An Aussiedoodle is created by crossing two smart and even-tempered dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. This means that Aussiedoodles will not be prone by nature to aggression.
However, some work will have to be done to ensure that the naturally good temperament is maintained. Breeders often do not consider the temperaments of the dog-parents they breed, which often leads to dogs that end up more aggressive and challenging despite the breed having such a good reputation.
You will also want to take the time and effort to properly train and socialize your Aussiedoodle so that natural tendencies to guard their resources or overreact to sudden stimuli don’t spiral out of control.
The Aussiedoodle Temperament
To understand your part in raising an Aussiedoodle not to be aggressive, you will need to understand the breed’s natural temperament. Poodles are smart and were initially bred to be game dogs. Australian Shepherds are energetic and were bred to herd cattle.
As a result, an Aussiedoodle is an incredibly smart breed of dog that is quite energetic. They are playful, loyal, and intelligent. Owners often describe their personality as goofy and loving.
For all that, however, if not correctly cared for, an Aussiedoodle could potentially turn destructive and aggressive if his natural tendencies and temperament aren’t taken into account.
Lack of exercise, boredom, improper socializing, inadequate training, sudden change of environment, and possible underlying health conditions could contribute to an Aussiedoodle that is more aggressive than they usually would be.
Socializing an Aussiedoodle
From day one, you need to be socializing with your Aussiedoodle puppy. The first six months of a puppy’s life are arguably the most vital in determining how well your dog will handle different life situations and people.
In these early weeks and months, you need to introduce your puppy to as many new things as possible. Make it fun, but never force your puppy into places or to meet people if he seems uncomfortable.
Take it little step by little step as you introduce him to as many things as you can. Let your puppy explore on his terms and reward him for being curious. Please do not allow him to become over-excited.
Remove him from any stimulus that is overly upsetting to him and reintroduce it later. Again, one step at a time.
Of course, there is the concern of vaccinations and the safety of taking your puppy out too soon. Most puppies don’t get their full vaccinations unit they are six months since the antibodies they have from their mother interfere with the vaccines’ effectiveness.
However, if you wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated at six months to begin to socialize him, it will be too late.
Instead, plan smartly ahead for a way that you can safely get your dog out and about without the worry of his getting sick. The most significant way you can plan for this is to avoid going to places heavy with dog traffic.
Avoid places like dog parks, pet stores, the vet (except when your puppy is crated safely), and rest stops. The danger of dogs becoming wild and unruly and ultimately being given up makes it worth it to socialize your puppy even before he’s had all his shots so that he functions well in public.
Safe Ways To Socialize An Aussiedoodle Puppy
A few safe ways to socialize an Aussiedoodle puppy under six months would be to have friends over to your house, ensuring everyone knows how to interact with your puppy safely.
You could also meet up with dog owners whose dogs you know to be healthy, so your puppy can get to know other dogs. Drive your Aussiedoodle around, both the city and the country, to give him new sights and smells to process in the safety of a car.
Have your puppy interact with groups of children, provided the children know to be gentle.
The purpose of socialization is to desensitize your dog to the stress of new situations. Your dog will be able to face change with calm confidence, being neither overly excited nor too shy. In this way, there will be fewer stressors, which will cause your dog to become aggressive.
Exercise
Aussiedoodles are high energy dogs and require a lot of activity. Particularly on their Australian Shepherd side, since they are bred to be herding dogs.
If you are not meeting your Aussiedoodles exercise needs, there is a chance this could cause your dog’s naturally good temperament to sour.
And what exactly are the parameters of how much exercise an Aussiedoodle needs? For a puppy, start with short walks, but steadily increase it as he gets older.
By the time he is fully grown, your dog will need a solid forty-five minutes to an hour of exercise every day. This can come in a variety of forms. You can jog or run with your dog, or you can play fetch. Hiking is also a fun way to get your Aussiedoodle’s energy out.
While at home, you will also want to consider playing with your dog, especially if you have to leave him every day to work.
Boredom
This brings up another reason why your Aussiedoodle might be more aggressive, boredom. You will have to plan wisely if you work all day if you don’t want your dog to become destructive in your absence.
Aussiedoodles are social dogs and love their people. Without them, they can pick up some very unpleasant habits that otherwise might not be an issue.
To combat this, consider if you can stop by over lunch or during the afternoon to let them out for a quick run or fetch session. If you are unable, consider hiring someone to come over to walk your dog.
It would help if you also considered puzzle toys. Aussiedoodles are incredibly smart and will stay entertained for hours working on these toys, which will occupy their minds and keeps them from becoming troublesome.
Final Thoughts
An Aussiedoodle is a very agreeable and easy breed of dog to own. They are friendly, energetic, and smart. There is no need to fear that your dog will become aggressive or destructive with the proper training and preparation.
- Completely research the breeder and the parent dogs when picking out your puppy. Not all breeders care about the parents’ temperament, but this is very important if you want to give your dog the best chance of being even-tempered.
- Take the time needed to train your dog’s necessary behavior. They are quick learners and will enjoy this.
- Socialize your puppy from day one, finding safe ways to introduce him to new environments and people even before he has all his vaccinations
- Exercise, exercise, workout.
- Please plan ahead for the times you won’t be with your dog, so he doesn’t become bored.
- Aussiedoodles need a lot of attention and so in all this, plan to be there by his side, introducing him to a new world, playing with him, and giving those smart brain-challenging things to accomplish. A well-cared-for Aussiedoodle is very unlikely to become aggressive.
- A final note, however. If your Aussiedoodle does suddenly experience a change in behavior or temperament when there has been no real change in his environment, consider taking him to see a vet. It may be wrong and that your Aussiedoodle is in pain and suffering and is acting out because of it. Always be aware
And sensitive to your dog and any changes you notice. A healthy Aussiedoodle is a happy Aussiedoodle.