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A black tricolor Australian Shepherd sleeps on a woven rug beside a long row of yellow ducklings in a yard. 5 / 22

The Aussie Fell Asleep, and the Ducklings Formed a Long Parade

AI imageaustralian shepherdducklingspatio rug

The Australian Shepherd is fast asleep on a woven rug with his chin on the ground and his thick black, white and tan coat splayed out around him. Beside him, a very long line of tiny yellow ducklings stretches across the rug, each one tucked right behind the other like a fuzzy yellow train. The rug sits in a patio yard where a blue watering can, a flowerpot and an old pair of gloves wait for the next gardening session. Late light makes the ducklings look as if they are glowing.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic herding dogs, and many have a strong urge to gather and guide other animals. That instinct can be sweet, but it can also be a problem around young birds, because herding behavior can include nipping or chasing. Early training and plenty of exercise help keep an Aussie calm. If your dog lives with ducklings, supervise closely, give the birds their own safe space, and let the dog rest and relax away from them. A vet or a trainer can suggest ways to keep a herding breed busy and happy.

For this moment, though, the Aussie has no herding to do. He is napping with the ducklings lined up beside him like they are part of his family, and the whole patio is quiet. Some friendships do not need much more than a warm rug and a bit of quiet.

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