WHY AUSSIE PUPPIES BITE
(And why it usually isn’t aggression)
Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs.
Their job was to move, guide and control livestock. They did this not with their paws or by barking, but largely by using their mouths.
This instinct is already present in a young puppy.
That’s why young Aussies will often:
• chase moving feet
• grab trouser legs or sleeves
• try to herd running children
• attempt to “control” people or other dogs
For many new owners, this behaviour can be worrying. It can sometimes look as though the puppy is aggressive, but in most cases, it isn’t.
Not aggression, but instinct
When a young Aussie mouths or bites when excited, this is usually not aggression, but their natural herding instinct coming through.
The puppy is literally trying to do what the breed was originally developed to do: control and direct movement.
Because Aussies are intelligent and energetic working dogs, they often react strongly to movement.
Without clear guidance, a puppy may try to take control of situations themselves.
That’s why it is important for the owner to provide calmness and clear boundaries.
When does the behaviour become worse?
Biting and mouthing can increase when a puppy:
• receives too much stimulation
• doesn’t get enough rest
• doesn’t understand what is expected of them
A tired or overexcited puppy is more likely to mouth, jump or bite.
That’s why calm and structure are often more important than constantly keeping your puppy busy.
What should you do when your puppy starts biting or mouthing?
1. Interrupt the behaviour
When your puppy starts mouthing or biting, interrupt the behaviour immediately.
For example:
• clap your hands
• make a short, firm sound
• give a clear “hey!” or “no!”
The aim is to briefly interrupt the puppy’s excitement and regain their attention.
2. Stop the interaction
If your puppy continues to bite or mouth, immediately stop the game or interaction.
This teaches the puppy that biting makes the fun stop.
3. Give your puppy time to rest
Many puppies bite more when they are tired or overexcited.
In that situation, it often helps to give your puppy the opportunity to calm down and rest.
With this breed, rest is often one of the keys to balanced behaviour.
Internet advice isn’t always right!!!
You will often read online that when a puppy bites, you should simply give them something else to chew or ignore the behaviour.
That can work for normal play biting.
But with a herding breed, there can be more to it.
The behaviour isn’t always just about teething or play. It can also come from the deeply rooted instinct to control and direct movement.
That’s why Aussies especially need:
• clear boundaries
• structure
• regular rest
• consistent guidance
!!!!! Important to remember !!!!!
Biting and mouthing in young Aussies is usually a phase that is part of growing up with this breed.
With clear and consistent guidance, most puppies quickly learn what is and isn’t acceptable.
When owners understand where the behaviour comes from, most Aussies grow into stable, intelligent and extremely loyal family dogs.
– Canine Compass – Where calm gives direction –