I Regret Getting An Australian Shepherd
I Regret Getting An Australian Shepherd
It was a decision that I thought would bring us a lot of joy and companionship. We had always been a dog loving family and the idea of getting an Australian Shepherd seemed like the perfect fit for our family. We looked forward to the days of playing catch in the backyard and taking long walks around our neighborhood. Little did I know, it would quickly turn into a regretful decision.
The Struggles of Owning an Australian Shepherd
When our Australian Shepherd first arrived, I was so excited and ready to take him home. I knew he was going to need some training, but I didn’t expect it to be as difficult as it was. He was an incredibly energetic dog with a lot of energy and an independent streak that made training him nearly impossible. He simply didn’t want to listen and would often ignore commands and run off. He had a tendency to bark and howl, especially at night which made it difficult for me to get a good night’s sleep.
The Health Issues
In addition to the behavioral problems, I quickly realized our Australian Shepherd had some underlying health issues. He was prone to ear infections, skin rashes, and joint pain. He was also prone to allergies and digestive issues which made it difficult to find the right food for him. The vet bills quickly started to pile up and I quickly began to regret my decision to get an Australian Shepherd.
The Unpredictable Temperament
One of the most difficult things to deal with was the unpredictable temperament of our Australian Shepherd. He was often friendly and loving, but then suddenly he would become aggressive and unpredictable. He would lunge and bark at other dogs, or even people, without warning. This made it difficult for me to take him out for walks or even to socialize with other dogs.
The Constant Shedding
Another issue that I hadn’t anticipated was the constant shedding. Australian Shepherds are known for their thick fur and long coats, but this also meant that they shed a lot. No matter how much I brushed him, it seemed like he was always shedding. I could never keep up with it and I often found myself vacuuming several times a week.
The High Maintenance Needs
Finally, I found that Australian Shepherds are incredibly high maintenance dogs. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without these things, they can become bored and frustrated. This meant that I had to be incredibly active and spend a lot of time with him. Unfortunately, this was something I simply couldn’t do.
Conclusion
In the end, I regret getting an Australian Shepherd. While he was a loving and loyal companion, he simply wasn’t the right dog for our family. He was difficult to train, had health issues, had an unpredictable temperament, shed constantly, and had high maintenance needs. For these reasons, I don’t think I would ever get an Australian Shepherd again.