Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in Minneapolis, MN. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Minneapolis area.
KPA-CTP, TAGteach level 2
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN and surrounding suburbs; Hudson and western, WI; virtual training
I founded Giffy dog in 2012 after I had spent the previous twelve years providing foster care for rescue dogs. My passion for working with dogs in the rescue community was well-established by then, but I recognized the need to refine and improve my skills with the most current, well-researched methods. In 2015, I completed the rigorous Karen Pryor Academy program and have pursued regular ongoin...
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Northwest Metro Area (Maple Grove and surrounding area)
I have been teaching classes and working with clients at Cloud Nine Dog Training in Maple Grove, MN and on an individual basis. I love supporting the local dog community. I am dedicated to supporting and educating families on training manners and understanding their dog's behavior so they can live harmoniously together.
CPDT-KA and C-FDM
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
It includes, but is not limited to: Lakeville, Prior Lake, Burnsville, Savage, Shakopee, Jordan, Belle Plaine, Carver, Chaska, Excelsior, Victoria.
Meet Holly - Lead Trainer Owner of Unleashed Behavior and Training ServicesCPDT-KA and Certified Family Dog MediatorHolly is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer as well as a Certified Family Dog Mediator. Her compassion for animals and desire to assist the humans on the other end of the leash are evident. She very muc...
LFDM, CPDT- KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Minneapolis/St.Paul & Suburbs including Eagan, Inver Grove Heights
Carrie has been in the dog industry since 2008. She started off in Veterinary Technician school and worked at vet clinics. She quickly turned to the study of canine behavior, and the relationship and connection between people and dogs.
Experience obtained in those early years also included: intake supervisor for lost and stray dogs inside her county, working at a small boarding facility,...
CPDT-KSA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge and Skills Assessed) FDM (Certified Family Dog Mediator)
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Minneapolis, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Edina, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen
Jen has been lead training for the past 12 years, teaching group classes and private lessons. She also served several years as the Training Director for local dog rescue, A Rotta Love Plus. Jen has spent a lifetime living with and caring for a variety of animals, with almost 2 decades of experience working with animals in an 'official' capacity, volunteering in shelters and with rescues as well...
Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET)
Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Duluth, MN
I'm certified as both a Family Dog Mediator (FDM) and Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), and am working toward earning my CPDT-KA through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
I share my life with a cattledog mix named Boris (TKI) and a border collie named Winona (CGC, TKA). Some of their favorite activities include: herding, tracking, scentwork, trick training,...
CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Twin Cities
I always loved animals as a kid. When I got my first dog Rosie an adolescent Australian Shepherd, in 2013 I quickly fell in love with dog training. We pursued obedience, tricks, and sports. We even did some film and commercial work. In 2015 I became a dog trainer at PetSmart to gain experience teaching group classes and working with a variety of dogs. In 2016 I became a Certified Professional D...
CBCC-KA CPDT-KSA CVT
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sara Reusche, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, CVT, AKC CGC and Trick Evaluator, UKC SPOT Evaluator (she/her) purchased Paws Abilities in 2010 after working for the business since 2004. She has turned her love of animals and teaching into a career and is dual certified as a veterinary technician and professional dog trainer. In addition to training, Sara has worked as a groomer, vet tech, dog daycare attenda...
IAABC-ADT, CCDT
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs
My name is Rei (pronounced "ray", and my full name is pronounced "ray-ee-chee") and I live just south of the Twin Cities. My animals include: Betelgeuse the Australian Shepherd, who is my Service Dog and my best friend. We do Obedience, Rally, and Treibball! And Tootsie the African Senegal Parrot, who is a rescue from The Parrot's Umbrella. She is learning cooperative care for nail trims and mo...
ABC certified, positive reinforcement certified, ABC reactive and aggressive training certified, ABC certified in canine massage.
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Twin Cities Metro, Minnesota or remote anywhere in the continental US.
I've lived in Eagan for about 3.5 years and have been training since October of 2011 when I graduated from the Animal Behavior College (California). I did my internships with MARS (Midwest Animal Rescue) & Animal Ark. I am additionally certified in training reactive and aggressive dogs focused on getting reactive and aggressive dogs rehomed out of shelters. I am also certified in canine massage...
KPA-CTP, ANWI
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Twin cities metro
I have been a professional dog trainer for 15 years and a hobby trainer for 40. In my 20s I worked at an animal shelter for 9 years and love rescue dogs. My formal education includes a BS in Animal Science and Technical Communication. I'm also a Karen Prior Certified Dog Trainer and have been teaching K9 nosework for 13 years.
Puppy training, Agility training
Corrie Barrows began training at TCOTC in 2000 with her Labrador, Beef. She came to the club because Ruth Foster, one of the inventors of the gentle leader, was an instructor and the former club president. She knew Ruth's club would be the best place to learn about positive reinforcement and non-force dog training. Corrie went from being a student to an obedience assistant and then an instructo...
Puppy training, Agility training
Meg has been a member of TCOTC since 2013 when she signed up for Basic with her first rescue dog, Joe, and became engrossed in dog training ever since. After adopting her second rescue dog, Phoebe, Meg wanted to be more involved with the club and started assisting in 2017. Since 2018, she now teaches primarily Basic Obedience and loves having the opportunity to educate her students with the sam...
Puppy training, Agility training
Laura was 'bitten' by the training bug and came to TCOTC in 2003 for agility and obedience classes with her two Jack Russell Terriers (Greta and Zak) and Golden Retriever (Fabian). After taking classes for a bit, Laura began assisting in agility classes to learn more and watch other teams. As she completed the observers class and acquiring additional experience and knowledge in training agilit...
Puppy training, Agility training
Katie has been training dogs since 1980, when she first joined TCOTC. She currently teaches agility from the beginner through advanced levels, from foundation through masters, and has also assisted with Rally Obedience classes. She has participated or currently participates in agility in AKC, CPE and NADAC, barn hunt, AKC obedience and rally, lure coursing, earth dog and AKC conformation, winni...
Puppy training, Agility training
I have been involved with dogs since convincing my parents to let me join 4H and raise a puppy for The Seeing Eye (in NJ) when I was in high school in the 70s. After all, it was only a one year commitment, I said. Well, we all know how that works out! I ended up raising 4 Seeing Eye puppies. Life is better with a dog, so I have had 4 canine companions since then. Paavo is my 3rd Aussie, but my ...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Ashley joined the team in 2021 and is our newest Dog Life Coach, but she's no greenhorn! Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in zoology and has years of experience fostering rescues, volunteering at shelters, and working in dog daycare and boarding. She originally began studying dog body language and behavior modification to better manage the dogs in her off-leash group play sessions. She saw firs...
Puppy training, Agility training
Anitra has been a Monday night desk volunteer for many years and a recently became an Agility Instructor after serving as an assistant. She was elected as an alternate board member in January 2020 but almost immediately became a full board member after a resignation created a vacancy. She was re-elected to the TCOTC board in January 2021. She has also served on the board of a nonprofit called C...
Puppy training, Agility training
I have been a member since 1991. I came to TCOTC with my dog, Shadow, She was a Norwegian Elkhound, who was a great dog but a bull in a china closet. She needed some table manners. Back in those days the classes were Level I, Level II and Level III. After the first eight weeks were over, I knew I was hooked. I started taking classes to become an assistant and then follow through as an instructo...
Puppy training, Agility training
Trisha started taking classes at TCOTC in 2011 with the goal of trying out Flyball with her Brussels Griffon, Colonel Beardsley. In 2015, she was approached by a staff member about possible interest in assisting in the puppy & tweener classes and she hasn't looked back. Along with Assisting in Puppy and Tweeners, Trisha has assisted in many basic classes and multiple Tier 2 classes, she has bee...
Puppy training, Agility training
Susanne joined TCOTC in 2019 when she adopted her Dobermann, Prada. She took lots of classes and received so much help from the TCOTC instructors that she decided to volunteer. She started working at the TCOTC frontdesk in 2020. With the guidance of department head Jane Jacobson especially, Prada has become so confident that Susanne and Prada have started to compete in obedience and earned titl...
Puppy training, Agility training
Meera became a volunteer obedience assistant after training her dogs Satchel and Lilo at the club beginning in 2017. She has taken her dogs through a number of Obedience classes and also completed the Flyball program. Her background in education and understanding of learning styles aided her transition into becoming an Instructor at TCOTC. She was elected to the club's board in January 2021 and...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Perhaps the biggest dog behavior geek of them all, Jody has decades of experience working with dogs and specializes in off-leash play and training. She studied directly underneath famed behaviorist Jean Donaldson and graduated from the dog trainers' version of Harvard: the Academy for Dog Trainers. Prior to founding Go Anywhere Dog, Jody helped to teach and heal thousands of rescue dogs at Safe...
Puppy training, Agility training
LaDonna started training at TCOTC in 2015 when she and her husband got Maxwell, a goldendoodle, and decided that he should have some manners so he could be a good boy in public. A few years later they got Lexi, a mini goldendoodle. LaDonna and her husband went through many wonderful classes with both dogs and eventually started agility and became hooked! LaDonna spent five years being a puppy...
Puppy training, Agility training
I am a very ,very long time member of TCOTC. I have instructed at TCOTC for about 40 years teaching obedience and now agility. I've handled a variety of dogs including soft coated wheatens, American eskimos, Yorkies and papillons. I even had a Doberman live with me for about 6 months while the owner's house was being built. I have showed in agility, obedience, rally, confirmation, and scent w...
Puppy training, Agility training
Hi, I'm Rachel. My evenings are spent at TCOTC taking dog training classes or as a volunteer assistant instructor. I'm married and have two Labrador retrievers. We love to go camping and hiking. We also love to kayak. If I could find a way to bring my dogs on a kayak trip, that would be my favorite way to spend a weekend.
Puppy training, Agility training
Scott started as a student at TCOTC in 2008 with his German Shepherd named Tucker. He began teaching at TCOTC 2013. Scott teaches Basic and Puppy Basic Obedience, as well as all Tier 2 Classes. He is certified in Pet Emergency First Aid and Canine CPR. He is also a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog, and FETCH evaluator and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through CCPDT. Scott ...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Emily has always loved animals. We know every trainer bio says that, but really, She belts out Disney songs for the dogs when she thinks nobody's listening. Her passion for animals comes naturally, and nobody understands more than Emily that a deep emotional connection is the best foundation for a happy, well-behaved dog. Or horse. Or cat. (Emily doesn't discriminate.) She began training for bi...
Puppy training, Agility training
Vanessa has been a member of TCOTC since 2015, when she first began puppy socialization with her German Shepherd, Baxter. Since then she has been a desk volunteer, a board member, puppy agility assistant, and an obedience and behavior assistant. Currently, Vanessa is the instructor for Changing Attitudes, a behavior modification class. Vanessa is pet CPR and First Aid certified, is an AKC Canin...
Puppy training, Agility training
Carol is the Therapy Department Head and lead instructor. She began teaching at TCOTC in 1992 and currently teaches Therapy Dog Levels 1, 2, and 3, and is also responsible for developing the program's curriculum. Carol has been a therapy dog handler for 30+ years and has been a Pet Partners Therapy Animal Evaluator of 10 species of animal for 25 years. Carol is a retired Member of the National ...
Puppy training, Agility training
Cheryl volunteers regularly for a variety of events, and is also a member of the agility setup crew. Her dog Abby earned her AKC MACH in agility and her AKC UD In obedience and her AKC Rally RAE. Her current dog Georgie earned her AKC, ASCA, and CDSP CD and she also has her AKC Rally Novice title.
Puppy training, Agility training
Anne moved to the Twin Cities from Detroit in 2016 to become TCOTC's first executive director. She saw it as a great opportunity to combine her experience running nonprofits with her love for dogs. Before joining TCOTC, Anne was vice president of communication and marketing for Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, where she oversaw annual fund raising, marketing, board and vol...
Certified Advanced Canine Training Professional (CACTP) Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS)
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Minneapolis Apple Valley Lakeville Minnetonka Burnsville St. Paul Savage Shakopee Bloomington Eagan Edina Eden Prairie
My name is Kelsey and I own The Good Dog Co.
My goal is to educate other pet parents and give them the tools and knowledge that they need to live a happy, calm life with their dogs. Whatever your behavioral issue is, there is a solution for it as long as you are willing to do the work.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Missouri and certifications CACTP and CCT...
Puppy training, Agility training
Paula has been training at TCOTC since 2012 when she started a beginners agility class with her 5 year old chessie. Since then she has progressed to competing in agility, flyball, and hunt with her two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. Paula has been a desk staff person and an agility assistant, but has spent most of her time as an obedience assistant at both beginner and intermediate levels...
Puppy training, Agility training
Julia has been an instructor in agility at TCOTC for about 12 years. She has volunteered for trials in agility and obedience in many different facets. She worked for a time as Facility Manager and has also volunteered to help with facilities at the club, including updating the agility equipment inventory, ensuring that equipment has been repaired and maintained. Julia also regularly gives her o...
In home training, Puppy training
Susan has been a professional dog trainer for 25 years and started pupDOGS Training in 2009.She specializes in helping owners with their companion dogs. Using humane and gentle techniques, and empathy for both species, she loves making training fun for everyone.By choosing this small business, you know you will be training directly with its owner, Susan. And if you're in a group class, you'll...
Puppy training, Agility training
Laura has been an instructor at TCOTC since 2008. Her primary focus in teaching is ring confidence and preparation to get happy, motivated dogs in the competition ring. She teaches Advanced Obedience, Competition Obedience, Ring Confidence, and Bye Bye Cookie, a relatively new class designed to transition your dog away from relying on rewards to offer the desired behavior. She also instructs st...
Puppy training, Agility training
Christina has been a member of TCOTC since 2013 when she took her tentative first step into the sport of agility with her first Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Nikko. She was immediately hooked by the strong bond formed with the dog and the intellectual challenge of training skills and strategizing courses. Christina, now with two more Tollers (Sole and Presto), competes in AKC and UKI and ...
Puppy training, Agility training
Elektra first attended a basic obedience class in 2022 with her special needs rescue, Gianni the Cocker Spaniel. Together, they have taken many tier 2 classes, freestyle, rally obedience, and nose work. Elektra has been assisting in obedience classes since the fall of 2023, and loves cheering for the successes of both canine and human students.
Puppy training, Agility training
Sara has been training and competing in agility for ten years with dachshunds and border collies. She got started in agility when her mom, who also does agility, was dog sitting for her, and started teaching her dog some foundation skills. When Sara returned to pick up her dog, her mom said the dog loved agility training, and helped her sign up for classes. Fun fact, her mom is still training a...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Minneapolis, MN is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 343 total votes, resulting in 40 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.
Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Cheryl Gfrerer, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Minneapolis, MN. Cheryl Gfrerer’s favorite part of their job is: I love seeing dogs develop confidence and families learn how satisfying it can be to help their dogs thrive.
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Cheryl Gfrerer, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Cheryl Gfrerer encourages owners with this dog training tip: Choose simple ways to add enrichment, such as interacting with environmental features on walks.
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I saw so many dogs struggling as they transitioned from rescue into adoptive homes, but I also recognized their resilience. I wanted to better understand how to support dogs by providing a safe, enriching environment that allowed them the engage and thrive..
Choose simple ways to add enrichment, such as interacting with environmental features on walks., which is crucial for successful Puppy dog training training. Additionally, Candace (Candy) Brewer recommends:
Animals are living beings. There are days when they won't want to do something just like humans. It doesn't mean we quit or stop trying. It means we come back at another time and give it another try.for improving your dog’s behavior in Minneapolis.
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 your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
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.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* 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.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
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.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next 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.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
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.