Feeding an Australian Terrier properly is straightforward once you understand their needs as a small, active breed. Their fast metabolism means they need frequent, smaller meals rather than one or two large ones. Adult Australian Terriers typically do well with two measured meals per day, while puppies often need three meals to support their rapid growth.

The key is choosing high-quality commercial dog food that meets Australian standards and is appropriate for your dog's life stage - puppy, adult, or senior. Look for foods specifically formulated for small, active breeds, as these will have the right balance of nutrients and smaller kibble size that's easier for your Aussie to manage.

Because Australian Terriers can be prone to joint issues, your vet might recommend a diet that supports joint health, though most quality commercial foods provide complete nutrition without additional supplements. Keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories - these little dogs can put on weight quickly, which puts extra strain on their joints.

Fresh, whole-food treats like small pieces of apple or carrot can be excellent training rewards and are often healthier than commercial treats. Always have fresh water available, and be consistent with feeding times to help with house training and digestion.

If you're considering a raw or home-prepared diet, work with your veterinarian to ensure it's properly balanced. Australian Terriers don't have special dietary requirements, but getting the proportions right is crucial for small breeds. Monitor your dog's weight regularly - you should be able to feel their ribs easily but not see them prominently. Any sudden weight changes warrant a vet visit to rule out underlying health issues.

One of the Australian Terrier's best features is their relatively low-maintenance coat, though it does require some specific care to keep it looking its best. Their harsh, weatherproof double coat is designed to repel dirt and debris, making them naturally quite clean dogs.

Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. Use a slicker brush or pin brush to work through the outer coat and prevent matting of the softer undercoat. The distinctive topknot of silky hair on their head needs gentle attention to prevent tangling, while the longer hair around their neck and chest should be brushed to maintain that characteristic "ruff" appearance.

Here's something important many new owners don't realise: don't bathe your Australian Terrier too frequently. Their coat's natural oils and texture help repel dirt, and over-bathing can make the coat soft and less effective at staying clean. A bath every few months or when they're particularly dirty is usually plenty.

Regular grooming tasks include trimming the hair around their eyes to prevent irritation, which can be done carefully with blunt-nosed scissors. Keep the hair on their ears trimmed short, and check them weekly for wax buildup or signs of infection, particularly in humid coastal areas like Sydney or the Gold Coast.

Don't forget the basics: trim their nails every few weeks (you'll know it's time if you hear them clicking on hard floors) and brush their teeth several times a week. Most Australian Terriers don't require professional grooming, making them quite economical to maintain.

Australian Terriers are intelligent, energetic dogs that thrive on mental and physical challenges, but their independent terrier nature means training requires patience and creativity. These dogs were bred to think for themselves while working, so they're not always eager to follow commands without question.

Start training early and keep sessions short and engaging—Australian Terriers get bored with repetition quickly. Positive reinforcement works best, using treats, praise, and play as rewards. Make training feel like a game rather than work, and you'll find your Aussie much more cooperative. Their high intelligence means they can excel in dog sports like agility, earthdog trials, and obedience.

Exercise needs are moderate but consistent. A couple of good walks daily (totalling 45-60 minutes), plus some interactive playtime, will keep most Australian Terriers happy. In summer, be sure to avoid exercising in the midday sun when temperatures in places like Perth or Adelaide climb over 30°C. Always keep them on a leash or in securely fenced areas; their strong prey drive means they'll chase anything that moves and can disappear quickly.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and nose work games help channel their intelligence constructively. Without it, they may resort to digging, excessive barking, or other unwanted behaviours.

Socialisation is crucial from puppyhood. Expose your Australian Terrier to various people, dogs, sounds, and situations while they're young. This helps prevent the wariness of strangers and dog-reactive behaviour that can develop in under-socialised terriers. Many Australian dog training clubs offer puppy socialisation classes that are perfect for getting your Aussie off to a great start.