How many Aussies do you have?

[WhittleBurner]

I noticed there are quite a few Aussie owners here. Curious how many Aussies are enjoying their GD trailers?

We have 2 happy Aussie campers (plus a big shitz)

[RetiredVagabond]

I have an Aussie. 1 1/2 years old. I got him after I started full timing.

[ZenJem]

We have 2 Aussies This is after a 6 mile hike

[WhittleBurner]

One is almost 8yo and it still takes a few miles to wear him out. It's almost like the shorter walks or hikes just energize him more. I remember reading when we got our first Aussie,


1. All toys are mine. If you have the toy, it is mine. If I leave the toy and you take it, it’s still mine.
2. Your house is accessorized—with fur. Australian Shepherds shed twice a year, for six months at a time. It becomes a condiment on your food
3. You cannot run without being “herded” in the correct direction when you own an Aussie.
4. Every new stuffed animal toy you bring home must be properly “checked” (unstuffed) for security purposes.
5. Aussies are very intelligent and learn by observing (remember that the next time you are digging a hole in the backyard).
6. Aussies can tell time and can stare a hole in you when it is time for dinner.
7. Aussies are very active and agile, and they need something to do to keep them busy; or they will think of something to do on their own that you might not like as much!
8. Aussies are like potato chips, you cannot have just one!

And this list
Don't get an Aussie If.....!

If you don't like exercise ...
If you don't like a whirlwind of activity around you ...
If you don't like expectant eyes upon you whenever you put on shoes or pick up keys ...
If you get irritated by toys shoved in your lap all the time ...
If you don't want your arm to go numb from throwing ...
If you don't like company in the bathroom ...
If you don't like being firm ...
If you don't like dogs in your house ...
If you don't like hair on your floors ,in your food and on your bed...
If you can't stand barking, even for a good reason ...
If you expect your dog to love everyone he meets ...

[Navigator]

We used to raise and show Aussies. Now we're down to one who will be turning 12 years old this summer. Luckily, Bella's doing great and is happy with the rescue dog, Rocky the PoodleX, we got to keep her company. We also travel with 2 cats and that fills up the back area of the crew cab!

[sande005]

Just came across this thread! We started RV'ing 4 years ago, taking our Aussies Neka and Loki to all three coasts, and Northern Minn. Sadly, Neka passed this past July (13 1/2 - cancer), so Loki was the only one to explore Utah with us this past fall. But, the 9 yr old will have a new interest in life - currently waiting on a new puppy to get old enough to move to her forever home in a couple of weeks. THAT will keep him busy for a while. It will be interesting to see how camping with a young puppy will fare this summer!

In the picture from the Oregon coast trip, Neka is the black tri, with a tail!

[Steve7]

We currently have two mini Aussies, Sky and Sierra. They travel great. We got our first regular sized Aussie when I was on patrol back in the working days, and came across a lost Aussie, along with a German Shepherd. I opened the rear door of my cruiser and they jumped in. Dropped them off at animal control, went home after shift and told the wife about the Aussie. By this time I've had a few German Shepherds over the years as a canine officer, and still had one at home that was retired.

We went to animal control to take a second look at her, and my wife fell in love. No one claimed her, so we adopted her and ever since then she never left my wife's side, unless I took her out to play ball...which she loved to do. Sadie is no longer with us, but we have stuck with the breed. We went to the mini's, as I've always had large dogs, and learned that the smaller ones are easier to travel with. Very good dogs!

[WhittleBurner]

Sandee, sorry you lost your tri, we lost our black tri this past summer too. A new Aussie pup is going to be fun!!...we're going to need pics. I remember when we rescued Koda (he was about 5 mos old) he was a multicolored fluffball.

There really is something addictive about the breed. Steve, really nice looking minis ! They still have that definate Aussie look. Are the minis just as energetic ?

[Steve7]

Marcy & Gary,

yes, the minis I've seen have had the same characteristics as the full size. Love to play, want attention when their in the mood, and definitely get into a routine. Ours are good to be left alone for hours at a time when on the road, but they get their exercise also. Our Sierra is a great frisbee catcher. Sky will catch it, but then tear it up, so she gets to play ball.

Your Blue Merle looks a lot like our Sky.

[WhittleBurner]

Marcy & Gary,

Your Blue Merle looks a lot like our Sky.

Gary said the same thing when he saw the picture, your Sky looks like our Koda.

Koda plays keep away much better than bringing back the ball, then I remind him that the ball can't be thrown again unless he returns it . Then he will give it up with a tug fight.

His daily job is to take his rubber toy for a walk around the park. He chooses which one (he has way to many) . On rare occasions he doesn't want to take it and we get stopped a few times and asked where his Duck, Chicken or other toy is. Those days he carrys the leash and walks me.