Australian Shepherds with different colored eyes, or heterochromia, is due to genetics. Not every Aussie is born with these colorful eyes. You can still remember the first time you laid eyes on...

About the Author

I’ve been living with Australian Shepherds for over 20 years. What started with one high-energy dog turned into a household that has included six Aussies and a couple of Australian Cattle Dogs along the way. Most of what I share here comes from daily life, not theory. The early mistakes, the small wins, the long nights, and the slow lessons that only come from living with a high-drive herding breed. Over time, I began documenting what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish someone had told me earlier. Aussie University is where I share those real-world experiences for other owners navigating the same challenges. Over time, I’ve also documented what it really costs to raise one, from puppy expenses to long-term care.

PLEASE READ THIS

I’m not a veterinarian or a certified trainer. I’m an owner who has spent decades living with this breed and learning through trial, error, and a few humbling moments.
If your dog has a medical issue, talk to your vet. If you need professional behavioral help, consult a qualified trainer. Everything here is based on lived experience with Australian Shepherds in real life, not theory.