Puppy Sitting An Aussie

by Janine Finnie
(New Zealand)

My son has got a nine month old Aussie. Because he and his partner work I have helped with puppysitting since he got him about 5 months ago. He and my daughters 16 month old Golden Retriever come for play dates approximately 3 or 4 times a week. He loves coming and has a great time.

There is a few problems emerging with him (at both houses), that we are attempting to get on top of before they escalate. We have been in touch with the breeder who strongly felt that as the breed is meant to be more of a one man person dog that spending too much time in two different homes would be detrimental. Has anyone got any thoughts or experience on this?

I love the wee guy so much and enjoy having him. I had thought that it was better to give him more company and life experiences rather than being by himself too much as I know this breed needs the company. I do also think what the breeder said makes alot of sense too and I may have just been confusing the puppy about where his loyalties lie. His advise was to only have him one day a week as a treat and was better alone more than being confused.

One example is that he is attacking my cats now even although he has been part-time brought up with them. There are no other pets at his home.

Any advice would be most appreciated.