Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

Yes, Australian Shepherds are good with kids. The Australian Shepherd’s high energy and playful nature make them great playmates for older children.

Because they are herding dogs, however, Australian Shepherds may try to herd small children when playing. The instinct to nip at the heels of people to corral them can be halted with bite-inhibition training and by redirecting their instincts towards games or toys. The best thing you can do is to provide them with plenty of socialization, as the more they are exposed to children, the less likely they are to herd or nip.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Australian Shepherd to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is also crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child.