The Aussiedoodle is an unbelievably cute cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. If you are thinking about getting one for your family, it is essential to consider whether the dog is suitable for children.
As a general rule, Aussiedoodles are amazing with children since they quickly bond with humans! As long as you teach small children how to handle them, Aussiedoodles make excellent family dogs. Aussiedoodles are incredibly smart and playful. Their friendly and loyal nature also makes them wonderful therapy dogs.
While all dogs are adorable and trainable, not every family can manage to get any dog and spend time training them. This is especially true if you have kids since you can’t risk an accident that harms the children or the dog.
It is best to get an easy breed like the Aussiedoodle, which is already likely to get along great with a family and do extremely well with the proper introduction, socialization, and basic training.
Is an Aussiedoodle Suitable for You and Your Kids?
While every individual dog is different, the breed and ancestry can mostly predict temperament and personality. Of course, there may be exceptions, but it is best to go with the odds.
The Aussiedoodle comes in two sizes, depending on whether the poodle parent was a regular size or a miniature. Both have great temperaments and are suitable to become part of a family. However, families with kids may prefer the larger-sized dogs since they are sturdier and less likely to get harmed by kids.
Here are some of the Aussiedoodle’s temperament characteristics to consider before deciding if you want one for your children:
Playful and energetic –
Aussiedoodles are friendly, loving, and downright goofy! They have lots of energy and love to play, so they are ideal for children because the energies match right away! They are also incredibly smart, thanks to both their parents and need lots of mental stimulation.
If your family and your children are active and like to play games in the yard and go for long walks on the beach, the Aussiedoodle is perfect for you. The breed may not fit you if you are looking for a low-energy dog that will hang around on the living room couch all day.
Gentle and patient –
Even though these adorable pups have lots of energy, they are generally well-behaved. They are known to be gentle and patient with children and learn commands very quickly.
The best part is that while they are very active, there are no aggressive tendencies, so you don’t have to worry about someone getting hurt. It is still essential to teach your children basic body language and tell them how to pet and handle a dog.
Ideal as a first/only dog –
Aussiedoodles are those breeds like humans more than other animals! They are companion dogs and love picking their favorite humans and sticking to them, which is why they are ideal as first or only dogs. So if you are worried, there isn’t another pet in the house to keep them company, that’s totally okay with these furry ones!
This is not to say that they will fight with other pets. An Aussiedoodle puppy will get along with other cats and dogs just fine. An adult will do the same, except that they may need some patience and training, depending on their personality; a slow and calm introduction will do the trick.
Needs love and company –
Aussiedoodles are happy, lively, and social dogs, so they don’t always do well when they are left on their own. If your family members and children have little time to spare for a dog, then this breed might not be suitable for you. Aussiedoodles are prone to separation anxiety and do well in a home with adequate company and lots of playtime.
They May be hypoallergenic – The Aussiedoodle may be hypoallergenic. This characteristic varies; since the poodle parent is hypoallergenic, this gene may or may not pass on to Aussiedoodle puppies. The truth is that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, but if you are worried about allergies, it is best to go with one that has the likelihood.
Is An Aussiedoodles Protective?
Aussiedoodles are not guarded dogs per se, but they do have a protective attitude towards their humans. This comes from their ancestry; their Australian Shepherd parent was originally a guard dog! This means that your pup may have protective instincts, which makes them great with children.
They may not be very fond of strangers, which works in your favor if you want them to keep your kids safe. Fortunately, they don’t go overboard with protectiveness and are unlikely to aggressively bark at them as a trained guard dog would.
How to Avoid Problematic Aussiedoodle Behaviors
Most dog owners agree that Aussiedoodles are the perfect adorable addition to any family. You do not need to worry about serious situations since Aussiedoodles have rarely ever been known to display aggression. They are intelligent and quickly adapt to their new family.
However, it is only natural to be extra careful when you have children in the house. Since it is probably the children who would be spending the most time with the dog, here are some things you can keep in mind. These will ensure your experience of being a pet parent remains smooth and ideal!
Give Enough Physical Exercise –
As mentioned before, Aussiedoodles love to play games. It is essential to exert their energy. If they feel physically agitated, there is a chance that they may become hyperactive around the house or destructive in the yard.
The best way to avoid this is to give them long walks every day and take them on a hike or to the beach with your children whenever you get the chance. Keeping your dog busy is now even easier with modern toys. Something self-sufficient like an automatic ball launcher will keep them entertained if you and your children can’t play on a particular day!
Provide Mental Stimulation –
Smart breeds like Aussiedoodles adapt amazingly to children, but their intelligent minds also need enough mental stimulation, so they don’t get bored or frustrated. You can easily achieve this by playing different games with your dog or by getting puzzle feeders and interactive toys for them.
Herding Tendencies –
Since the Aussiedoodle has a Shepherd ancestor, it can have the tendency to herd. This may sometimes lead to your dog trying to herd other pets and small children. However, this is a behavior that can be easily eliminated, especially if you get a puppy. Simply distract the pup every time it tries to herd and entertain them with a toy instead.
All in all, Aussiedoodles can be your children’s best buddies. The breed’s behavior and personality traits work in favor of families. That being said, it is essential to socialize and provide basic training to every dog. A little effort will go a long way and ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted pup!