An Aussie Puppy Watched the Backyard Football Game Like a Coach
Sitting in a carpet of fall leaves, a red merle Australian Shepherd puppy watches the family play a game of football in the backyard. A couple of adults and a child run across the grass in the background, and a plaid chair, a cooler and a wooden fence frame the scene. The puppy's ears are folded down and the amber eyes follow every move with concentration.
Australian Shepherds are herding dogs, and puppies often show it by trying to round up people, kids and balls. If your puppy tries to herd, redirect the energy with games like fetch or learning to sit and wait. Always supervise play around children and active adults, since a puppy can get stepped on or accidentally knocked over. A leash or a fenced area can keep the pup safe.
Aussies are clever and athletic, and they love having a job to do. Their coat colors, like red merle, come with beautiful patterns and sometimes different colored eyes. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, and a bored Aussie can be a mischievous one. Puppy training classes are a great way to channel the energy.
This one is probably planning a way to join the game. The ball, the people, the leaves, all of it is a herding opportunity. When the game ends, there will surely be a good run through the leaves.
