Australian Cattle Dog Behavior Issues: 6 Common Challenges

The Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler is called also Queensland Heller. They are a very smart and energetic dog breed. This variety originated in Australia as a herding and working of cattle with it outside the fields. However, Queensland Heeler problems of behavior are rather tough. Despite the energetic and loyal nature of these Australian working dogs. If these dogs are not well trained and socialized, some of the behavioral problems that stems from Australian Cattle Dogs would include We shall list some recurring behavior issues that are faced by Australian Cattle Dogs and how to deal with them.

Australian Cattle Dog Behavior Issues

1. Excessive Barking

The Australian Cattle Dog is vocal, so the item may bark as a warning or to indicate it feels boredom or irritation. But if not trained they can be over barkers and could make the owner’s house to burst with noise . This would also affect neighbors. It would suffice to ensure that they get adequate physical and mental activities as a remedial approach to this behavior. However, a dog that is tired becomes calm. Keep them busy with activities such as hashing, agility training or flyer work to release their pent up energy. And make sure they learn the ‘quiet’ command and praise them when they don’t bark.

2. Nipping and Herding Behavior

In their role as herders, the Australian Cattle Dogs have a tendency to bite at humans and animals due to this being an inbuilt leadership characteristic. On a farm, such behavior is tolerable; in household setting it could be obtrusive. In order to avoid such patterns, it is extremely important for a dog owner at least from the very first days of their little ‘kid’s life teaches your pet clear boundaries. Employ obedience training by enrolling them in classes where they can learn how to minimize the predatory instinct that is there as a result of herding. Also, when they are still small and start nipping discourage them using a toy or commanding then to sit down.

Read more about The Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler

3. Separation anxiety

Similarly, The Australian Cattle Dogs makes these breed popular among households due to the dogs being loyal companions and forming separation anxiety which requires that they be always with their masters. It may include destruction of property, excessive barking or even efforts to escape. Easing separation anxiety can involve phased intervals of time away, accompanied by active toys or puzzles that you leave behind in the shelter, along with creating an atmosphere of peace and calm prior to departure. Prospective dog owners can also benefit by visiting a professional trainer or behaviorist to learn how best they are trained.

4. Destructive Behavior

Being energetic, Australian Cattle Dogs can turn into a destructive energy if not allowed to express their zoobia. This may involve chewing furniture, digging in the yard, or destroying other things within one’s house. In order to avoid such behavior, ensure that your dog has adequate toys in which he can engage with and change the selection regularly so as to hold his interest. Also, keep them active specifically mentally. They should consider hiring a dog walker or sending the dogs to Doggy daycare for these reasons if they are left alone away from social contacts and lacks some section of time.

5. Aggression towards other animals

Being big-headed and prone to herding instincts, Australian Cattle Dogs can hit you with their aggression towards other animals sometimes directed at hostile small pets or strange dogs. Early socialization and training must be emphasized, since such a process is necessary to introduce them appropriate behavior as well as distinguish between the frolicking play activity from an aggression. Below is another effective way to improve socialization from an early age, reducing their chances of being overly protective or territorial.

6. Guarding behavior

In such a case, Australian Cattle Dogs as highly territorial dogs would exhibit guarding behavior against their family and territory. Although this may be quite an attractive feature in some instances, a need to create living boundaries and avoid aggressive responses still arises. It can be over come by early socialization and training as they have the ability to distinguish between real dangerous circumstances from normal daily occurrences. Make them habituated with basic obedience commands, positively reinforce the calm and controlled behavior

Conclusion

Identifying the unwanted behavior problems that Australian Cattle Dogs may have, is to start addressing and managing it properly. With adequate training, socialization, and above all mental stimulation one can turn the Australian cattle dog to a healthy happy pet. Provided you keep in mind that professional help if needed should be a real remedy of difficulties which can meet any owner while working with this species, so intelligent and loyal creature.