Kodi came to our vets office with a small tumor in his mouth. Upon inspection it was found to be a small cyst which was drained and he is now 100% healthy. He loves other dogs and children! He is very friendly and loving! He is housetrained but did mark in a home with the other dog.  He did stop but someone whom adopts him should be aware of this.

 

Foster update 10/1: Kodi is doing very well. My 1 1/2 year old hugs and kisses him and he doesn't seem to mind at all.  He gets along great with my cat.  But my cat is having a difficult time adjusting.  I have taught Kodi how to sit.  I have also taught him how to bark since he does not bark very much.  He lets us know he has to go to the bathroom by walking in front of the door. He loves running circles in my yard.  My daughter and him chase each other.  Kodi gets very excited and my daughter laughs and laughs.  He likes to chew so I have bought him plenty of the bones from the pet store to chew on.  He likes to eat the cat food, so we only put it out when he is in his crate. He is a very good dog.

 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed entirely in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. It is possible that the name was derived from one of the dog's ancestors. The breed's principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point it probably crossed with Collie stock. It has only recently gained recognition as a distinct breed. Its many talents include, retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with human friends. Australian Shepherds needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets. Some like to nip people's heals in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Be warned that higher doses of Ivermectin are also used to treat mange and caution should be taken.