Australian Cattle Dog: AKA Blue Heeler

[esommer2500]

I'm looking into getting one of these dogs. The in-laws have always had Australian Shepherds, which I think are excellent dogs, but I want something a little different. I would prefer a Red over a Blue. No kids, I am going to be working in Cincinatti while the wife stays at PU taking school throughout the summer.



Good/Bad experiences? Strengths/Weaknesses? Will this dog be able to spend most of the day alone with alot of attention on evenings and weekends?



Eric

 

[illflem]

I've had Aussies and Border Collies for almost forty years, they're great dogs but want to work. If they can't run loose with you they tend to get bored and react by digging holes and tearing things up. Ones that I've seen that have been penned up usually split the first time they get loose, won't respond to your commands and may be gone for a long time. Can't say that I blame them. Seems that the non-herding breeds do better with times of lonely confinement.

 

[LSMITH]

I have been around them for a lot of years too and can echo what Bill said ^^^^^^. They NEED work, if not they will tear the heck out of your house or yard. If you can work the snot out of the dog in the evenings and weekends it will be fine, or give it something to do during the day. Are you aware that you can play frisbee with an Aussie or BC for HOURS without letting up, and the dog is miffed when you quit? These dogs do not understand quitting, or laying around. If you miss a couple of nights of excercise don't be surpised if the dog acts up. If you have space for them even just a couple of ducks/chickens/whatever for it to tend while you are working are plenty. These dogs are smarter than most people I know and take responsibility more seriously than 95% of people, and when their mind idles things go badly. IME Border Collies are worse, but not by much. They are great with kids if they are raised with the kids, old Aussie and new kids is not always good. The kids are enough of a "job" to keep the dog busy as well.



Maybe a mutt would make more sense this time and as you get kids or stock of some sort the Aussie could join you then?



I have a Border Collie now, and with the kids at home and a Lab for her to take care of everything is fine.



Edited for spelling

 

[esommer2500]

Thank you, gentlemen.



You pretty much verified what I already knew was coming. I REALLY want one of these dogs, but my summer internship will probably have hours on the line of 4:30a to 6:00p. I guess it would still be nice to have something to come home to, but I don't know as I would really like having ANY dog penned up all day. I guess I should probably wait until I get a full-time job after I graduate in Dec.



Damn it.



Anybody else have experience with these fine animals?



Eric

 

[jrankin]

I've got a blue heeler and I too will agree with the above posts. He's five now. He was the most difficult dog the first 3 years, but has completely changed over the past 2 years. I guess he finally grew up. But I will say that he has been the best dog I've ever owned. He is a very protective dog, especially when he is in the truck. He does love to work and play, he keeps our horses in line and would literly run himself to death chasing a tennis ball if I didn't stop when he was tired. I would definately recommend one if you've got the time to work with it and and stay on top of it's discipline. I ended up sending mine to a trainer and it was one of the best moves I made. It made a world of difference in him listening to me.



Good Luck with your decision



Joe

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by LSMITH

The kids are enough of a "job" to keep the dog busy as well.

When my current Aussie was younger and looking for something to do he'd head down to the highway and gently herd the kids home after they got off the school bus.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Queenland Blue Heelers (ACD) are fine dogs for certain people. I consider them to be a little hard headed when young and if you've never raised a puppy before, considering your schooling situation, I'd advise against a puppy. I'd suggest contacting the ACD "rescue dog" people, (do a search) for an older mature dog. Rescue dogs are carefully screened for temperment and home placement, and you don't have to house break'em... ... ... ... Dell, head shepherd and Australian Shepherd dog trainer, RockyRidge SheepStation, 15 awesome acres of starvation grass at the foot of 14K Mt Rainier

 

[lgibson]

I agree with what everyone else has already said. I had on on 85 acres with 60 or so cattle and I could not keep this dog with enough to do. Dad to him to work in the oilfields of Tx. and that dang dog just ran all over the place. He was the second smartest dog I ever had. I could just point at a cow or bull and say, "git em" and he would go get that cow and put him into the pen. Heck I could round up all the cattle with just me and him in less than one hour.



I can't really think of a dog that could be kept all day pinned up, not by themselves anyway. Dogs need to run, chase things, and play. I would like to get another dog but I don't have the time or the space for him to run around unattended.

 

[BV]

dogs at home

I agree with the others about a work dog penned up.



EDIT:

Our Black Lab does pretty good while home alone but she really likes the Christmas present last year - - - A cat . Now she has something to play and sleep with while we are out for the day.

 

[JR2]

If you want a dog and want one thats lazy... go to the pound and rescue an old dog of some kind. Old dogs only like to play for a few minutes a day and then sleep the rest of the time... and you would be saving it from getting put down.

 

[kcv67]

I have a aussie/Mcnab cross. Aussies seem to be a one person dog. Mine plays with the kids and the wife but when I walk out the door its by my side and skip every body else. Great guard dog. It loves to run.