Aussies are social creatures. They love their humans immensely and they do well in a group. If you choose to have more than one, you want to make sure all your pups bond with you first. Those first few months are critical. You have to be the leader from the get-go. Basic manners are a must. Sit, wait, down, go-to-bed, load up and the most important of all...come. There's nothing worse than your dogs not listening or obeying when you call them. Aussies are going to need and want you everyday. Actually, every minute of every hour of every day they will prefer to be with you. Leaving an aussie for days and days to keep themselves entertained alone is asking for trouble. They will find something to do and that something will probably irritate you. Digging, jumping, barking, chasing cars, wandering off... The solution to a lonely aussie is not to add another aussie. The solution is to integrate them into your family's everyday activities. They want nothing more than to be your constant sidekick. Crates are not cruel. Aussies love their crates while you're at work. Don't be afraid of the crate, it is a beautiful thing. Leashes are also a beautiful thing. It's not your dog you have to worry about, it's the other crazy dogs out there. When out in public, it's common courtesy to use a leash.
All of the aussies below are Thousand Hills babies from over the years. I love them all dearly.