Why Does My Aussie Charge Me?

by Jen
(Northern Illinois)

Hi there! We just rescued Sammy (M-N), our new Aussie, from a rescue here in Illinois. We've had him for about a month and so far he has been an amazing and loving new addition to our new family. He is adapting well and picking up on training like the brilliant Aussie he is!

When we go out for walks, I walk on the path and let him off leash to run and get his energy out. There is a big open field surrounding the path and he is excellent in coming when called, even if there is something of interest to him.

Many times when he runs (and I'm walking) he will circle back and charge at me. If I don't move he will slam into me (he's done it a couple times). One time I stood my ground and he kind of bounced off of me. Luckily I'm quite sturdy and could take the hit, whereas someone smaller may have tumbled over with him. Since that one good hit, he hasn't directly tackled me, but charges and veers. He doesn't appear to be doing this aggressively. In fact he appears to be having fun! I just know that this behavior can be intimidating to someone who doesn't know him.

Is this normal? Is is a herding technique? Does anyone else's Aussie do this? And most importantly, should I start curbing this behavior? I've never seen him do it to anyone else, but that doesn't mean he hasn't/won't.

Thanks!

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