Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in Washington, DC. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Washington area.
KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
NW Washington D.C, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, McClean, Arlington
I have been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years I have trained elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. I graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. I have experience working at veterinary clinics, animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic animals in sanctuary and zoo/aquarium settings. I beli...
ABCDT
Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Washington, DC
I received my certification from Animal Behavior College in 2012, and have been training full time since then.
AKC CGG evaluator, Positive Rewards certification
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
I service the Washington DC Metropolitan area! Central and Southern MD, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia
Sophia brings a wealth of experience in training well-behaved, well-adjusted dogs and equipping pet owners with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to maintain that training at home. Sophia is certified in Dog Training and Animal Nutrition and has worked in the field of pet care and training for over five years. In addition to running her own professional pet care and training business, Sophia...
CPDT-KA
Deaf dog training, Puppy training
Puppies, Adolescent dogs, Senior dogs, Deaf dogs, Behavior Modification
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Kimberly's dog training journey began as a result of volunteering for collie rescues. She was shocked to see so many young collies being surrendered or returned due to behavioral issues. Kimberly met Kelly when she and her collies became certified therapy dog teams with National Capital Therapy Dogs (NCTD).Kimberly is an AKC evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community CGC...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Yasmin (she/her) became interested in dog training and behavior when she adopted a behaviorally complex dog 8 years ago. Yasmin dove into the field of animal behavior first as a board member and training consultant for a local animal rescue and shelter, and then decided to become a professional dog trainer and fully pivot her career in 2020.Years of experience have helped Yasmin to develop a st...
Puppy training
As the head trainer of LianaFit‚Ñ¢, Liana is passionate about strengthening the bond between pet parents and their canine companions using positive reinforcement and canine fitness. She enjoys enriching the lives of dogs by improving their health and fitness while empowering clients to train with confidence, empathy, and evidence-based practices. In addition to holding multiple certifications, ...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Janine has been training and competing in the sport of agility for several years and training dogs for over 10 years. Agility and tricks are her favorite sports.Janine finds teaching agility, tricks and training in general to be a uniquely rewarding experience. She loves being together with the students and the dogs are great. She enjoys watching them progress in dog sports and grow as teams. I...
In home training, Puppy training
My name is April and I am the owner and operator of Core Canine. I obtained my dog training certification through Animal Behavior College. My love of dogs brought me to volunteer with rescues and shelters. I realized, through these volunteer efforts, that behavior is the #1 reason owners surrender their dogs. I decided the best way to prevent dogs from being surrendered was to become a trainer ...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Kelly's background in rescue is what drives her to make changes in the lives of the dogs and humans she interacts with. Her training philosophy is Patience, Persistence, Positive Reinforcement, Praise & Play. She believes an integration of these concepts is key to a successful and happy human and pup. In addition to serving as the trainer for Capitol Canines Animal Rescue and Forever Changed An...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Joelle has been training professionally since 2017, and has worked with dogs for far longer as a dog walker, assistant veterinary technician, shelter volunteer and as a foster home for rescued dogs. Like many trainers, Joelle originally became interested in behavior and training while helping her mixed breed dog Geronimo with his reactivity. Joelle enjoys teaching humans as much as teaching dog...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Juliana (she/her) is the Owner and Head Trainer at JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.Juliana enjoys applying her knowledge of canine behavior and the science of learning when working closely with pet parents to improve their dog's behavior. Watching the training plan strengthen the bond between owner and dog ...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Missy is a top Maryland trainer dedicated to positive reinforcement, force-free & free training methods. Driven by a lifelong interest in human and animal psychology, Missy's commitment to understanding the science, emotion, and feeling beneath the surface fuels her passion for dog training and behavior modification. She shares the 4 On The Floor belief that a strong foundation, built on mutual...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Sarah works with our Day School and Boarding School programs as well as assisting with several of our Basic Obedience classes.Sarah has a master's degree in Special Education and taught elementary school children with learning disabilities for more than 10 years. She has always had a love for animals and is delighted to be working with dogs and their people.She finds it immensely rewarding when...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Brittany has been working in the Professional Dog Care industry since 2021 when she first started as a dog walker for a fear-free company in Alexandria, VA. After moving back to MD in 2022, she started working at Patrick's Pet Care where she learned that she had a knack for not only dog walking, but also dog training and behavior, and decided to pursue a career in the field.
Britt...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Kat (she/her) became interested in behavior and training when she entered the animal shelter world. Kat has worked in the behavior department of two animal shelters and has provided training services to shelter volunteers, fosters, and adopters. In 2020, she decided to take the leap from animal sheltering to private training and discovered how rewarding it is to work so closely with owners and ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
HFDT offers force-free, reward-based dog training from puppy I to adult "shy", "fearful" "reactive" "aggressive" dogs. I work with ALL ages, sizes and breeds and tailor classes to promote demonstrable learning, real life skills, and a happy dog.
Offering in-home training services. For those clients who prefer to use Zoom, virtual training is always an option.
Scheduling is f...
In home training, Puppy training
Growing up, Paul enjoyed playing with his friends' and neighbors' dogs but wasn't able to have his own dog until later in life. On February 14, 2020, Paul drove to Stuart, VA to pick up his first dog: a 10-week-old border collie puppy named Ria. Some people would think that getting a highly intelligent and energetic border collie puppy would be a bit of a challenge for an apartment-dwelling, si...
In home training, Puppy training
Certified Professional Dog Trainer -- Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Certified Pro Dog Trainer (Absolute Dogs)
Certified FitPaws Master Trainer
Certified Wag It Games Tier 2 Instructor (WAG-CI)
Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
Certified C.L.A.S.S. Instructor
Certified Canine Strength and Condition...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
After adopting her dog, Phoebe, Liya became interested in dog training. Using her BSc in Psychology from Ithaca College, Liya started researching about dog training until she decided to pursue it as a career. She became a certified trainer through Marker Training Academy for Dog Behavior and Modification, a force-free training school using KPA techniques in Israel, in 2022. She started taking o...
In home training, Puppy training
Tricia is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Pat Miller Certified Trainer level 2 (PMCT-2), a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI), and has completed Susan Friedman's Behaviorworks Learning and Living with Animals behavior analysis course. Tricia has also been a positive reinforcement based trainer for over 25 years. She has trained and competed in Obedience, Conformat...
In home training, Puppy training
Heidi is a Cerified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI®) and trainer and teaches all levels of K-9 Nosework®, along with Levels Training, and other specialty classes in Northern Virginia. Her dog Boomer has his NW3 title in Nose Work, and he is also a Canine Good Citizen. When Heidi is not teaching people and their dogs, she focuses on animal law issues and helping companion animal owners and pet car...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
For over 25 years, Sandy has taught people how to train their dogs using rewards-based, positive reinforcement methods. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a licensed, certified Family Paws Parent Educator (FPPE), a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and on the list of national...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Jackie Moyano transitioned careers from a respiratory therapist to dog training. In addition to caring for patients, she also taught both patients and respiratory therapy students. Jackie's medical teaching experience lends itself well to teaching people how to train their dogs. Pssst! Dog training is really people training! Jackie's dog training expertise and education comes from completing 3 ...
In home training, Puppy training
Dolores Murray is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG.)
Dolores is committed to providing the most effective and results oriented solutions for our clients and their dogs, She helps them to build a solid foundation of life skills and a relationship base...
CBCC, CPDT-KA, Fear Fear Certified Animal Trainer
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Washington DC, Potomac, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Alexandria, Arlington
Tara has a bachelor of science degree from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also a certified Fear Free Animal Trainer.
Tara comes to Dog Latin from Homeward Trails A...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Caelyn has had a lifelong connection with animals with a special interest in canine psychology and behavior. She is a handler for her multipurpose service dog, Tobias, and has over 7 years of experience working with dogs.
She is excited about dog sitting for 4 on the Floor and hopes to become a professional dog trainer in the future. Caelyn has previously worked as a dog daycare attend...
Agility training, Puppy training, In home training
Janet Oquendo is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant ‚CDBC (IAABC).Certified Dog Trainer Maryland - Maryland Dog BehavioristShe is a prossional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers APDT,IAABC(International Association Animal Behaviors) and PPG (Pet Professional Guild). With the extensive education and training this ensures she is fully ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training
Michael began his career with the US Park Police in 1988. He later joined the force's K-9 Unit, retiring after 30 years of dedicated work. He transitioned out of the K-9 Unit and founded Dogbedience in 2011. His lifelong commitment to helping people and dogs led him to pursue dog training where he continues to share his expertise and love for dogs.
Puppy training
Mark Platenberg is a certified professional dog trainer, born and raised in Northern Virginia, with a passion for improving communication between dog owners and their pets. For over 15 years, Mark has worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, honing his talent for understanding the unique needs and dispositions of each dog he trains. Mark's passion for dogs dates back to his childhood, w...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Erica is an experienced behavioral consultant, helping dogs and their human families with everything from house training and basic manners to reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, and other challenging behaviors. She also teaches Basic through Advanced obedience skills including tricks and performance obedience like Rally, Fenzi TEAM titles and ring obedience.Outside of dogs, Erica is a C...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
I've had dogs my entire adult life and wanted dogs my entire childhood. A likely story of a dog trainer, right? But it was after adopting a severely leash-reactive dog, Hossa, that I sought professional training help and changed the course of my relationship with dogs forever.I use positive reinforcement to create a fun and cooperative relationship between pet guardians and their four-legged fa...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Laura opened WOOFS! in 2002 with the aim to improve the lives of dogs and their people in and around Arlington. A puppy development specialist, Laura brings nearly two decades of experience to helping dogs and dog owners, having taught hundreds of public dog training classes and worked one-on-one with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Laura's strong scientific background she has a Ph...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jen (she/her) was a devoted cat person until she rescued her first dog, Della Rae. The two quickly became inseparable, and as a first-time dog owner, Jen failed to recognize that Della's reactivity, fear of novel experiences, and hypervigilance foretold a lengthy training journey ahead.Together, they plunged into the confusing and unregulated dog training industry and experienced both highs and...
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Morgan's goal is to help foster a better relationship between dogs and their owners using positive training methods and activities that are both fun and practical. She puts a high emphasis on a solid foundation between teams utilizing pattern and engagement games. She participates in a wide variety of canine sports, including but not limited to: Agility, BarnHunt, AKC Conformation, Trick Dog, F...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Kayleigh (she/her) has been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years Kayleigh has been training elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. Kayleigh graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. She has experience working at veterinary clinics, volunteering at animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic ani...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train
Mimi adopted an Alaskan Malamute from CHAAMP.org and volunteered so much that she became Vice President Treat Giver. CHAAMP was having trouble finding rewards-based R+ trainers and needed support. So, she started her dog training journey and met Kelly who became her mentor and friend.Her focus is building healthy relationships based on two-way communication with kindness. Positive reinforcement...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Jutka (yoot-ka) Terris trained her first German Shepherd Dog at age 11 in her native Hungary. Today Jutka is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed by CCPDT, the only organization that actually tests and certifies dog trainers and screens them for using positive methods only. Jutka is also an approved trainer for the American Kennel Club's S.T.A.R. Puppy Program and a certif...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jen works with our Day School and Boarding School dogs, teaches many of our group classes and also meets with private training clients to solve behavioral challenges. Jen is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior.
Jen is a recovering lawyer who is delighted to now be working with dogs full time. Though she has dabbled in agility and trick training, her f...
In home training, Puppy training
Born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany Nina grew up with a family dog since the age of 12. In 2014, her and her husband adopted a one year old German Shepard-Collie Mix named Mickey, who had prior lived on the streets of Romania. Overwhelmed by all the triggers in Mickey's new environment, his behavioral challenges soon made it necessary for Nina to reach out to the helping hands of a dog train...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
In addition to her role as Director of Operations, Carrie is involved in all three of our training programs at WOOFS!. She teaches a number of group classes from Basic through Canine Good Citizen, trains pups directly in our Day School and Boarding School program, and works one-on-one with you and your dog to solve challenging behavioral issues.
Carrie also volunteers with a non-profit...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Sam WolfmanSam (she/her) specializes in reactivity and adolescent dogs. Her dog, Nola, is highly dog reactive. On Sam and Nola's training journey there were a lot of mistakes made along the way. Once Sam discovered the power of positive reinforcement, Nola began to progress in a way that Sam never thought would be possible.Sam is the former Director of Behavior and Pathway Planning at the Anima...
In home training, Puppy training
Chris interest in dog training began in early 2010 when she adopted two young adult rescued dogs. Both needed training and help with behavior challenges. After lots of reading, viewing videos and volunteering for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, Chris decided she wanted to become a certified dog trainer. In January 2014, she entered the apprentice trainer program at a local training center. Many ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train
Her first job was at a small retail shop where they offered training. She slowly became more and more amazed with dog psychology and behavior.
Griselda earned her dog training certificate CDTK through Catch! Dog Trainer academy and first aid/CPR certification.
She wanted to work with all kinds of behavior challenges, so Griselda also received her dog aggression certification t...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Washington, DC is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 91 total votes, resulting in 44 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 Kayleigh Sullivan, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Washington, DC. Kayleigh Sullivan’s favorite part of their job is: Bridging the cap in communication between guardian and dog.
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Kayleigh Sullivan, 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. Kayleigh Sullivan encourages owners with this dog training tip: Listen and look- your dog is communicating all the time to you. This will help us to meet their needs and live a fulfilling life with your dog.
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free virtual consultations, in-home and virtual options, positive reinforcement, force free, while others like Kayleigh Sullivan adopt:
A holistic approach to behavior consulting utilizing science backed positive reinforcement techniques.. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.
reward preferred behaviors and forget about the restwhich is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Washington.
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.