Comments on: How would you go about training a yr. old Australian Shepherd cattle dog to herd cattle? It was a house dog!

By: kym b

kym b — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:30:44 +0000

I’m afraid your husband is right, the dog will chase the cattle all day. They are extremely smart and do naturally round up things, chooks, kids, cattle, sheep, even tennis balls but they need a trainer to be taught the right way. I’m afraid that you could never get the knowledge from a book. They will also learn from other dogs if you know of an experienced cattle dog. Other than that, get the basic commands right and then have a go yourselves

By: pojo

pojo — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:18:16 +0000

i think it’s a good idea to get your dog trained-it needs to learn basic commands for it’s own safety, but i really don’t think you have to worry that the dog will harm your cattle–they are bred to herd the cattle and other stock also–they are not mean spirited dogs-maybe your husband could try exposing the dog to a few cows at a time and see what he does?…..good luck

By: Shadow's Melon

Shadow's Melon — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:24:47 +0000

If you have no experience with training for this, you would probably be best to locate a trainer that can assist you. Even tho these dogs are natural herding dogs, they still need some form of training. There are lots of things to learn and a good trainer will take you a long way, as well as help you learn how to train for this. You can probably get some referrals by contacting a local Aussie Club in your area. There’s usually someone in these clubs persuing this type of thing that can help you find a good trainer–this is how I found someone who trains for this so that we can persue it with our Border Collie.

Heeling is not something a dog automatically knows. The previous owner obviously didn’t invest any time in proper training, or she wouldn’t have had that problem, and probably wouldn’t have gotten rid of the dog (which would be my guess as to the true reason why).

By: Skyhoss

Skyhoss — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:04:21 +0000

you need to find a herding trainer in your area if you can if not find one then get on the Internet or as your vet if he knows of any body. if you have any obedience or breeds dog shows in your area check them out and see if any can help you.

By: manoj g

manoj g — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:59:41 +0000

I suggest you visit this site and consult a breed expert

By: john p

john p — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:41:56 +0000

I used to own an Austrailian cattle dog. Very smart dog. It will know instinctively what to do. My dog never saw cattle in her life, but would nip at the heals of people or animals to get them to go where she wanted them to. That’s why they are called Blue heelers.