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Aussies aren't as pushy as cattle dogs, but they are persistent, and can become dominant to their owners if you don't understand what they are up to. Aussies have a sense of humor, and are sensitive to corrections, but they still will try to get away with stuff. An Aussie also believes everything in the house is theirs, especially the dog stuff.
Mine have also been prone to wanting to fight with other dogs, so being a good leader can help keep that tendency under control. Of course males may be different, I only keep females. If a squabble breaks out here often the one Aussie will try to get in on it. The older one knows better.
Aussies can be Velcro dogs that get jealous of other dogs. I've seen enough Cesar Milans with problem Aussies, and see a lot of complaints about them on Facebook groups. Depending on what you get they can be an easy dream, or a troublemaker. Getting enough exercise will help them behave, as it does for any dog.
Show lines can be calmer, and bigger. Smaller farm lines can be more hyper. I have said over the years that I love Aussies, and I never want another one. I'm pretty sure there's at least one more in my future.
Thanks for all the info, that makes sense. Do you think some of the problems are from people getting puppy mill/pet store Aussies and/or not knowing how to raise them or give enough exercise? Or just a breed thing? Idk, I'm sure there's plenty of people with problem ones from all breedings but I just feel like a lot or most people on that show aren't exactly dog people. If I got one I do plan on getting show lines because I don't need one any more hyper than a regular Aussie lol and maybe looking for one with calmer, more social, and/or more obedient dogs might help.
I'm still torn between a retriever or herding breed though. Their Goldens were sooo sweet. But I do like a little more drive so idk. If I went herding breed, I'm torn between Aussie or English Shepherd. ES seem to be a little calmer and more chill and more similar to a Golden in terms of the chill until you're ready to go but yet possibly smarter and the herding personality. And possibly less protective. So idk. I do want to at least try an Aussie though and probably better to do it while I'm young but idk.