Australian cattle dogs are bright, loyal, and hardworking.
Australian cattle dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are an intensely smart, driven, breed of dog found in the herding family. They were originally bred from collies, Dalmatians and Kelpies. These dogs are speckled or mottled in appearance and come in a variety of colors ranging from reds to blues and may have tan as well. Originally bred to assist cowhands working with cattle, these dogs tend to bite their herds to guide the cows in the direction desired. For pet owners this can pose a huge problem and must be trained out of the puppy. Training these dogs can sometimes be difficult since the animal may become bored quickly.
Instructions
1. Enroll your pup in an early puppy training class, if one is available. These classes provide a grounding in the basics of obedience training. Pups learn the commands for "sit," "stay," "come," etc. More importantly, the class teaches the owners train the dogs. If no class is available, devise a list of commands you want your puppy to learn. The most important dog commands are the words listed above, as well as "no" and "leave it." Add any commands you wish.
2. Set aside time throughout the day to work on the training. Puppies, especially among the smarter breeds, will get bored quickly. Five-minute training sessions spaced throughout the day are more effective than one 30-minute session. Ensure the training is in a quiet and safe area away from all distractions. Cattle dogs have the chase instinct, so ensure the area is free of other animals that the dog may feel the urge to chase.
3. Work on one command at a time. To teach a command such as "sit," say the command while gently pushing the puppy's bottom toward the ground. Hold a treat above the dog's nose while you do this. Eventually, the pup will focus on the treat and his bottom will automatically go in the position you want. Reward the dog immediately, both with a piece of food and a vocal praise. Reward the dog every time he first learns the command. For more complex commands, break the training down into small steps for the dog to master and reward each step until the whole command is ingrained.
4. Ensure the dog is stimulated. Don't do the same tricks/commands in the same order each time. Cattle dogs pick up on routines and processes quickly, which makes training them easy -- if the dog is interested. Keep the dog interested by varying the order of commands performed. As the puppy gets older and masters more commands, call on the dog to perform the commands in many different places and in different order.
5. Reduce the number of treats. Herding dogs such as cattle dogs can quickly put on weight if they are given too many treats. Once a puppy shows signs that he has mastered a certain command, start rewarding with fewer food rewards. Voice approval to your dog by saying "good dog" or "good Rover" in a pleasant, happy tone. Keep in mind that for many dogs, especially those in the working and herding groups, vocal praise from their master is more rewarding than treats.
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