Blue heelers are high-energy, intelligent working dogs.
Blue heelers are the "blue" version of the Australian cattle dog, or ACD. The red variety is often called a red heeler. It's the same breed, just differently colored. The coat has an appearance of a bluish speckling over a majority of the body, called merle. This is a lively, energetic dog that can weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. The ACD is very intelligent and determined, bred to move cattle by nipping at their heels, hence the name "heeler." This breed requires a firm, positive approach to training, and an owner who is committed to working with the dog daily. As a family pet, the ACD tends to revert to heeling -- nipping at your heels, moving the cat around or herding your children -- if not trained, socialized and exercised properly.
Instructions
1. Take your heeler to the veterinarian as soon as you can after adopting it. Puppies need a series of vaccinations every three weeks until they are about 16 to 18 weeks old. Adults need yearly vaccinations. Besides vaccinations, your heeler needs a complete examination to determine its overall health. Discuss potential health issues that are common to this breed with the vet, such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and deafness.
2. Socialize your cattle dog well from the earliest age possible. Blue heelers are not mean dogs, but they tend to be very active and dominant, and their heeling instinct easily takes over. Your heeler should be introduced in positive ways to many situations, animals and objects while it is a young puppy. Teach the puppy not to chase or nip at small animals or children, using the methods for mouthing taught by the Humane Society of the Silicon Valley. Also teach children not to run from the heeler. Instincts can suddenly take over despite careful training.
3. Crate train your blue heeler for the best house and bathroom manners. Think of the crate as you would a playpen for a baby, and use it only when you can't supervise. No dog can tolerate being locked in a crate or pen for hours on end, and especially not an energetic blue heeler. Wire crates are generally better than the plastic airline crates, as they provide better ventilation.
4. Learn and apply the "Nothing in Life Is Free" program (see resources), so that your blue heeler learns to earn its rewards and attention. This is a safe method for keeping your dog in its place as subordinate to the human leaders. Dominance can become a big problem with Australian cattle dogs, because they are independent thinkers.
5. Take your cattle dog to puppy kindergarten and obedience classes. Practice the lessons every day at home, as well. A heeler has lots of energy, a keen mind and a desire to work -- all of which must be brought under your control.
6. Exercise your blue heeler daily, regardless of the weather. This is a working breed that needs a lot of exercise, even though it may be on the smaller side. Provide both leashed walks and off-leash romps in a fenced area. Do not allow an Australian cattle dog to roam free. This is a breed that can easily find trouble, between its high energy and dominant attitude.
7. Keep your dog's mind and body active by teaching it a canine sport, such as agility, tracking, canine dance or herding trials. When you leave your dog home alone, provide strong chew toys filled with peanut butter or other tasty treats, and a treat-dispensing puzzle toy. These will keep your dog occupied with a job to do, so it will be less inclined to dismantle your house.
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