Children and Mini's: Mini Aussies get along with children of all ages from toddler to adult. They are very active and have to be kept busy. They will love to play with kids. (Summer is always going to her toy box and grabbing some toy trying to get someone to play with her. Her favorite toy would have to be "Willy" its a simple stuffed toy, with broken squeakers.) You may think that with Mini's who are only about 15 pounds you might have to tell the children to keep easy with them, you don't since they are made to heard they can handle some rough housing. They are very compliant and love to please you. They will do their best to listen and respond to commands even from the youngest children.
Other dogs and Aussies: They are not normally an aggressive dog and will be very comfortable with cats and even the smaller pets. You do want to try to get them around the other pets in the house at a younger age. Aussie's are a great companion for other breeds of dogs, even those who seem to be a tad dominant. (Summer again is exactly how a Australian Shepherd should be. She loves her friends Maddie, Lucky, and Tiger. Since she wasn't around Rusty as a puppy she has some issues with him. I'm sure in time she will get along with him too. She loves the cats she has grown up around but the ones that walk in front of her yard she doesn't take to kindly to!)
Mini Aussie's as Watchdogs: Yes, Mini Aussies are small but they still make a pretty good watch dog. They will bark whenever someone they don't know approaches. They are not like the Yappy little dog breeds they can be taught to bark or to stop barking on command. (Summer is still working on that talent! She will learn)
Mini Aussie's and Being Alone: Wouldn't suggest it. They love to be the center of attention in the family and love to stay busy with the family. I would not recommend them for family's where they will have to leave the dog alone for hours at a time. They need to be constantly loved. (Summer again is exactly like this, when we do have to leave her at home she hops on the couch and looks out the window and just waits for us. She loves her mama (Leann) and she always has to have her eye on one of the family to be calm. She does like sometimes on rare occasions to be alone and just have quiet time.)
They love to be the center of attention and will stay in their puppy like behavior until they are very old senior dogs.
When not being challenged the Aussie will turn their energy and natural curiosity into more destructive behaviors such as chewing and finding out how to get into areas in the house where they are not supposed to be. ( I have never had any problems with Summer and this problem.) Right now were trying to shake and lay down.)
Important:
NEVER FORCE THE DOG TO INTERACT IT CAN LEAD TO DIS-TRUST IN STRANGERS AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS. Early socialization will help this.
