Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) Articles and Information

The Indoor-Outdoor Blue Heeler

Taming the wild Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) and getting it to stay put is not as daunting or as much as a handful as it might originally sound.

Australian Cattle Dogs have a surplus of energy. Containing the energy, and keeping them calm, and still indoors can be a challenge. However the quick wit and high intelligence of the Australian Cattle Dog keeps the length of training very minimal and the reward very high. Naturally, you get what you put in.

In many instances you will find that you Blue Heeler/ACD will adopt to his new spot in your home with ease.

Give you Australian Cattle Dog, Blue/Red Heeler something that he/she can identify as their own. A good example of this would be a rug or blanket. Don't be afraid to throw in a couple nice, soft cushions/pillows, and maybe even another blanket for good measure. You want to be sure that your Blue Heeler is aware that they are loved, and that is their special little spot in your home.

“How do I keep them on their rug?”

This could test both your patience and your Blue Heeler's. Here is how it is done

Bring your Australian Cattle Dog inside and show them their spot/rug. It would be a good idea that they be at least partially trained before attempting this. That's not to say that it can't be done, but it will make your life easier. Once you have established to your Heeler that the rug is their special spot, they will be more then anxious to run off it, and begin exploring the rest of the house. In order to prevent this from happening keep using the 'Stay' command (if your ACD already knows it). Re-enforce this with positive behavior and doggy/puppy treats. If they walk off of their rug again, promptly bring them back to their rug, and tell them to “Stay”. Continue doing this, and rewarding your Blue Heeler with puppy treats, and plenty more positive re-enforcement.

Keep this repetition up daily. Blue Heelers learn very quick. You should have a ACD that will stay put on their rug/spot within a week, or two weeks tops. As long as your training is consistent, and without many gaps in between training sessions.

Not after long all you have to do is open your back door, your Blue Heeler will come zooming in onto their rug, settle in, and get comfy. There are several instances where ACD's are more then happy to sleep there for the whole night. You'll find that most of the time they will still be there, snoozing away in puppy dreamland when you awake in the morning. A well trained Blue Heeler will stay there all night!

Naturally make sure your Blue Heeler has had a nice potty break before he/she spends the night in the house. If your ACD is already house broken, you shouldn't have any nasty surprises when you come out to greet them in the morning.