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A red merle Australian Shepherd holds a bundle of striped and gray socks in its mouth in a cluttered room. 1 / 28

The Aussie Gathered Every Sock in the House and Looks Proud

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Socks are hanging from every side of this Aussie's mouth: striped ones, gray ones, one in pale pink. The red merle stands in the hallway with her mismatched blue and brown eyes wide, her marbled coat glowing in the warm light, and a full bundle of laundry loot clenched in her jaws. A laundry basket and a few stray socks lie on the floor behind her, showing where the raid began.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, high-energy herding dogs. They were bred to work all day, which means a bored Aussie will often invent her own jobs, like gathering up socks. Carrying and collecting things is a very natural behavior for many herding and retrieving breeds, and socks smell strongly of their favorite people.

The trouble is that swallowed socks can cause a dangerous blockage, and it is one of the more common reasons dogs end up at the vet. Keep laundry in a closed hamper, and swap a stolen sock for a treat or a toy so she learns that giving things up is rewarding. If a dog swallows a sock, or vomits and seems uncomfortable, call your vet promptly.

A tired Aussie is a happy Aussie, so daily games of fetch, puzzle toys and training sessions can keep her busy. This one is clearly very pleased with her haul. She looks proud, a little guilty and absolutely ready to run.

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