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A red merle Australian Shepherd smiles beside a tipped terracotta pot with dark soil spread across the living room floor. 30 / 39

The Plant Tipped Over and the Aussie Looked Quite Happy About It

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A terracotta pot lies on its side and dark soil has spilled across the floor in a wide, messy fan. Next to it sits a red merle Australian Shepherd, his speckled coat in copper, white and gray, and his mouth open in a happy, slightly worried grin. His eyes are warm and bright. A sofa, glasses on a table and a tote bag fill the cozy living room behind him.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs with a ton of energy and a deep love for their families. They need a lot of exercise and a job, such as agility, long hikes, frisbee or learning new tricks. An Aussie who does not get enough activity may knock things over, dig in plants or herd the family. It helps to give him daily games and mental challenges.

Houseplants are worth a second look for pet safety, because many common ones are toxic to dogs and cats, including sago palms, philodendron and some lilies. If he chewed on a plant, call your vet and describe it. Putting plants on a high shelf or in a hanging basket keeps both the soil and the leaves out of reach.

He grins like he has just invented a new game. The plant may need replanting, but the cleanup is worth that smile. Aussies are quick to learn, so a clear leave it for plants works wonders over time.

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