Training tips and breed information – Dogster

Australian Cattle Dog is a busy, energetic herding dog that needs daily physical and mental exercise. True to his name, the breed was developed in Australia to transport livestock over long distances, and he maintains that tenacious work ethic to this day.

How to train Australian Cattle Dogs

Start training in childhood and continue throughout your dog’s life. Even Australian Herding Dogs that live as pets maintain strong herding abilities. His desire to chase animals and moving objects is strong. To help your dog herd successfully, focus your training on:

• manners training
• monitor
• careful management (keep away from other pets and small children, especially unsupervised using a dog gate or door dog room)

Soon and appropriate socialize is right. Socialization is an important developmental stage in a puppy’s life from 5 to 16 weeks. The positive and negative experiences Australian Cattle Dog puppies go through during this time can affect their temperament and behavior for the rest of their lives.

During this time, introduce your Australian Cattle Dog to friendly people, dogs and other animals. The breed is known for being very talkative and agile, especially if someone walks, bike, or skateboard runs past them. This behavior comes naturally, so include careful training in your initial socialization and exposure to a variety of situations and triggers to desensitize your child. Herding Dog puppies from the causative agents of this case/herding.

Continue to train consistently and aggressively throughout their lives. Just because the Australian Cattle Dog may have a reputation as a difficult or challenging breed to train doesn’t mean they need any form of harsh training. Australian Cattle Dogs thrive on clear, consistent positive reinforcement training methods. These dogs are deeply attached to their people and do best when they have strong working relationships with their families. They love to learn and grow in the homes where they are teach new things.

How big is the Australian Cattle Dog?

The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as the Blue, Red or Queensland Heel Dog. These muscular and compact medium-sized dogs weigh 35 to 50 pounds and are 17 to 20 inches tall if you measure at the shoulder.

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with children and other pets?

These dogs are generally unsuitable for small animals as they may try to chase and herd. Australian Cattle Dogs may also be tempted to herd young children. Early training can teach them how to communicate with children safely. Like all dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog must always supervise around infants and children.

Best jobs for Australian Cattle Dogs

These dogs need rigorous daily mental and physical exercise and nourishment to be happy and healthy. Smart and active, they won’t be content to lounge on the couch or stay home alone all day. The Australian Cattle Dog has a big personality in a relatively small package. They were bred to work for cattle, animals much larger than themselves, and maintain the strong work motivation with which they were bred.

Even if you don’t have livestock to herd (which most of us don’t!), find something more engaging, such as running together, practicing new tricks, play fetch or help with chores around the house. A great way to interact and spend time with your Australian Cattle Dog is to compete in dog sports such as:

Australian Cattle Dogs excel in active homes where they can use their bodies and minds. Daily enrichment is a must for these dogs, who become bored, depressed and difficult to live with if they are not given enough physical and mental exercise. They will easily become destructive to amuse themselves.

Need help with your Australian Cattle Dog?

If you feel overwhelmed with your Australian Cattle Dog, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. An experienced dog trainer using positive reinforcement training techniques can figure out how to provide the right work/reinforcement for your dog. A coach can also address any behavioral issues. Find other Australian Cattle Dog fans at Australian Cattle Dog Club of America.