I didn’t catch that this was an old thread and was readin the response about the ACD prancing like Totilas thinking it sounded just like my dog. Oops, that’s cuz it is :lol:
I don’t have that boy anymore, but am up to three of my own so I must really be crazy, my newest boy makes the rest of my pack look like couch potatoes!!
2 Likes
Ha! It’s good to see all of you Cattledog owners! I have a pack of five Cattledogs and they are all a bit touched in the head. The tractor is their nemesis and must be watched and herded at all times. They circle it like crazy and then they step in to heel it by biting the tire on the York rake. Must say I certainly do love the little hooligans!
1 Like
Seems this thread was quiet for a while- glad to see it active again! I read through all the posts here, but did not see something that I was hoping to see. My heeler has so many of the crazy habits everyone has talked about- my favorite being when he “captures” someone, by laying his body on their feet so they can’t walk, and if he can, gets them to the ground and uses his body weight! But my question was- my heeler has developed some strange eating habits. Regardless of the type of food in his bowl, he has taken to ignoring his meals sometimes. Even when he has been working hard, and I know he is hungry. He’ll even sit by passively while the the other dogs, the chickens, even the cats clean his bowl out! If I wrestle him down and playfully force some food in his mouth, he seems to give in, and then will eat his meal. Anyone else ever deal with this?
Our one year-old ACD, Blue Dog, cracks me up all the time; but one of my favorite (and easily distinguishable if she’s out of eyesight) quirks is when she barks at inanimate objects – like her Nylabone or…wait for it…a pomegranate. She’ll even swat the object of her dog-yelling, in order to animate it. Maybe she’s giving herself an excuse to keep harassing it. “See? It’s coming after me. I must defend myself and my human.” When I laugh, she looks at me as if to say, “WHAT is so funny? You’re WELCOME.” Oh, and then she tries to double-dip on treats, when playing catch – usually it’s just with the rubber glow-in-the-dark ball (of which she is very possessive). The second you give her a training-treat reward, she grabs the ball and runs away. The only way human gets it back to throw again is if Blue gets another goodie. What a brat!
I’ve got an 11 year old ACD that has always used his chest to his advantage.
Well that explains my dogs behavior! He is part heeler and, we believe, part hound and I am constantly telling him to get off of me as he chest butts me. He uses his chest to get my attention. I also have a mini Aussie. Heeler mix loves to hold her down by laying on top of her. Drives her crazy. He also uses the training technique of resource trading. She has a chew, he has a toy, he wants the chew he will go over to her, squeak the toy and then drop it in front of her. When she goes over to the toy, he grabs her chew which usually starts a loud argument. He also paces. I have started tethering him in the house to get his to stop going back and forth as I’m always convinced he needs to go out.
Hi there. I can’t find a better forum online so please humor me. I just saved an ACD from shelter death. I am a dog person having trained hunting dogs, borders, and even as a behaviorist. I am still confused about how to fix one thing with this very stubborn 11 year old doggie.
I adopted him while my partner was out of the country. After a week this dog understood I was his guy. But now he bites and tries to keep my partner and friends from any physical contact with me. He HATES the crate. He would rather be shocked and bite than not bite. He’s deaf so yelling means nothing.
Any advice on how how to get an ACD to bond with two people rather than just me? He’s old and was a shelter dog. I can’t tell you much more about his history.
Thank you!
Hi DrDavid, I’m no expert but I’d say have these people walk him on a leash. That will usually do the trick but not overnight. Have them leash walk him on a schedule and otherwise ignore him. He’ll probably come around but the ACD is indeed one to watch out for. Give him time, respect his space, leash walks, and otherwise ignore. Wait for the dog to initiate any other interaction besides the routine walk. Hope that is helpful, and welcome to coth.
Ps. did you prime the ecollar? I’d be inclined to ditch it but I’m curious if you primed it.
First, ditch the ecollar. ACDs do much better with bribes (food and toys) than punishment or yelling. Their attitude is generally “what’s in it for me” so have some good stuff on hand. Mine do work for kibble but get the cheese, hot dogs, leftover roast out and they will do pretty much anything. They are called “velcro dogs” for a reason. This one has chosen you as his human so may never have a snuggly relationship with your partner and friends. ACDs can be extremely protective of their person and if your dog has a high herding drive that can make things worse. Over stimulation could be an issue too if you have a bunch of friends over and things start getting loud. Short term fix - put the dog in another room with a treat filled Kong to occupy him when your friends are over. Long term - have your partner feed, walk, and play with him on a regular basis. Without you around at first so the dog doesn’t have to worry about you.
Are you using the crate for time outs and bedtime or is he spending extended time in there while you are at work? My ACDs generally love their crates. I had one that would go there any time she got stressed out. They have larger 5’x10’ outdoor kennels to stay in while I’m at work though. Try putting a comfy bed in it (at 11 yrs there might be some arthritis starting) and toss some treats and toys inside. Make sure the dog gets adequate physical exercise AND mental stimulation (teach tricks, play silly games). A tired cattle dog is a good cattle dog. A bored one is obnoxious.
