Australian Shepherds are often mentioned everywhere as a very active breed who constantly want to play, work or do something. So it‘s natural if you have questions about why your Australian Shepherd is completely different and prefers to lie down all day rather than do something. In this article we will talk why your Australian Shepherd might be lazy and what to do in that case.
Is it normal to have a lazy Australian Shepherd? Yes, every dog has its own character and individual personality. Surely there are Australian Shepherds who prefer to lie down rather than constantly move somewhere. Especially if he is not used to living actively from an early age. Do not worry as long as there are no signs of illness and when you invite the dog to play he is happy to do so.
6 Reasons Why Your Australian Shepherd Is Lazy
As mentioned above, every dog is individual and has its own distinctive personality. However, let‘s take a deeper look at the possible causes of laziness and whether to worry about it.
1. Your Aussie is naturally lazy
If your dog‘s behavior has not changed suddenly and he has been like this all the time, then he can probably be called naturally lazy. But when the owner shows a desire to have fun, they will still be willing to play with short bursts of energy.
Sometimes people forget the fact that each dog is individual. Not only the breed determines the energy leves of the dog. It is also his personality.
After all, among our friends there is also one who participates in marathons every year, and the other prefers to sit on the couch and watch the series. Each dog has their own preferences.
2. Your Australian Shepherd is lazy out of boredom
Let‘s face it, people also get tired of constantly engaging in the same activities. If the dog‘s daily routine is completely the same, it may be that he is simply getting lazy out of boredom.
3. The dog is lazy due to old age
As people get older, they slow down. Body and brains don‘t work the way they used to. The same goes for dogs. and because their lives are shorter, they slow down much faster.
So if your Australian Shepherd is already old and no longer as agile as it used to be, don‘t worry too much. This is a normal part of your dog‘s aging. You will have to look for new ways to enjoy old age with your dog.
When an Australian Shepherd is considered a senior? Well, the average lifespan of Australian Shepherd is 13-15 years. They are considered senior at about 9 years of age (source).
4. Poor Nutrition
Poor or unbalanced diet can also be a reason why a pet is lazy. For example, if a dog eats not very good quality food or just food that is not suitable for him, his energy level will not be high.
Think about what you give your Australian Shepherd to eat. It is best to experiment wisely and discover the food that your Aussie digests best and feels refreshed.
Of course, it would be a good idea to consult a veterinarian or nutritionist. Some advise not to give everything at once, but to try to divide it into several portions. This will make it easier for the dog to digest food, speed up metabolism and the dog will not feel aggravated.
5. Depression
Yes, dogs also have depression. There are various reasons why your dog may be depressed. You may have recently moved to another location and your Australian Shepherd is having a hard time adjusting to the new environment. Or maybe you feel bad yourself, the dog understands this and reflects your feelings.
The best thing you can do when your animal is depressed – spend more time with him. try to involve the dog in your favorite activities, such as cycling or hiking.
You may also consider a visit to the vet. If your dog‘s depression doesn‘t go away, it will help you look for causes and appropriate solutions.
6. Health issues
The most serious cause may be a health problem. Health problems can be vary varied, so it is important to go to your local veterinarian to find out if this laziness is due to an illness.
However, this can usually be seen if the dog‘s behavior has changed suddenly. If your Australian Shepherd was agile, constantly playing, attentive and suddenly became very lazy or even apathetic – go to the vet as soon as possible.
How To Encourage a Lazy Australian Shepherd to be More Active
So, do you really think your Australian Shepherd is lazier than other dogs? Here are some ideas on how to make your lazy Australian Shepherd more active.
First of all: if your dog‘s behavior has changed recently, talk to your veterinarian. Sudden changes can mean it can be a health problem. Your vet will advise you on how best to handle this.
Try different activities
Both humans and animals get bored of doing the same thing over and over again. If your Aussie seems lazy, the same daily activities are no longer of great interest to him, just try introducing new fun activities.
Here are some examples:
- Mountain Biking with your dog
- Running with dog
- Go swimming
- Agility trainings in a special dog park
Check your Australian Shepherd‘s diet
Your Australian Shepherd‘s diet is important and plays a big part in their overall behavior and energy levels.
Try to find food that is beneficial and provides all the necessary ingredients.
Mental stimulation
Keeping your Australian Shepherd‘s brain working might help with his laziness. Teach him some new tricks to keep him busy. It is advisable to spend at least two hours with the dog. It could be an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening.
Final Thoughts
If your Australian Shepherd is healthy and happy, but not interested in long walks or jogging, it could just be his personality. You will definitely not be the only one having “lazy” dog. Some things, like age and personality, are nothing to worry about. But other possibilities, like illness or depression, could mean a trip to the vet.
Just remember that you know your dog best. If he is not behaving like himself, it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Or If this is something serious, treatment must be started immediately. Sometimes it is just boredom or malnutrition, there are many fun ways to change daily activities and habits!