This is a list of the top dog trainers in Columbus, OH, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Dublin, Worthington, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, Gahanna, New Albany
I first realized the power and impact of training in 2012. At the time, I was working at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, observing Wouter Stellaard, a world-renowned animal trainer, train rats to complete an obstacle course. The five rats all named after different types of cheese, took the stage together. Four scurried around a pool, while one swam across, using the shortcut to get to th...
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
In-home visits: Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Powell, Pataskala, New Albany, Worthington, Bexley, Delaware, Marysville
Private practice since 1993.
Board and train
Favorite Part of Teaching: Getting to watch my students and their dogs improve and ultimately achieve their goals.
Most memorable accomplishment: My WAO Pentathlon Gold Medal in 2016 with Dreamer was an incredible individual achievement. My Team Jumping Silver Medal in 2019 at the Agility World Championships with Swindle meant so much as it was a group effort where I was running not ju...
Agility training, Board and train
Ever since she can remember, Jackie has always loved animals and dreamed about working with them one day, which led her to the Ohio State University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science. Prior to graduation, Jackie started her dream career working for Joel Slaven's Professional Animals, which produced the animal show Surfin Safari at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, as w...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Shannon has been a certified Canine Academy trainer for the last 3 years, and has trained over 375 dogs with positive experience techniques! Before finding her true passion as a dog trainer, Shannon was educated in Equine Studies. Shannon began her dog training career as an agility handler where she competed in CPE trials with her dog. Shannon believes that dog training is important because dog...
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Mitchell Christian, is the owner and head trainer at Christian K-9 Academy and the president of the non-profit German Shepherd Rescue Ohio. Mitch's love for dog training started in childhood, but it really blossomed while serving in the United States Marine Corps, where he spent some of his time around the handlers of the military working dogs and his passion grew. At the end of his active duty...
Puppy training, In home training
Tiffany has spent her whole life working with dogs. As a small child, she trained the family dogs, and started working at the local animal shelter as a teen. At age 16, she started teaching dog obedience classes, and has helped people and dogs improve their relationships for over 20 years now. She has titled several dogs in obedience, agility, rally, and conformation, including the first Anatol...
Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Karin has been training dogs since 2005. Her personal dogs have competed in flyball, agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt , disc and dock diving. At home she has Kevin-a Malinois Border Staffy, and Carl a Sports Mix and Lyra-a cat who acknowledges she exists. Some of her qualifications include: Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Founder of the International Dog Parkour Asso...
Agility training, Board and train
Favorite part of teaching: While teaching the handling skills and proper obstacle performance is always rewarding, my favorite part is coaching the teams. Finding out their goals, building a plan to help them achieve those goals, and being there to celebrate in their victories.Most memorable accomplishment: My most memorable experience in recent time was winning the 2018 Silver Medal at the FCI...
Agility training
Favorite Part of Teaching: The opportunity to help others learn and improve handling techniques and obstacle performance. To show handlers the fun and teamwork they can develop and enjoy with their pets.
Most memorable accomplishment: Winning my way onto the 2015 AKC World Team with Speedo.
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Kayla is a graduate from our Trainer Apprentice program. Prior to starting her own apprentice training, Kayla was a member of our care team for over 2 years, helping got make sure all of our dogs were happy and loved while at school! Kayla has spent her life around animals, which started when she joined her local 4H program and continued to support that program as a leader and mentor. Kayla lov...
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Tommy is our dedicated kennel manager, ensuring that operations run smoothly and that all the dogs receive the highest standard of care. In addition to overseeing daily kennel activities, Tommy expertly sets up training scenarios for our police and protection dogs, helping to prepare them for real-world situations. As an Iraq combat veteran, he brings a wealth of experience and discipline to hi...
Protection/guard dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, In home training, Agility training
Abigail has been training dogs since 2002. Her personal dogs have competed in agility, obedience, rally and barn hunt and she is captain of the flyball team here in Columbus. 'At home she has Gina-an ancient border collie mix, Sulley-a chihuahua mix, Flux-a Border Collie Jack Russel mix, and Mouse a whippet.‚ Some of her qualifications include:Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State ...
Puppy training, In home training
Karey has always had a love of animals and a desire to teach and care for those in need. She was the kind of kid that brought every stray or injured animal home to nurse, recover, and train. However, she took a different approach in life and joined the Air Force in 1995 as a nurse. Karey retired from the Air Force after 26 years of service in June 2021. While serving as a flight and trauma nur...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Alex's desire to become a trainer started in 2011 when he had an out of control German shepherd puppy named Titan. His mom gave him an ultimatum to get him trained or he had to go! That led him to Alex seeking ecollar training. Alex and Titan did so well with the training that Terry offered him a job as a trainer.Alex is passionate about training because he loves to see the better quality of l...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Marty was born and raised in Ohio. He has spent his entire life living with dogs and is very familiar with many different breeds and mixes.
Marty formally started dog training in 2012. His specialty is e-collar and off-leash obedience training and we were excited to welcome Marty to the Off Leash K9 Columbus team in 2019.
When he is not training, Marty enjoys spending time wit...
Agility training
Favorite Part of Teaching: Helping students. Watching them have great moments and then succeeding.
Most memorable accomplishment: Twofold....Being able to get my own nerves, for the most part, under control and making the finals in a national championship....
Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Casey has been training dogs since 2014. Her personal dogs, a husky and a chow mix, like to play at agility, rally, barn hunt, and doing so many silly tricks for husbandry and for fun.
Casey is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) who likes to puzzle out the Good Dog in any dog, and in particular enjoys fluffy dogs with a lot to say.
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Dean is a versatile member of our team, serving not only as one of our skilled pet dog trainers but also as a dedicated decoy for our police and protection dogs. His passion for training extends to police K9s, where he finds great joy in honing their skills and ensuring they are prepared for the field. In addition to his work with dogs, Dean is an accomplished horse handler and frequently showc...
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Owner of Capital Canine Dog Training, Head Trainer and proud small business owner. When I started Capital Canine I began my mission to help as many dogs and to educate as many human as possible. I believe that dogs are truly an amazing gift the world has given us and we should do everything in our power to build a strong, meaningful bond and give them the best life possible. I've been training ...
Agility training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
"I absolutely love helping dogs and owners learn how to have the best relationship possible. I have been working with dogs in a daycare and in training settings for 3 years. My favorite things to work on are "party tricks" and socialization, but above all I just love watching dogs learn and engage with their people! I have two rescues pups! Hunter is a 3 year old Pittie Hound mix, Roscoe is an ...
Board and train, Puppy training
Hannah Lairmore is our Support Trainer as well as the Administrative and Communications Director. Hannah is the one you will communicate with during onboarding and for scheduling. She tries her best to make becoming a pack member super easy and fun! Hannah, raised in Columbus, has a degree in anthropology from The Ohio State University and loves seeing the similarities and differences between h...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training
Andreia grew up doing what she loved most, working with animals. She has had and taken care of her dogs since she was young. As a young teenager, she volunteered to work in kennels. She enjoyed working at a farm helping take care of horses. She attended schooling at the career center for Animal Management where she learned to care for many different animals. She earned a few different certifica...
Agility training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
"When I was young I dreamed of being a dog trainer. In November of 2019 my fiance and I rescued our dog Nova from Virginia. Nova (pictured on the right) is a 3year old Australian Shepherd and Corgi mix. In 2021 we also adopted a 5 month old Australian Shepherd/Poodle/Border Collie mix. Henry (pictured on the left) is now about 1.5 years old and has settled nicely into our home. Henry has taugh...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Carissa grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and began working at an animal shelter at the age of 18. She has been working with dogs ever since. Carissa is familiar with many breeds and has a background in veterinary medicine.
Carissa became interested in training while working at the animal shelter. Many of the dogs who came in did not have great manners, so she assisted the training team in t...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training
Allison has been training dogs of all ages and breeds since 2009 when she started as a kennel tech at her father's franchise. Allison followed her passion back to school and became a certified trainer before starting a professional business of her own. Allison believes you can understand a dog's psychology and emotion simply by observing their behavior. She's honed her techniques through years...
Puppy training, Agility training
My name is Paige, I am a devoted cat mom of 3 fat cats, who probably have more say in my life than I do, and have been happily married since 2021! Growing up we always had dogs which led me to my first job working with dogs. I knew I had found my passion in the animal world and started looking for ways to expand my knowledge and find a way to ensure I could stay working with dogs. In 2018 I sta...
Puppy training, Agility training
My name is Jennifer Markiewicz; I am a happy wife, loving mother and North Linden resident. Making my dreams come true while helping serve my community. I am the proud owner of Proper Pups Dog Training. My whole life I knew I was supposed to be working with animals, so after High School I went to Vet Tech school where I graduated in 2009. Shortly after I graduated from Vet Tech school I complet...
Protection/guard dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Molly was born and raised in Cincinnati, Oh. After graduating from Ohio University with her bachelors in Communications and two minors in Marketing and Social Media. She started her career in the Marketing and Social Media industry. After graduating college, she adopted a Red Heeler mix named Bear. Bear sparked her interest and passion in dog training which encouraged her to change career paths...
In home training
Teresa grew up in a military family and moved frequently. Having dogs as part of her family assisted tremendously during the transition from one place to the next. As a military nurse, Teresa spent 20 years taking care of patients in both peace time and deployed environments. Early in her career, she determined that she had a passion for teaching and continued formal and informal instruction t...
Agility training, In home training
Walter Mott is our Lead Dog Behaviorist and Professional Dog Trainer. Walter is certified as an AKC Certified Evaluator, SIRIUS Accredited Dog Trainer as well as through the ADPT (Association for Professional Dog Trainers). Walter was educated at the Dunbar Academy, which advanced and expanded upon the positive reinforcement principles that he had already been practicing for over 15+ years with...
Agility training, Puppy training, In home training
Desiree has always wanted to work in the animal field. She's had many exotic and non-exotic pets in her lifetime. She found Reale Dog Training which satisfies her desire to work with animals in a positive environment as well as make a change for the better in the animal world! She plans to enroll in the Karen Pryor Academy in the near future.
Agility training, Puppy training, In home training
Phil is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner! Phil started training pups in 2006 through volunteering in The Ohio State Universities Puppy Kindergarten classes. After working with the OSU animal behaviorists Phil found his love of dog training and has never looked back.Phil has helped Animal Care Center at Cherry Way build a behavioral department since 2010. With over 17 years of ex...
Agility training
Most memorable accomplishment: My favorite agility moment was winning the 12 inch Challengers round at NAC 2022. I was really proud of our 2023 competition year. My papillon Primo and I made all three international teams. We won our spot onto the EO team, and we placed 9th cumulatively in Pentathlon at our first WAO.
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Meet Ellie, a valued team member of our business. With a deep passion for canine companionship, Ellie brings boundless energy and dedication to her role. Her love for dogs shines through in every interaction, as she delights in caring for them and engaging in playful activities that bring out their best.When Ellie isn't at work, you'll often find her with her loyal German Shepherd, Knox, by her...
Agility training, Puppy training, In home training
Selena is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Growing up there was never a time in her life when she didn't have a pet to take care of. She is a 2022 graduate of The Graham School. Selena originally wanted to be a Veterinarian Technician, but in her senior year of high school she interned at Reale Dog Training. I never thought I would find such a perfect job for me, she says. Th...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
As a seasoned handler with several years of professional experience, Austin truly fell in love with dog training when he realized that a dog's freedom, through proper training, was making a huge impact on the bonds between owner and dog. What a rewarding job! He believes life with your dog shouldn't be confined to your home but that it should be full of traveling, hiking, patio dinners and more...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Emma joined Canine Academy in early 2022, but her desire to become a trainer started with her grandparents' yellow lab, Sunny. At a young age, Emma would spend time training Sunny in her grandparents backyard and attributes her love of dogs to the bond dogs created between her, her Grandfather and her uncle, Shawn. Since joining Canine Academy, Emma has trained and tutored over 100 dogs! Emma b...
Board and train
Joel Slaven has over five decades experience in the animal industry. His career started at the world-renowned Darby Dan Farms where he trained racehorses in Columbus, Ohio. Joel then began raising and training exotic animals at the Columbus Zoo for Jack Hanna. He has been the head animal trainer and show producer for parks such as Cypress Gardens, Silver Springs, Six Flags over Texas and Georgi...
Agility training, Puppy training, In home training
Miranda is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She has been working in animal care for over seven years. She started training after getting her dog, River! After experiencing the bond that was created with River through positive reinforcement training, she made it her career!
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Jacey grew up around a lot of animals as her mother is a veterinarian. She spent a large portion of her childhood volunteering at veterinary hospitals and animal shelters.Jacey worked as a veterinary technician while majoring in biology in college. After college, Jacey rescued her Belgian Malinois, Akira, who at the time had some behavioral issues. Akira really set Jacey on the path of being a ...
Off leash training, In home training
Jeff Turner serves as President of K9 Solutions Center. Jeff started K9 Solutions Center in early 2001. Jeff has spent more than 20 years training civilian and Police K9's in a variety of skills. When not training dogs and trainers Jeff is an active duty Police Officer in Ohio.
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Jacey is our second successful graduate from the Canine Academy Training Apprenticeship Program. She has trained over 100 dogs! Before becoming a trainer, Jacey worked as a Kennel Technician on our Care Team where she worked diligently to ensure every dog on our property was cared for while not in training. Jacey's passion for dogs originated from her childhood pup, Milo, and while she might ...
Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Trish teaches all of Adventure Unleashed's Nosework classes.
Trish is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is also a C-Wags Scentwork judge.
Welcome to Columbus’s list of top dog trainers. The Columbus, Ohio list is based on 113 votes from the Ohio Sniffspot community. Only the Columbus dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Sarah Dugger at the top of this list with 109 votes. We also counted 477 votes for Ohio, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Columbus.
Our rankings include trainers certified by Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and . They also specialize in In home training, Puppy training amongst other training programs.
Columbus dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Columbus training session lies a passionate professional. Sarah Dugger shares why they chose this path: I recognized a need in the pet owner community for ethical, positive, and skillful trainers. In my 'zoo bubble' I was surrounded by the best of the best trainers, but in our everyday society, there is an overwhelming amount of traditional and behavior-suppressing methods. I feel motivated to show people that there is a better way, and that we can get results that leave both the pet parent and the pet happier and more bonded.. All 44 trainers on this Columbus list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Columbus trainer, Elissa O'Sullivan, uses the following methods: Force-free, least invasive.
Explore the top dog trainers in Columbus as voted by our community:
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
In order to be a dog trainer, you must also be a dog listener. Learn how to speak their language by observing their body language, and then you can build towards two-way communication..
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought those dreaded middle-of-the-night potty breaks were over. You were finally free from cleaning up puppy puddles. Then, suddenly, your furry friend starts having accidents again. It's frustrating, right? This puppy potty training regression is more common than you think. Don't worry; we'll help you get your pup back on track. We'll cover the common causes, offer practical solutions, and give you actionable steps to tackle this challenge together.
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding dogs is key to keeping them happy and stimulated. This article explores some of the best toys for herding dogs, including options specifically for breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. We'll help you discover the perfect herding toys for dogs to tap into their natural instincts and keep them entertained for hours.
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks across the US. We'll cover top-rated public parks, the perks of private dog parks, and even explore Sniffspot locations – giving your pup a safe and fun place to play. Ready to find your dog's new favorite spot? Let's go!
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you covered. We'll help you find the perfect spot for your pup, with tips on what to bring, how to prepare, and even understanding dog body language. Plus, we'll explore some top Portland dog parks, including public and Sniffspot options, so you can plan your next dog-friendly adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and loyal personalities. This guide draws on the experience of nearly 10,000 AmStaff owners to reveal the truth about this often misunderstood breed. Want to learn more about caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier? You're in the right place.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.