What's the daily routine for an Australian Shepherd when I'm away?
Keep your Australian Shepherd's daily routine consistent with these guidelines, including 90+ minutes of exercise and daily checks.
Daily Routine
When you're away, your Australian Shepherd's day should start with a 30-minute walk at 7 AM. This helps them burn off energy and establish a routine. After the walk, spend 15 minutes on playtime to reinforce their herding instincts. Feeding should be at 8 AM, with 2 cups of dry food. Make sure to provide fresh water after each meal. At 10 AM, a 45-minute run or fetch session is ideal. This keeps them physically and mentally stimulated. A 15-minute break for a snack and water is next. At 12 PM, a short 10-minute nap can help them recharge. Afternoon exercise at 2 PM, such as a 30-minute walk, is crucial. A final 15-minute play session at 3 PM ensures they're settled before you leave. A 4 PM feeding with 2 cups of food and fresh water rounds out the day.
On busy days, you can skip the morning nap and the afternoon play session without harm. However, always ensure your dog gets their 90+ minutes of daily exercise. Daily checks include monitoring their water bowl, ensuring it's full, and checking for any signs of illness or injury. Look for changes in their coat, appetite, and behavior. A healthy coat should be free of mats and dandruff, and they should eat their meals with enthusiasm. Regularly check their paws for any cuts or foreign objects.
These daily tasks help maintain your Australian Shepherd's health and happiness while you're away. Consistency is key, so try to stick to this schedule as closely as possible.
- 7 AM: 30-minute walk
- 8 AM: 15-minute playtime
- 8 AM: 2 cups of dry food
- 8 AM: Fresh water
- 10 AM: 45-minute run or fetch
- 11 AM: 15-minute snack break
- 12 PM: 10-minute nap
- 2 PM: 30-minute walk
- 3 PM: 15-minute playtime
- 4 PM: 2 cups of dry food
- 4 PM: Fresh water
Weekly Routine
Weekly tasks include brushing your Australian Shepherd's medium double coat every 3–4 days to prevent mats and tangles. Check their paws and ears weekly for any signs of infection or foreign objects. Trim their nails every 4–6 weeks to prevent overgrowth. A teeth cleaning with a dog-specific toothpaste once a week helps maintain oral health. At the end of the week, do a thorough cleaning of their water bowl and food dishes. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria.
On a busy week, you can skip the teeth cleaning if necessary, but always ensure their living space is clean and their food and water are fresh.
Weekly routines are essential for maintaining your dog's overall health and comfort.
- Every 3–4 days: Brush coat
- Weekly: Check paws and ears
- Every 4–6 weeks: Trim nails
- Weekly: Teeth cleaning
- Weekly: Clean water bowl and food dishes
Monthly Routine
Monthly tasks include a full grooming session, including a bath with a dog-safe shampoo, and a thorough teeth cleaning. Check their eyes for any discharge or redness. Update their ID tags and microchip information if necessary. Schedule a vet check-up every 6 months to keep up with vaccinations and preventative care. Replace their bed and blankets if they're showing signs of wear. A monthly review of their diet and exercise routine ensures they're getting the right balance.
If you're short on time, you can delay the grooming session by a week, but always prioritize their health and well-being.
Monthly routines help ensure your Australian Shepherd stays healthy and happy.
- Monthly: Full grooming session
- Monthly: Thorough teeth cleaning
- Monthly: Check eyes
- Every 6 months: Vet check-up
- Monthly: Review diet and exercise
Handling and Enrichment
Handling your Australian Shepherd should be gentle and consistent. Use positive reinforcement techniques to teach them commands and tricks. Provide them with puzzle toys to keep their mind engaged. A daily 90-minute exercise routine helps manage their herding drive. Consider enrolling them in an obedience class to channel their energy and provide mental stimulation.
During your absence, leave out interactive toys that require them to solve a problem, like a treat-dispensing ball. This can help keep them occupied and engaged.
Handling and enrichment are crucial for your dog's behavior and mental health.
- Use positive reinforcement
- Provide puzzle toys
- Daily: 90+ minutes of exercise
- Consider obedience class
- Leave out interactive toys
Keep reading about Australian Shepherd: Australian Shepherd care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my Australian Shepherd when I'm away?
Feed your Australian Shepherd twice a day, at 8 AM and 4 PM, with 2 cups of dry food each time.
How long should my Australian Shepherd's daily exercise be?
Your Australian Shepherd should have at least 90 minutes of exercise each day, including walks, runs, and playtime.
How often should I groom my Australian Shepherd's coat?
Brush your Australian Shepherd's medium double coat every 3–4 days to prevent mats and tangles.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your australian shepherd is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.