Are Australian Shepherds Good With Kids?

If you have kids and you are considering an Australian Shepherd, you are asking exactly the right question. Aussies can make fantastic family dogs, but they are not the right fit for every family with children. Their energy level, herding instincts, and need for engagement mean that the match works beautifully in some households and not so well in others.

The Good News

Australian Shepherds can be wonderful with kids when they are properly trained and socialized. They are loyal, protective, playful, and full of energy, which makes them great playmates for active children. Many Aussies form incredibly close bonds with the kids in their family and become devoted companions and guardians.

Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, which means you can teach them appropriate behavior around children. Their stamina means they can keep up with even the most energetic kids. And their loyal nature means they tend to stay close and watch over their young family members.

The Herding Instinct Challenge

The biggest issue with Aussies and kids is the herding instinct. Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock, and that instinct does not disappear just because there are no sheep around. Many Aussies will try to herd children, especially small ones who run, squeal, and move unpredictably. This herding behavior can include circling, nipping at heels, and bumping, which can frighten or hurt young children.

This is not aggression. It is deeply ingrained instinct. But a child does not know the difference between a playful nip and a bite, and even a gentle herding nip can break the skin on a small child. This behavior needs to be addressed through training from the very beginning, and it takes consistent effort to manage.

Best Age Match

Australian Shepherds tend to do best with school age children (roughly 6 and up) who are old enough to understand how to interact with dogs appropriately. Kids this age can be taught to respect the dog’s space, use proper handling, and recognize when the dog needs a break.

With toddlers and very young children, the combination of a high energy herding dog and a small, unpredictable human requires constant supervision. It can work, but it takes significantly more management and training. If you have very young kids and are set on an Aussie, be prepared for a lot of hands on supervision during the first few years.

Setting Everyone Up For Success

Socialization is key. Expose your Aussie to children of different ages early and often, making sure all interactions are positive and supervised. Teach the dog that calm behavior around kids gets rewarded, and redirect any herding behavior immediately.

Teaching the kids is just as important as training the dog. Children need to learn not to run screaming past the dog (which triggers herding instinct), not to bother the dog while eating or sleeping, and to recognize when the dog is telling them to back off. Give the dog a safe space like a crate or a separate room where they can retreat when they need a break from kid energy.

Exercise is crucial for making this relationship work. A well exercised Aussie is much calmer and less likely to engage in problematic herding behavior around kids. Make sure the dog’s energy needs are met before expecting them to coexist peacefully with energetic children.

Benefits Of Growing Up With An Aussie

When the match works, kids who grow up with Australian Shepherds gain so much. They learn responsibility through helping care for the dog. They have a loyal companion who loves outdoor adventures as much as they do. They develop empathy and communication skills through interacting with an animal. And they have a best friend who will be by their side through childhood, which is something really special.