Ask any Australian Shepherd parent and they'll tell you — keeping up with an Aussie isn’t for the faint-hearted. With their sky-high energy and razor-sharp smarts, these dogs were built for action. Whether they’re herding livestock or running laps in the backyard, they’re constantly looking for their next activity.
But that brilliance comes with a challenge: how do you channel all that potential into training that sticks? In this guide, we break down what makes Aussie Shepherds tick — and how to work with their instincts, not against them. From building focus through food to tackling overstimulation, here’s how to raise an Aussie that’s not just obedient, but truly in sync with you.
Australian Shepherd temperament and trainability
Alert, intelligent, and incredibly energetic, Australian Shepherds are born problem-solvers. Their herding roots mean they’re quick learners who love structure — but their intelligence also means they can get bored (and into trouble) if not challenged.
Training an Aussie can be a joy thanks to their eagerness to please, but their energy requires consistent mental and physical engagement. Without it, they may resort to herding the kids or redecorating the living room.
With positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and plenty of enrichment, your Aussie can become an obedient, responsive, and happy companion.
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Health considerations that can affect training
Australian Shepherds are generally hardy, but there are a few health concerns that may impact their trainability:
Joint issues
Australian Shepherds are natural athletes, built for speed, agility and stamina — but their active lifestyle can put wear and tear on their joints over time. Hip dysplasia is relatively common in the breed, and if left unmanaged, it can lead to pain, inflammation or arthritis, especially as they age. Joint discomfort often shows up subtly at first — like slower movement or hesitation during training — before becoming a more serious barrier to exercise and focus.
Try this:
Although you can’t change your dog’s genes, you can support joint health with ingredients containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties like turmeric, ginger and omega-3s from fish oil — found in Lyka meals.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?
Excess weight or obesity
Aussies are high-energy dogs, but without enough movement — or with too much food — they can easily gain weight. Carrying extra kilos can put stress on joints, decrease motivation to exercise and impact your dog’s ability to focus during training. Over time, excess weight can also affect mood, energy levels and overall health.
Try this:
Feeding a real food diet that’s high in protein and full of fresh, low-glycaemic index ingredients can help your Aussie stay lean and energised. Lyka meals are custom-portioned for your dog’s ideal weight, made with real food that supports a healthy metabolism and sustained energy.
If your Aussie seems unusually distracted or unmotivated, consult your vet to rule out underlying health issues.
Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and videos)
How real food fuels your Australian Shepherd’s focus
Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.
Australian Shepherds benefit from:
Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low-glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.
Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning.
Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”
– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.
Read more: What does an Australian Shepherd eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training
Exercise first for improved focus
For Australian Shepherds, physical activity isn’t optional — it’s essential. They were originally bred to be a working breed, so they need an outlet for their high energy levels.
A long walk, a game of fetch, or a challenging agility course before training can work wonders for focus and responsiveness.
Aim for at least 1–2 hours of physical activity daily to prevent frustration-driven behaviour.
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Training tips for Australian Shepherds
Training an Aussie can be a fast-paced adventure — and with patience and a playful approach, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:
Positive reinforcement
This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Aussie, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.
Find their favourite motivator
Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Australian Shepherd motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?
Train at the right time
Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.
Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue.
Stay consistent
Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.
Be playful and engaging
Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.
Watch their body language
If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time.
Training your Australian Shepherd puppy
Aussie puppies are busybodies from the start — curious, clever, and always on the move. Don’t be surprised if they pick up commands quickly but still test boundaries.
House training is usually top of the list, followed closely by socialisation and basic obedience cues like sit, stay, and leave it.
What works?
A regular toilet routine
Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime
Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations
Australian Shepherds are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence.
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Training your adult Australian Shepherd
Just because your Australian Shepherd’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.
This might look like:
Reinforcing polite greetings at the door
Learning new tricks or games
Adjusting to life changes, like moving house
Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in their senior years
Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and always celebrate progress, no matter how small.
When to call in a trainer or behaviourist
Not sure if your Australian Shepherd’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper?
A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:
Reactivity
Anxiety or phobias
Aggression
Resource guarding
They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.
“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”
– Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Training your Australian Shepherd is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.
And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Australian Shepherd’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Australian Shepherds across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
