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A red merle Australian Shepherd puppy holds a gold glass ornament in her mouth beside a lit Christmas tree. 17 / 22

The Lowest Branch Lost Its Shiniest Ornament to a Red Merle Pup

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One gold ornament is dangling from her mouth, and a red merle puppy looks out from under the lowest branch with sparkling eyes. Her face is split into white and copper with freckled markings, and one paw rests on the carpet beside her. Behind her the tree glows with gold balls and warm lights, and the messy living room has a couch, plants, a toy, and a heap of laundry.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic herding dogs, and a puppy of the breed can get into mischief when she is bored. Shiny things at nose level are tempting. Glass ornaments are a real hazard because they can shatter and cause cuts, so hang breakable decorations high and put sturdy, shatterproof ones lower, if any. Tree water, tinsel, and ribbon also deserve caution. Aussies need exercise and a task to do, so a good walk, a training game, or a puzzle toy before the tree is a smart plan. Your vet can help you plan activities for a growing puppy.

The look on her face is half pride, half innocence. She is clearly pleased with her find, and the moment is full of future trouble. A trade for a safe chew toy will likely end the standoff, and the ornament can go back up where it belongs. A Border Collie or an Aussie often learns that the best games are the ones with rules, and she will learn this one soon enough, with patience and a pocketful of treats.

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