Learn about Australian Shepherds

Shown above: Riker, Dax, and Kes, the Palika family Aussies

Liz has owned Australian Shepherds for over twenty years and has participated in a number of different dog sports, including agility, frisbee, flyball, herding, conformation, obedience, carting, schutzhund, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. The breed's strong desire to work, trainability, versatility, wonderful temperament and sound body have made this her breed of choice.

The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility
by Liz Palika (2003, Howell Book House) This book was originally published in 1995 (see below). It received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike. Although the cover of the book is different, this is the original award winning text without any revisions. The only changes consist of the foreward and updated appendices.

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The original Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility
by Liz Palika (1995, Howell Book House)
The Australian Shepherd is truly a champion of versatility. With an intense desire to please and do the job right, the Aussie excels at any job he's given, including that of best friend. But there is a lot more you can do with your Aussie, including herding, agility, obedience competition and more. This once favorite of rodeo performers is now starring in all these arenas although he is still number one in the hearts of his fans.
This book won the Best Breed Book Maxwell Award from Dog Writers Association of America in 1996 and was nomination as Best Nonfiction Book from San Diego Book Writers Awards. Only rare copies available on Amazon.com. See below for the recently released reprint.

The Australian Shepherd; Happy, Healthy Pet

by Liz Palika (Howell Book House)
This beginners book has everything the first time Aussie owner needs to get started. With both pros (The breed's easy trainability and desire to work) and the cons (Aussies DO shed!) this book gives a real perspective of the breed from a long time Aussie owner.
1997 Maxwell Award winner from the Dog Writers Association of America for Best Single Breed Pet Guide.