Replies

Two good answers right off the bat. They are, like you said, active dogs, and they'll need lots of activity to keep them engaged, or they'll get bored. And, you'll need to be very firm and swift with behavior that isn't acceptable, like the nipping and chewing.

Nail 'em when they misbehave, keep them busy with positive activities, and over time you should be able to curb the problem. It may take some time, though, and it definitely requires committment on your part.

my brother in law and his wife had an aussie (Jake, beautiful dog!!) they also had a yellow lab who seemed to be too 'airheaded' for Jake to play with (he simply ignored her), well, they ended up having a daughter and about 4 years ago (their daughter was 6 at the time), Jake was found under her bed and would not come out, so BIL reached under to get him and he nipped at him (not bit, nipped), well, that set him off and he sent the dog to the vet to get put down. Now, I don't know who their vet was, but I think it was a STUPID thing of him to do, all the poor dog needed was some space to run around in and some attention (they would leave him out in the yard all day with the other dog). I was so angry with them for doing this, all they had to do was call me and i would find a good home for him........Long story, but point is, PLAY with your dog as much as humanly possible, Aussie's are very active and need 'distraction' constantly!!!