My heeler has shown some aggression and reactivity and it made me really sad & nervous. I am glad it is more common than I realized. Thank you for the tips!
your emotional levels are felt and reacted to by your dog. figure out what has you nervous as you are the one your dog looks to for guidance and how to react.
My first girl was a lover of everyone and every dog! My puppy, I spent tons of money socializing her as a puppy, dog parks everyday and Home Depot and Lowes. She went through heat and all of the sudden, she can’t do dog parks or daycare anymore. It was really depressing to me.
This is the BEST video I've seen that fits my rescue Red Heeler, Auggie. He's the most the most loving dog I've ever had in my 75 years but very reactive with strangers. I have been following all of LIz's 5 tips but I must say that a BUMAS muzzle is still the key to being in public. Despite using treats, I can't trust him with strangers and he can react, unexpectedly, in an instant. The BUMAS muzzle has saved the day on many occasions and is well worth the extra expense. Also, Auggie has learned to accept the muzzle as a sign that he's going for a walk/hike. Thanks again, Liz. Nice job!!
Wow this is SO spot on!! My heeler is the same exact way. Very sweet and such a smart dog. But she is so protective over me and gets aggressive with strangers and other dogs.
I like it in mine except when it comes to my pap bc he loves dog but my dog is not okay with physical contact unless its me so i feel bad :/ but oh well!
My 2 year old female heeler is an angel with people. She is now a royal pita with other dogs. She was socialized every day as a puppy. I’ve used trainers, prong callers, Ecollars. I’ve kind of given up on getting her more dog friendly. I find myself doing all the same things you have mentioned. Great job.
This breed is truly one of a kind. Our Mavie is 3 and even though she exhibits a lot of these same behaviors, she is the most wonderful cuddly loving dog I have had or will ever have. Getting her to relax takes some time but once she's there, she stays there. Thank you for sharing and reminding us heeler parents that they are really just acting how they have been bred for years and years. Love how you love Louie!!! 🖤🦝
You're welcome! A lot of people teach Leave-It but then pick up the Leave-it treat and give it to the pup! That's not Leave-it, that's Wait!😊 Liz is right about distance and distraction, too. I play Puppy-Come on walks without others around. Love our cattle dogs💞🐺🙏
I spent 300 dollars on a trainer for my heeler and u explained all that so much clearer. i want to stop using the prong collar they gave me and switch to the training buzz collar i bought and im so glad o watched this before using it. Thank you
My ACD is a rescue who was picked up on a construction site last summer. He had gotten a broken back leg that healed without vet attention. The rescue took him to a dog orthopedist who said he is no longer in pain, and nothing can fix the leg. So he hops when walking rapidly. He is also very reactive to other dogs, so I'm constantly vigilant to make sure everyone is safe. He is a sweet fun quiet dog indoors. Still getting to know him in different outdoor situations. He has a Martingale collar and a harness connected by a " y" leash. It is a pretty decent control device. Still learning new stuff for him though! This is a good channel for us! Thanks!
These videos are a game changer! I have a heeler pup who is very misunderstood by my daughter and her boyfriend.they got her as a tiny pup. They are not able to train her. I'm going to take her training into my hands because she trusts me. She knows that I love her. Dogs know when they're loved and this girl is so smart. She is becoming aggressive in a house with 3 other full time and one part time dog and 4 cats. I'm pulling her into a quiet place to feel chill, away from all the chaos.
We literally adopted our Red Heeler 8 days ago and are constantly looking for ways to help his nipping and aggression toward larger dogs and strangers. He rarely barks at people, it’s just larger dogs. We try to socialize him and let him play with other small dogs but are concerned while he’s trying to play that he’ll be aggressive. Play with our neighbors small dogs don’t last long because they don’t like to be jumped on or nipped. So.. thank you so much for this video. I feel like we aren’t alone! 🥺 I’m already Subscribed!
Thank you so so much for this!!! We recently got a blue heeler that was neglected at his previous home. Always on a chain outside (they lived in a forest) and when he wasn't on a chain, he was in a kennel. We assumed the aggression was just because of that, and no tips from anyone would work. Learning that him being 2 years old has a part in it makes us feel like it'll be a harder jounrey, but now we know it's not because of what we're doing either! At least some of his aggression is regular for blue heelers in general. We've only had him for less than a month, but with tips like these, he's already going back to how he was a year ago. Just a friendly pup trying to be everyone's buddy!
Hi Liz, Louie and Nick! Tips 4&5 are spot on! I don't let strangers approach my heeler, I am not shy about asking them to stop, please! For nice people and kids, I toss a treat to them then insist they NOT approach but rather let Ru (on leash) approach them as they hold a treat in their hand palm up. I don't force meetings, and like you, I often cross the street with a wave and a smile as other dogs pass. Tip #3, sorry but I never use shock collars. I have called my off-leash heeler off a full-charge after a squirrel! I train a solid Leave It Forever, and strong off-leash Recall. I can explain how if you send an email address, so sorry but I don't have Instagram. The other tips are excellent, Liz! Good job! Blessings👍😊🐺🙏💞
@@lisamasterson3080 Hi Lisa, two things I do: I teach LEAVE IT FOREVER by putting a really yummy treat (chicken or cheese) in one hand and some regular kibble in my other hand. The yummy treat-hand goes behind my back, while the kibble is in my fist, fingers down in front of the dog's nose as I sit in front of pup. I say nothing, and don't move! The pup may paw at my hand or use her nose to try to get the kibble, but I just remain still and watch her closely. As soon as pup looks away or sits or backs up - that is, she gives up trying to get what's in my hand, I say "YES!" In a happy voice and produce the better treat from behind my back! I NEVER give the Leave-it item!! After a couple successes, I present my kibble hand with fingers up and looser around the kibble, making it more enticing! As I present my kibble hand, I speak firmly (not loudly) "Leave it". It doesn't take long before pup starts ignoring my kibble hand and glancing at the other hand behind my back! That's when I open my fingers a bit, still covering the kibble but making it more difficult to ignore. As soon as pup gives up, YES! And give the yummy from behind my back. Again NEVER give the Leave-it kibble! At next session, I make the kibble more and more enticing until I can set it on the floor and say Leave-it, and as soon as she looks at me, YES! It is a process, and gradually I say Leave-it as I set a semi-yummy treat out, etc. The second game we play is I pack my pockets with yummy treats, go for a walk, release pup to smell, then interrupt her "Puppy-Come!" As soon as she glances up "YES" and treat. Then I release her to sniff more. This way, pup is "paid" for breaking concentration and coming to me, and also knows she can return to sniff more. She ends up looking forward to my interruptions! Finally, when pup is well-versed on both, we go for walks where I tell her "Puppy Leave-it Come!" YES and treat but NOT letting her return to that spot or dead animal or antifreeze! That's why Leave-it is Forever! I am calling her off something I don't want her to ever have! And she has learned the muscle memory of Leave-it and of Puppy Come! This is long but hopefully clear🙏😊Have Fun, Lisa!
@@jjsolly5039 this is amazing thank you so much...my heeler understands leave it so one of the two prior owners must have spent time on that its the leave it forever part we need to strengthen. I can call him but to get him to break his concentration I need to get his attention by clapping my hands loud and breaking his concentration. I knew there had to be a better way. Thank you again 😊
Thank you for the help. Levi is 4 months and already has an invisible boundary and if someone comes in that boundary it gets a little dicey. Even with tons of socialization. Thanks for the tips.
@@turnpike1980 it has. With people. He still doesn’t treat strangers as well as he treats the family but I make sure to tell people to take it slow and don’t go grabbing at him to quickly before he knows ya. He doesn’t play well anymore with most dogs. So we just don’t do that. They’re not like a lab or a golden retriever. They’re your dog and they won’t treat anyone else like they treat you or the family. Responsible dog control is definitely required.
Thanks for this video! I've owned and trained a purebred Doberman and a Husky/Golden mix, but we rescued an abused & abandoned 2 y.o. momma Australian Cattle Dog mix and I'm not used to their reactive behavior towards other dogs and animals.. This makes me feel much better knowing that it's extremely common in this breed. 🙏🏻 We're continuing to bone up on our ACD knowledge, and videos like this help a lot.
I have a reactive BH. He's 15 weeks. I've been socializing him everyday. But this was full on biting. And I've raised him since he was born. We also have his brother. His brother is so much calmer.
Thanks for this video. It's my first time having a rescue ACD/Queensland heeler mix and the reactivity was really concerning me until I watched several videos like yours describing this behavior as normal and not necessarily aggression. We have another, older dog who is very mellow and our ACD is fine with her outside but in tight quarters it's a hit or miss. We're not leaving the two alone and we're supervising them when they're in the same space to try to correct this behavior so it won't become the norm or get worse. So far it's working. I just wish there were videos showing the facial expressions when ACDs aren't just curious but actively targeting/about to nip. It's a whole new body language to learn for us. I've been reading the comments and there's a wealth of information there too, but if anyone has any suggestions of how to lessen the herding/nipping behavior with respect to dogs in the household, I'd really appreciate it.
OMG, you're amazing! My puppy is 9 weeks old...I am homeless and someone gave him to me, I am interested in keeping him...for all of his life! Your video is better than Caesar Milan! I have added you to my subscription list...I named him Ghost...and I am the 4th person that has had him...in the short time, of his 8 weeks...I have had him for 12 days...his 3rd day, I started his shots...he was given to me on October 3rd, started his shots on October 6th, 2021.
I have a rescue orange heeler (re-homed 3 times, I am the 4th), didn't know what I was getting into! I am committed to keeping him and it is getting manageable :). Lot of treats, Baskerville brand muzzle for dog park, slip leash for short, crowded morning walks and a kennel in the house if I need a break and while I am at work. All of the above he has not protested, even the muzzle I was able to get him to accept. High activity level, "velcro" dog, reactive and nippy, all that BUT He is sweet and smart and I love watching his high energy play with his roommate (border collie lab mix).
Great video for helping me with our heeler-shepherd mix who is 2 yrs old tomorrow and still all mouthy and barks very, very loud, is reactive and is so willing to please, very, very my dog, and does not know how to behave with other people and some dogs. We do the same distancing while walking and it is weird, especially since our 2 other, non-heelers are very, very sociable.
Idk why but I haven’t been Getting notifications for your channel so happy I finally got one again last time I I got a notification you were living in that camper van i like a very small one not the one you have now
Thanks for these tips! My boy has been reacting a lot to strangers and getting more and more territorial. I try to distract him or get his attention, but when he's activated, it doesn't work. So I'll continue to create distance, reinforce calm with treats, and maybe try a training collar to snap him out of it. This has been helpful!
I have a five month old Heeler/Cattle Dog. literally was just at a family party, he was doing really great. Just timid. Then a kid ran up to him and he hated it. I told him no before he nipped. But it was that same experience you we’re saying. This is very helpful, thank you a ton!
I'm dog is german shepard. She does not like dogs at all. Very protective jealous she does niip people ❤😂do not take him on a walk it will be disaster.
We have that same ecollar With our heeler mix. I use the tone to get attention, the vibrate annoys him so I use it for for ‘you didn’t listen/ignore what bugs you’ I mean it. And I’ve used shock for the that’s not allowed behavior (grabs fence and shakes it - chases rabbits - he’s killed on in the yard). Usually the tone and vibrate gets him back into good manners mode
Yeah my heeler Conor will react to my hubby when he startles him unintentionally. Boy he has given me a real training when it comes to dogs and I have owned dogs all my life. LOL!!! Thanks for this video. :)
My sons mini blue healer cross is not only resource guarding his food he's picked a female family member to continually protect. If family members come downstairs from upstairs the dog barks without stopping. He even barks and growls at my son the owner when he enters the room the dog is in. My son is trying the pinning down method to show the dog whos the alfa but the dog bit him. The dog actually went into a fight mode, it didnt help that my son was angry while applying this method. As well the dog barks loud and nonstop at every bang or loud noise happening on the upper floor. Its getting out of hand. The ultrasonic device doesnt even phase him. The dog is great on walks and meeting other people male or female but is basically reacting to my son and family members. I think the pinning down method is making the dog show aggression to my son now. We all live in the same house some up some down. My son is usually hangs out in the suite downstairs. When people enter the open suite from the staircase the crazy barking starts. I know he is guarding his domain but its getting ridiculous. I find the dog loving, smart and loves cuddles, but has this other side issue .
Our almost two year old blue heeler was socialized early and did well until a dog off leash charged at us and bit him and he's never been the same. He is PERFECT, never pulls walks right by your side on leash, until a dog gets too close. We do just kind of oddly will walkw ay out of the way and into a yard to give him distance and that USUALLY works. Even then sometimes not. High-value treats are also good. It makes me sad because he's actually super sweet dog, he just get really scared and he's strong and once he gets reactive he just looks so scary to people and we just have to be so careful with him. Fortunately, his reactive is mostly one with dogs and super rarely with people.
Great tips, thank you. Just like you in the beginning I felt bad pulling my dog Beau off the trail to the side but you are so right it works so much better. Thank you for your amazing video you have helped us on our (so far) year long journey with our heeler...they are amazing dogs but certainly a different breed than most dogs I am use to. Amazing but different 😂
Thanks for those tips. My 4 year old ACD rescue is exactly what you described but I think it is also my fault that I fear she may nip a friend or a child who wants to pet her. I read that they can sense the fear in us and they react to that as well.
I misjudged my Blue Heeler's strength -- I had him on a retractable leash when walking into backyard - neighbors dog came out of nowhere and my beutiful boy pulled me down on cement. I was stranded on cement in 30 degree weather, neighbor saved my life. Dog didn't see me for about `10 days later... I'm sure he was confused. I don't recommend the retractable, or putting the leash wrapped around wrist.. good way to brake wrist. I let him out for a quick piss, didn't have phone.. that was a $21,000 piss. So.. beware of your strength and the dog, and the leash. You are absolutely right -- they have an amazing awareness and attention span.. all I did was look the other way, and he brought me down on my right hip. He meant well.. LOL -- I have walked/owned big breeds all my life, but the strength of this breed is very unpredictable... I've had dobies, rotts, etc.. it's the charging power these dogs have. I believe mine is a bit of a dobie / heeler mix -- and I rescued him.
Thank you Liz for all the helpful information I have a 15 month old heeler this was very helpful. I just bought her a harness and it’s a game changer! also a don’t pet patch that I had seen in your past videos
a while ago, someone told me to put mine to the harness & all i could see is 4 wheel drive yanking me around but will try this. they are a powerful breed both physically and their mentality.
I’ve stepped away with my dog numerous times too. People walking towards us, comes across too confrontational most times. But if we walk several feet behind them my dog thrives. Currently working on him being ok with someone behind us. Couple times people get too close, and bam reaction.
Awesome video. Good job explaining the negative reinforcement aspect because too many people use it terribly. Nick hiding behind the door 👀😂 i’m so glad lou has my scent forever 😂
May baby Tilley is 9 months old and just got her first period. I am wondering if that hormonal change is making her a bit more aggressive and reactive. She endlessly growls at other people and dogs. I Will practice positive reinforcement. Using the gentle leader and Mexican halti helps tons!!
Great suggestions! Keeping on top of possible reactivity situations is hard in a city 🤦🏼♀️ I’ve been getting so exhausted on our walks and hikes and jogs trying to stay ahead mentally of my cattle dog mix. Are these behaviors that can eventually be mostly trained out? Or just managed with the techniques you’ve lovely laid out here?
Late reply but from what I've researched they need at least, bare minimum, an hour of physical activity a day and lots of mental stimulation like training, agility, trick training and play. We walk our other, elder dog for one long walk a day whenever she doesn't go to her dog class. We've had our new ACD mix less than a week now and I'm exhausted. I went from getting under 5000 steps a day to getting over 10, 000. If you're lucky, they tell you when they're bored and then it's time to get moving. When they don't get enough activity you will know it for sure. That's when the problematic behaviors start happening. But so far our ACD is such a loving dog and well worth the extra effort.
CD are wonderful bread! You have described their behavior so well. Thanks for the training tips and making me realize I am not alone in the CD behavior world.
Lynn brown I'm on here cause my mother in law has one and my personal opinion I'm gonna get alot of hate and I'm rly trying not 😥 they are super beautiful but blue heelers are deff not for me thank God my mother in law has him but we take care of him alot cause she works but his behavior is horrible Ive had my dog 7 years now and his sister plays 2 other dogs and litter of puppys all at once before and I never been so stressed out in my life the way i am with her blue heeler . He constant tries getting stuff out my hands and bites or growls. Maybe if he was trained more but she basically let him dominate the house and we started to correct him right but he doesnt care even with treats or commands . He doesnt get anthing or care and he growls and goes insane in the window and his owner dont really care ..deff causes me stress when I have to intercept his behaviors. Thats why I dont think I'd ever ever own one personally they are cool but alot of work😣 my 7 yr old dog as a puppy never acted like that nor did his puppys etc.
Also, yes I am always on the lookout and avoid situations like going a different direction or even turning around on a walk. My Beau's main issue is wanting to attack/chase vehicles, bicycles, or essentially anything with wheels. So I m always on the lookout or on guard
Thanks for the tips! The comments are helpful too and it's great to know it's normal behavior! Our Skye is an amazing heeler! She's super friendly with people but does like to jump which is something I need to work on and cutting her nails is a huge trigger! (Have to take her to the vet to do it, even groomers can't do it) she does seem awful small for a heeler so we're thinking she's either a runt or maybe a mini? (She's only 26lbs) but very smart and all around great dog!
Hi Liz! I have a 10 weeks old ACD who can get pretty agressive when it comes to biting our moving feet and hands. I wouldn’t call her overall behavior aggressive at all. She is not protective over food or toys, we can easily get a bone away from her, we can pet her, rub her belly, etc… But when she is unleashed and we are walking in the house, she will start biting our feet really hard and growl as we try to get our feet away. I am not sure what to do in these situation, as when the biting gets more intense we can’t redirect her with toys. We can sometimes redirect with treats but it seems like she wants to bite our hand, not really caring about the treat. I’ve heard you’re supposed to remove yourself, but we can’t do that with puppy teeth attached to our ankles! So we try to keep her on the leash at all times to be able to pull her away but just don’t think it’s a sustainable solution. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Hi ,,I adopted a 7year old ausky mix,,he's very sweet ,smart and yes reactive to dogs approaching,,we have been attacked by dogs off leash,,this is very frustrating..he switches from good dog to protective., this is natural,,but usually he wants to meet dogs on leash and loses his mind crying and jumping....should I let him get closer to the other dogs? I don't think he will nip, unless the other dog attacks?
Thanks Liz. I've watched lots of your videos, but had no idea til now that you had these issues with Lou. My ACD is now 12 months old, and about a month ago started to occasionally display aggression toward people and other dogs. Most of the time of he's fine, but I feel like I cant trust him off lead any more at our local dog parks. Its a conundrum, because they need their exercise.. My previous dog, a Cattle Dog X, was so easy in comparison. I love my ACD to bits, so will work toward a solution, but its a bit of a shock when your happy, social dog, turns antisocial.
Thank you Liz....your video has been very helpful to me. We made the mistake of getting 2 adorable blue heeler and border collie mixed puppies. They came from a cattle ranch nearby and are adorable in so many ways. But now at 5 months old we are trying to get them socialized in campgrounds and they are failing miserably. We may have to rehome one of them and are considering all those options now. My little girl puppy is very smart but so reactive on a leash now. She seems to be protecting us from everything these days and is becoming very reactive. She also pulls like a sled dog on her leash.
Being that your dog is working dog and it came from a cattle farm it is going to be super touchy. If cattle dogs don’t have a job they will create their own, which is biting, eating furniture, barking, chasing. I have met few farmers over years that will just shoot them and go buy another if they can’t round up cattle. There is a chance you bought a dog that failed its training. But don’t think it’s stupid, their level of training is so hard any dog but a working dog would fail. That’s why they so smart. Buying from a farm it could be very smart. Most are purebreds with good smart bloodline.
My healer absolutely LOVES people when she sees them. It’s actually rare for her to NOT like someone so we actually do get weary around people she don’t like. Because it’s extraordinary rat and not a one time thing.
I'm having problems with my healer she is approximately approximate one year old. Randomly she has just started attacking the other dogs when they're not even around us. I don't know what to do. I've never dealt with dominance behaviors before.she is well socialized. Any help would be appreciated. Will she grow out if this ?
I just basically got dumped with a blue heeled mix I think but she looks more like short hair border collie and I have an issue with saying no but I didn’t realize these breeds are just like Belgian shepherd, high energy and now I got two. In about 2 hours I was able to connect with her and she very sweet, wants nothing but my attention, that I can give and loves all dogs but human just like my Belgian. I will say she’s broke both of my 30 feet yard line, so now I’m hoping I can spend time to get her used to my command like my other pup but she 4.
Your dog sounds exactly like my dog with the reactor my heeler does the same thing she needs a lot of time to get to know that person she trusts 4 people that I can leave with them if I have to go somewhere
Hello my name is Heather I have a 6-month-old red heeler border collie mix and I have been trying and trying on how to get him to not jump up and nip and we can't take him anywhere because he simply plays too hard with other dogs to the point where it becomes a possible dangerous situation and he is too smart for muzzles while walking I have tried three different type for when we walk and I just have no idea on what else to do for him. I am starting to believe that he may just be one of very few that has temperament problems moreso. We rescued him from an abusive family when he was 9 weeks. He has terrible anxiety..I did take him to a 4-week k9 obedience school and he was so unmanageable and bad that we could not continue. I have tried redirection many times... Visitors do not want to come and visit me because if he is wanting to play he will not take no for an answer and that's when his temperament will get more aggressive and so people will never generally be at my home for more than 15-20 minutes.... I have tried redirection with toys I take him out for an hour, three different times a day so he can just run. I spend a lot of time working with him but it just doesn't seem to be enough. I live in the country so we can run as much as he wants to and I thought that maybe that was the reason why he was aggressive is he wasn't getting enough exercise but even a whole day of running and he's still is very anxious and temperamental... It makes me sad because I have joint custody with my kids and my little boys want to come be here but I can't have the dog around them and so maybe I need to look for a home because I can't expose my children to all the nipping and jumping, stratching...and it seems no matter how much they are around Kopper... He is just very aggressive. It would be different if my boys weren't 10 and 5.. and they were older but there doesn't seem to be much of another answer. Unless I fix him and maybe that will calm him down. I do NOT want to get rid of him do you have any other ideas sorry I know this post is super long. Also I want to point out that he has had regular socialization at least 4 days out of the week with my family members and my close friends so most of the time it's just me and him and my boys but people stop by regularly as to where he should not be acting like this. The vets even kind of bamboozled. 🥴 Oh well we will get there.
i feel for you. My girl is showing some aggressive behaviour with other dogs recently. Everyone suggests me ti contact a trainer who has experience with cattle dog. Maybe that puppy school was not good for him. I will say try to contact another trainer . I don t want to give away my girl too but as my situation she can’t be unfriendly with other dogs as i need to take her out to run at least twice a day( my place has not enough space for big runs). So i will say keep trying to find a better professional trainer
My blue heeler pup Ash bit me for the first time the other day out of reaction and i guess he didnt like being pointed at when he was bad lmao, hes really social and he loves people he just gets really hyper. But i do muzzle him around people to stop him from nipping. Ive had him since he was 3 days from 9 weeks and hes probably around 9-10 months now and hes literally my son. Best friend he doesnt leave me alone at all but i wouldnt trade him for the world
I have noticed that my GHoST is snappish when he needs to take a nap...and you're saying that I should be taking him away from the REACTOR, but I am the only one that makes him freak out, so how would I help him to STOP?
I take my three-month-old to the dog park at least twice a week. When people realize he is a pup they enjoy picking him up, he then proceeds to climb on their head.
Yeah my little pit heeler is a little punk, we tryed doing things with him when he was smaller he just never grew out of it, well I guess it's just his personality lol. He heards my son around alot and is nippy with us all, playfully. Oh my gosh the vet thing!! Yes my Floki to 100%,
i have a rhodesian ridgeback mixed with a queensland heeler and he is very aggressive and it’s gotten to the point where i had to get him neutered and if he continues to be aggressive i have to give him up😭 if you could help and make a video that would be greatly appreciated and or any tips also he is mainly aggresive torwards intact males
I love my blue heeler so much and I am afraid I'm not gonna be able to keep him. He keeps growling at random people over at the house and just growled and bit at my 8 year old nephew. I'm crushed.
Thx So mutch for youre explanatian, my Englisch is not So wel, i am sorry.My dog is a mix of father is Labrador and Mother is a cattle dog, it’s a girl 10 month’s old Now. I never had a fantastic clever dog like this before in my life, sjofar not any problem, she is very clever and she is very happy to learn triks, she hardlopen barks and she is 24/7 with me, i am a traveling street musisian, togheter we make a good living and a happy life. She is black and a big wide face and very strong but never agressieve. Thank you So mutch, her name is Pip ❤️
It’s so funny!! I literally felt like I was watching me talk & explain everything! Me & Odin my Blue Heeler are always working, I notice if I don’t practice with him bcuz he’s doing well, he will randomly down the road forget certain tasks we’ve worked with. So consistency is key. He has I believe a bit of trauma from being jumped by 2 dogs bcuz owner’s who need to lift some weights or something bcuz both these people literally had their dogs on retractable leashes which I hate seeing people with them for that very sweaty palms reason and plain out no control. So he tends to have his guard up. he was just learning how to socialize with other dogs when this happened . I got him during the Vid19 & it wasn’t so easy socializing him. No one really around. And not only did it happen once, it happened twice with the same idiot people!! This time he just ran home from the park he wasn’t attacked Me & bf split up I stayed around the park & he went home to check. And there he was sitting at our door. I literally was so mad at these people I sought them out & broke down in angry terms to them to get control of their dogs bcuz last time they cost me over $1000 & I could’ve lost him when I completely missed a puncture wound & it blew up to a huge lump. That was a process & a half. Omg I gave them a piece of my mind. “ if you can’t control your dogs then don’t come to the park! Unless you want me to sue you next time?!” Haven’t seen them since. Anyways, I think we as the parents of these types of dogs we find ways to tweak things. But also not completely avoid scenarios. Even though he’s a bit reactive to dogs I’ve been working with him to stay or come in the park & I got to see the results. A little puppy was roaming loose, I was trying to pick it up to bring back to its home. Odin was with me, but the puppy was scared of him so I told him to sit & stay, I walked over to the little puppy, and as I walked to the pup, I noticed a man walking with his dog on the sidewalk & Odin sat there did not react to the dog & stayed while I was helping the puppy,I was actually a good distance away from him, that’s bcuz we’ve been working on that reactivity and it takes firmness and consistency. That’s from doing the work. It’s always a light work in progress, bcuz of the stubbornness. He just wants a job to do & giving him tasks helps. His favorite is getting my shoes, getting the leash & collar, picking up toys & putting them away, hide & seek his toys. Sorry for long winded response. Love the videos!!!! Thanks y’all!!
My heeler has severve possession aggression. He will steal and gaurd what he thinks are high value items. I fail over and over on controling the situation or correcting it most times it results in a fight he has bitten my hands several times. He likes other dogs but can apear agressive with strangers, (just nervous).
Have a 1-year-old smaller size blue heeler she's black and silver her name is DeeDee, Right when I'm ready to go take them for a walk they bark or she barks very loudly in the garage I can't get her to stop She had a bark collar on barks through the bark collar and I used my push button device that makes them shut up and she would still bark through that so I had to hit her hard today I feel bad that I hit her but she would not shut up and I have neighbors that are complaining How do I get this damn dog to shut up she's quiet all day while I'm home working from home but the minute I clock out and get them get ready to stand up that she starts barking and barks even worse in the garage it's very loud and very disruptive and I can't get her to shut the hell up Help!!!
What if the puppy is socialized, but gets reactive, but not aggressive, with other dogs but to play. Because as soon as the dog comes over she plays with them, even kids! She is a mix with pit and lab. When the other dog comes to me she doesn’t get aggressive either. And when people come over, she plays. Again, not aggressive. She hardly barks, but she will ignore me when she sees another dog. What are your opinions?
I have a ten month old blue heeler and unfortunately she has started displaying unprovoked aggression towards my other dogs. She literally tried to kill them, latching on and shaking them, trying to pull them away from me. In these incidents, she's completely unprovoked, just walking up to them and bam, attack is on. I've been bitten in the process of trying to separate then, which I know is my fault. She's not displayed any aggression towards humans to date. I DO NOT want to put her down but everyone is telling me I need to but she is such a loving, beautiful dog. My question is is this aggression considered reactive or do I need to have her put down. I hope you tell me no but please help. I need guidance.
Great video, Liz! Do you have any tips on resource guarding with heelers? My blue heeler Sadie steals our things and guards them and will attack and bite us. Thinking about using the vibration collar
Approach your heeler with an extra YUMMY treat, toss near pup and walk away. Repeat. Soon your dog will see you approaching when pup has a resource as a good thing! Decrease distance gradually.
I wouldn’t suggest using the vibration collar in this situation. It will make the situation worse because you would be using it in a negative manner (vibrating dog so they will drop it) that will only make your dog more fearful & aggressive in this situation. I agree with JJ Solly, get your dogs attention off of whatever she’s guarding.
My dog grew up in a college house where people were constantly coming and going and large gatherings and people always played with her so she loves all people thank god. But hates other dogs :( I don’t understand what makes her so scared and leash aggressive near dogs on walks
Yep I have 2 red and blue both girls. Sapphire my blue us cuddle bug and wouldn't associate with aggression at all. Ruby is different story. Very protective over me. I thought it was males but no all humans 😬
Gday. My partner & I have put a deposit down for a cattle dog puppy, due to come home in 2 weeks. We’re just a bit worried as a lot of super had said they can be super aggressive & that is definitely not what we want. I wondered, have you found this to be true? We also have a bunny that roams around the house and definitely don’t want any accidents.
My red heeler growled at a dog for the first time the other day at the park dog (have been there dozens of times). We’ve had him since March and he just turned 1 in August. He’s really sweet he just needs to be trained.
My ACD is not confortable with ppl inside my house he barks a lot and when I take him for a walk he pulls me and gets whiny or sometimes wants to bark so I need a device for this, he's almost 7 months
Yeah, my puppy is the same towards myself & I am mystified as to how to stop the chaos that he inflicts towards myself! I was bleeding 5x this morning...HELP?
@@raynbeauheather669 A tired dog is a better behaved dog. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Then, mental stimulation and play. They're never going to be mellow. They're working dogs.
I have a question for you I have a blue heeler name is Mickey mouse he sits down he's outside he drives but he bites everybody but when he's in the house he's so sweet and livable he listens but when he's outside he doesn't listen to me he bites me and especially when we're at the park and I can't allow him with nobody to ask you any suggestions
Most well trained dogs have to be trained outside of the home with distractions, they don’t generalize like we do. You have to train them in every environment. They don’t transfer obedience from the house to outside, you have to train outside for that.
I’d argue the example you give w the child, him not wanting to be pet and you being present with him and being defensive are three different issues. My Rottweiler used to display these traits too.
I've been subscribed and watching your videos for a while and you and Lou were one of the reasons I got an ACD. My puppy is 7 months now and is exhibiting reactivity on and off leash very similar to what you've described about Louie. Thanks so much for these tips! We're going to continue to work hard with our pup.
Lol, I had a heart attack when you pulled out the training collar, cuz I thought you were telling people they should zap your dog, where as using the vibrate, that makes sense, and is a great tip.
im in a off kind of road wheel chair reactor at least in my 3 months , its like people sorry but stupid they can go round me but no, lets make the one legged old man wait ot get stuck or go off the sidewalk plss i dont see well so i dont see people but banjo does thanks for the tips plus he gets 2 1 hr woods run and anotherone later with a downtown freddy brown walk inbetween
Lord I didnt know anything about littermate syndrome. We have 2 female sisters 😇 😈 . We have 5 acres and a Giant pool so we do not need to take them anywhere but when people come over it's nipping, biting, herding and a whole Lotta barking. So we take them to where my daughter works to start socializing, I take them to non dog parks that's not heavily populated no bicycles or skaters.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
My heeler has shown some aggression and reactivity and it made me really sad & nervous. I am glad it is more common than I realized. Thank you for the tips!
your emotional levels are felt and reacted to by your dog. figure out what has you nervous as you are the one your dog looks to for guidance and how to react.
My first girl was a lover of everyone and every dog! My puppy, I spent tons of money socializing her as a puppy, dog parks everyday and Home Depot and Lowes. She went through heat and all of the sudden, she can’t do dog parks or daycare anymore. It was really depressing to me.
Mine gets stressed when im stressed and idk how to start training
This is the BEST video I've seen that fits my rescue Red Heeler, Auggie. He's the most the most loving dog I've ever had in my 75 years but very reactive with strangers. I have been following all of LIz's 5 tips but I must say that a BUMAS muzzle is still the key to being in public. Despite using treats, I can't trust him with strangers and he can react, unexpectedly, in an instant. The BUMAS muzzle has saved the day on many occasions and is well worth the extra expense. Also, Auggie has learned to accept the muzzle as a sign that he's going for a walk/hike. Thanks again, Liz. Nice job!!
Is he off the muzzle now, or have you kept him on it? We'd like to get one just for now, but we don't want to keep him on it forever
Wow this is SO spot on!! My heeler is the same exact way. Very sweet and such a smart dog. But she is so protective over me and gets aggressive with strangers and other dogs.
This is exactly how my heeler Lucy acts except even when she warms up to someone she still doesn’t exactly love them she simply tolerates them
I like it in mine except when it comes to my pap bc he loves dog but my dog is not okay with physical contact unless its me so i feel bad :/ but oh well!
Love your haircut. Great tips,right on point 👌
My 2 year old female heeler is an angel with people. She is now a royal pita with other dogs. She was socialized every day as a puppy. I’ve used trainers, prong callers, Ecollars. I’ve kind of given up on getting her more dog friendly. I find myself doing all the same things you have mentioned. Great job.
Excellent video on aggression and how to manage your dog in different scenarios. Thank you
This breed is truly one of a kind. Our Mavie is 3 and even though she exhibits a lot of these same behaviors, she is the most wonderful cuddly loving dog I have had or will ever have. Getting her to relax takes some time but once she's there, she stays there. Thank you for sharing and reminding us heeler parents that they are really just acting how they have been bred for years and years. Love how you love Louie!!! 🖤🦝
Have basically described my one too
You're welcome! A lot of people teach Leave-It but then pick up the Leave-it treat and give it to the pup! That's not Leave-it, that's Wait!😊
Liz is right about distance and distraction, too. I play Puppy-Come on walks without others around. Love our cattle dogs💞🐺🙏
I spent 300 dollars on a trainer for my heeler and u explained all that so much clearer. i want to stop using the prong collar they gave me and switch to the training buzz collar i bought and im so glad o watched this before using it. Thank you
My ACD is a rescue who was picked up on a construction site last summer. He had gotten a broken back leg that healed without vet attention. The rescue took him to a dog orthopedist who said he is no longer in pain, and nothing can fix the leg. So he hops when walking rapidly. He is also very reactive to other dogs, so I'm constantly vigilant to make sure everyone is safe. He is a sweet fun quiet dog indoors. Still getting to know him in different outdoor situations. He has a Martingale collar and a harness connected by a " y" leash. It is a pretty decent control device. Still learning new stuff for him though! This is a good channel for us! Thanks!
These videos are a game changer! I have a heeler pup who is very misunderstood by my daughter and her boyfriend.they got her as a tiny pup. They are not able to train her. I'm going to take her training into my hands because she trusts me. She knows that I love her. Dogs know when they're loved and this girl is so smart. She is becoming aggressive in a house with 3 other full time and one part time dog and 4 cats. I'm pulling her into a quiet place to feel chill, away from all the chaos.
All of your background on Lou is JUST LIKE my cattle dog, Reaper!! It’s kind of relieving to hear it’s not just my boy😊.
Yea they’re all like this , they can’t cope
We literally adopted our Red Heeler 8 days ago and are constantly looking for ways to help his nipping and aggression toward larger dogs and strangers. He rarely barks at people, it’s just larger dogs. We try to socialize him and let him play with other small dogs but are concerned while he’s trying to play that he’ll be aggressive. Play with our neighbors small dogs don’t last long because they don’t like to be jumped on or nipped. So.. thank you so much for this video. I feel like we aren’t alone! 🥺 I’m already Subscribed!
Thank you so so much for this!!! We recently got a blue heeler that was neglected at his previous home. Always on a chain outside (they lived in a forest) and when he wasn't on a chain, he was in a kennel. We assumed the aggression was just because of that, and no tips from anyone would work. Learning that him being 2 years old has a part in it makes us feel like it'll be a harder jounrey, but now we know it's not because of what we're doing either! At least some of his aggression is regular for blue heelers in general. We've only had him for less than a month, but with tips like these, he's already going back to how he was a year ago. Just a friendly pup trying to be everyone's buddy!
Hi Liz, Louie and Nick! Tips 4&5 are spot on! I don't let strangers approach my heeler, I am not shy about asking them to stop, please! For nice people and kids, I toss a treat to them then insist they NOT approach but rather let Ru (on leash) approach them as they hold a treat in their hand palm up. I don't force meetings, and like you, I often cross the street with a wave and a smile as other dogs pass. Tip #3, sorry but I never use shock collars. I have called my off-leash heeler off a full-charge after a squirrel! I train a solid Leave It Forever, and strong off-leash Recall. I can explain how if you send an email address, so sorry but I don't have Instagram. The other tips are excellent, Liz! Good job! Blessings👍😊🐺🙏💞
I'd like any tips and tricks you can share
@@lisamasterson3080
Hi Lisa, two things I do: I teach LEAVE IT FOREVER by putting a really yummy treat (chicken or cheese) in one hand and some regular kibble in my other hand. The yummy treat-hand goes behind my back, while the kibble is in my fist, fingers down in front of the dog's nose as I sit in front of pup. I say nothing, and don't move! The pup may paw at my hand or use her nose to try to get the kibble, but I just remain still and watch her closely. As soon as pup looks away or sits or backs up - that is, she gives up trying to get what's in my hand, I say "YES!" In a happy voice and produce the better treat from behind my back! I NEVER give the Leave-it item!!
After a couple successes, I present my kibble hand with fingers up and looser around the kibble, making it more enticing! As I present my kibble hand, I speak firmly (not loudly) "Leave it". It doesn't take long before pup starts ignoring my kibble hand and glancing at the other hand behind my back! That's when I open my fingers a bit, still covering the kibble but making it more difficult to ignore. As soon as pup gives up, YES! And give the yummy from behind my back. Again NEVER give the Leave-it kibble!
At next session, I make the kibble more and more enticing until I can set it on the floor and say Leave-it, and as soon as she looks at me, YES! It is a process, and gradually I say Leave-it as I set a semi-yummy treat out, etc.
The second game we play is I pack my pockets with yummy treats, go for a walk, release pup to smell, then interrupt her "Puppy-Come!" As soon as she glances up "YES" and treat. Then I release her to sniff more. This way, pup is "paid" for breaking concentration and coming to me, and also knows she can return to sniff more. She ends up looking forward to my interruptions!
Finally, when pup is well-versed on both, we go for walks where I tell her "Puppy Leave-it Come!" YES and treat but NOT letting her return to that spot or dead animal or antifreeze! That's why Leave-it is Forever! I am calling her off something I don't want her to ever have! And she has learned the muscle memory of Leave-it and of Puppy Come! This is long but hopefully clear🙏😊Have Fun, Lisa!
@@jjsolly5039 this is amazing thank you so much...my heeler understands leave it so one of the two prior owners must have spent time on that its the leave it forever part we need to strengthen. I can call him but to get him to break his concentration I need to get his attention by clapping my hands loud and breaking his concentration. I knew there had to be a better way. Thank you again 😊
@@jjsolly5039 I love this suggestion. Thank you!!
Thank you for the help. Levi is 4 months and already has an invisible boundary and if someone comes in that boundary it gets a little dicey. Even with tons of socialization. Thanks for the tips.
We are dealing with this. Has this gotten better?
@@turnpike1980 it has. With people. He still doesn’t treat strangers as well as he treats the family but I make sure to tell people to take it slow and don’t go grabbing at him to quickly before he knows ya. He doesn’t play well anymore with most dogs. So we just don’t do that. They’re not like a lab or a golden retriever. They’re your dog and they won’t treat anyone else like they treat you or the family. Responsible dog control is definitely required.
Thanks for this video! I've owned and trained a purebred Doberman and a Husky/Golden mix, but we rescued an abused & abandoned 2 y.o. momma Australian Cattle Dog mix and I'm not used to their reactive behavior towards other dogs and animals.. This makes me feel much better knowing that it's extremely common in this breed. 🙏🏻 We're continuing to bone up on our ACD knowledge, and videos like this help a lot.
I have a reactive BH. He's 15 weeks. I've been socializing him everyday. But this was full on biting. And I've raised him since he was born. We also have his brother. His brother is so much calmer.
Thanks for this video. It's my first time having a rescue ACD/Queensland heeler mix and the reactivity was really concerning me until I watched several videos like yours describing this behavior as normal and not necessarily aggression. We have another, older dog who is very mellow and our ACD is fine with her outside but in tight quarters it's a hit or miss. We're not leaving the two alone and we're supervising them when they're in the same space to try to correct this behavior so it won't become the norm or get worse. So far it's working. I just wish there were videos showing the facial expressions when ACDs aren't just curious but actively targeting/about to nip. It's a whole new body language to learn for us. I've been reading the comments and there's a wealth of information there too, but if anyone has any suggestions of how to lessen the herding/nipping behavior with respect to dogs in the household, I'd really appreciate it.
OMG, you're amazing! My puppy is 9 weeks old...I am homeless and someone gave him to me, I am interested in keeping him...for all of his life! Your video is better than Caesar Milan!
I have added you to my subscription list...I named him Ghost...and I am the 4th person that has had him...in the short time, of his 8 weeks...I have had him for 12 days...his 3rd day, I started his shots...he was given to me on October 3rd, started his shots on October 6th, 2021.
I have a rescue orange heeler (re-homed 3 times, I am the 4th), didn't know what I was getting into! I am committed to keeping him and it is getting manageable :). Lot of treats, Baskerville brand muzzle for dog park, slip leash for short, crowded morning walks and a kennel in the house if I need a break and while I am at work. All of the above he has not protested, even the muzzle I was able to get him to accept. High activity level, "velcro" dog, reactive and nippy, all that BUT He is sweet and smart and I love watching his high energy play with his roommate (border collie lab mix).
Great video for helping me with our heeler-shepherd mix who is 2 yrs old tomorrow and still all mouthy and barks very, very loud, is reactive and is so willing to please, very, very my dog, and does not know how to behave with other people and some dogs. We do the same distancing while walking and it is weird, especially since our 2 other, non-heelers are very, very sociable.
Idk why but I haven’t been Getting notifications for your channel so happy I finally got one again last time I I got a notification you were living in that camper van i like a very small one not the one you have now
Hit the notification Bell to be alerted when we post a new video :)
@@LizLife I did months ago that was my problem I want getting notifications but I am now so that’s good
I think the van belongs to Lou now
Thanks for these tips! My boy has been reacting a lot to strangers and getting more and more territorial. I try to distract him or get his attention, but when he's activated, it doesn't work. So I'll continue to create distance, reinforce calm with treats, and maybe try a training collar to snap him out of it. This has been helpful!
I thought I was the only one with a somewhat anti-social ACD... Such a relief knowing that I'm not alone. Subbed! :)
I have a five month old Heeler/Cattle Dog. literally was just at a family party, he was doing really great. Just timid. Then a kid ran up to him and he hated it. I told him no before he nipped. But it was that same experience you we’re saying. This is very helpful, thank you a ton!
I'm dog is german shepard. She does not like dogs at all. Very protective jealous she does niip people ❤😂do not take him on a walk it will be disaster.
We have that same ecollar With our heeler mix. I use the tone to get attention, the vibrate annoys him so I use it for for ‘you didn’t listen/ignore what bugs you’ I mean it. And I’ve used shock for the that’s not allowed behavior (grabs fence and shakes it - chases rabbits - he’s killed on in the yard). Usually the tone and vibrate gets him back into good manners mode
Yeah my heeler Conor will react to my hubby when he startles him unintentionally. Boy he has given me a real training when it comes to dogs and I have owned dogs all my life. LOL!!! Thanks for this video. :)
My sons mini blue healer cross is not only resource guarding his food he's picked a female family member to continually protect. If family members come downstairs from upstairs the dog barks without stopping. He even barks and growls at my son the owner when he enters the room the dog is in. My son is trying the pinning down method to show the dog whos the alfa but the dog bit him. The dog actually went into a fight mode, it didnt help that my son was angry while applying this method. As well the dog barks loud and nonstop at every bang or loud noise happening on the upper floor. Its getting out of hand. The ultrasonic device doesnt even phase him. The dog is great on walks and meeting other people male or female but is basically reacting to my son and family members. I think the pinning down method is making the dog show aggression to my son now. We all live in the same house some up some down. My son is usually hangs out in the suite downstairs. When people enter the open suite from the staircase the crazy barking starts. I know he is guarding his domain but its getting ridiculous. I find the dog loving, smart and loves cuddles, but has this other side issue .
Reminds me of my Blue Heeler, Bumper. Hes more motivated by play than food at this point though. That was the only difference. Thanks for the info!
Our almost two year old blue heeler was socialized early and did well until a dog off leash charged at us and bit him and he's never been the same. He is PERFECT, never pulls walks right by your side on leash, until a dog gets too close. We do just kind of oddly will walkw ay out of the way and into a yard to give him distance and that USUALLY works. Even then sometimes not. High-value treats are also good. It makes me sad because he's actually super sweet dog, he just get really scared and he's strong and once he gets reactive he just looks so scary to people and we just have to be so careful with him. Fortunately, his reactive is mostly one with dogs and super rarely with people.
Great tips, thank you. Just like you in the beginning I felt bad pulling my dog Beau off the trail to the side but you are so right it works so much better. Thank you for your amazing video you have helped us on our (so far) year long journey with our heeler...they are amazing dogs but certainly a different breed than most dogs I am use to. Amazing but different 😂
I have a Red Acd he dose not like thunder or Fireworks. He is almost one now. Do you have some tips on how I can help my Boy?
A calming sweater might help or some calming supplements.
Thanks for those tips. My 4 year old ACD rescue is exactly what you described but I think it is also my fault that I fear she may nip a friend or a child who wants to pet her. I read that they can sense the fear in us and they react to that as well.
I misjudged my Blue Heeler's strength -- I had him on a retractable leash when walking into backyard - neighbors dog came out of nowhere and my beutiful boy pulled me down on cement. I was stranded on cement in 30 degree weather, neighbor saved my life. Dog didn't see me for about `10 days later... I'm sure he was confused. I don't recommend the retractable, or putting the leash wrapped around wrist.. good way to brake wrist. I let him out for a quick piss, didn't have phone.. that was a $21,000 piss. So.. beware of your strength and the dog, and the leash.
You are absolutely right -- they have an amazing awareness and attention span.. all I did was look the other way, and he brought me down on my right hip. He meant well.. LOL -- I have walked/owned big breeds all my life, but the strength of this breed is very unpredictable... I've had dobies, rotts, etc.. it's the charging power these dogs have.
I believe mine is a bit of a dobie / heeler mix -- and I rescued him.
I agree.. same thing happened to me. Shattered my ankle, dislocation with multiple fractures. One metal plate and 12 bolts.
Thank you Liz for all the helpful information I have a 15 month old heeler this was very helpful.
I just bought her a harness and it’s a game changer! also a don’t pet patch that I had seen in your past videos
a while ago, someone told me to put mine to the harness & all i could see is 4 wheel drive yanking me around but will try this. they are a powerful breed both physically and their mentality.
I’ve stepped away with my dog numerous times too. People walking towards us, comes across too confrontational most times. But if we walk several feet behind them my dog thrives. Currently working on him being ok with someone behind us. Couple times people get too close, and bam reaction.
Awesome video. Good job explaining the negative reinforcement aspect because too many people use it terribly. Nick hiding behind the door 👀😂 i’m so glad lou has my scent forever 😂
May baby Tilley is 9 months old and just got her first period. I am wondering if that hormonal change is making her a bit more aggressive and reactive. She endlessly growls at other people and dogs. I Will practice positive reinforcement.
Using the gentle leader and Mexican halti helps tons!!
Great suggestions! Keeping on top of possible reactivity situations is hard in a city 🤦🏼♀️ I’ve been getting so exhausted on our walks and hikes and jogs trying to stay ahead mentally of my cattle dog mix. Are these behaviors that can eventually be mostly trained out? Or just managed with the techniques you’ve lovely laid out here?
Love love LOVE this breed. Just not the easiest
Late reply but from what I've researched they need at least, bare minimum, an hour of physical activity a day and lots of mental stimulation like training, agility, trick training and play. We walk our other, elder dog for one long walk a day whenever she doesn't go to her dog class. We've had our new ACD mix less than a week now and I'm exhausted. I went from getting under 5000 steps a day to getting over 10, 000. If you're lucky, they tell you when they're bored and then it's time to get moving. When they don't get enough activity you will know it for sure. That's when the problematic behaviors start happening. But so far our ACD is such a loving dog and well worth the extra effort.
CD are wonderful bread! You have described their behavior so well. Thanks for the training tips and making me realize I am not alone in the CD behavior world.
Lynn brown I'm on here cause my mother in law has one and my personal opinion I'm gonna get alot of hate and I'm rly trying not 😥 they are super beautiful but blue heelers are deff not for me thank God my mother in law has him but we take care of him alot cause she works but his behavior is horrible Ive had my dog 7 years now and his sister plays 2 other dogs and litter of puppys all at once before and I never been so stressed out in my life the way i am with her blue heeler . He constant tries getting stuff out my hands and bites or growls. Maybe if he was trained more but she basically let him dominate the house and we started to correct him right but he doesnt care even with treats or commands . He doesnt get anthing or care and he growls and goes insane in the window and his owner dont really care ..deff causes me stress when I have to intercept his behaviors. Thats why I dont think I'd ever ever own one personally they are cool but alot of work😣 my 7 yr old dog as a puppy never acted like that nor did his puppys etc.
At 1:50 its called the first time he showed aggression. Niping / herdin is that really aggression?
Hello Liz, are there any quick & easy ways to housebreak my 9 month old rescue female Heeler.? THANKS
Also, yes I am always on the lookout and avoid situations like going a different direction or even turning around on a walk. My Beau's main issue is wanting to attack/chase vehicles, bicycles, or essentially anything with wheels. So I m always on the lookout or on guard
Thanks for this video, I was worried that I hadn't socialised my heeler properly despite my best efforts 😭 we will keep working on it 👌🏻
Thanks for the tips! The comments are helpful too and it's great to know it's normal behavior! Our Skye is an amazing heeler! She's super friendly with people but does like to jump which is something I need to work on and cutting her nails is a huge trigger! (Have to take her to the vet to do it, even groomers can't do it) she does seem awful small for a heeler so we're thinking she's either a runt or maybe a mini? (She's only 26lbs) but very smart and all around great dog!
Hi Liz, Nick and Louie! Hope you create another video soon! We miss you guys! Blessings from Oregon!
1:11 Human: too big for a laptop
Lap dog: see, I fit 😂
Hi Liz! I have a 10 weeks old ACD who can get pretty agressive when it comes to biting our moving feet and hands. I wouldn’t call her overall behavior aggressive at all. She is not protective over food or toys, we can easily get a bone away from her, we can pet her, rub her belly, etc… But when she is unleashed and we are walking in the house, she will start biting our feet really hard and growl as we try to get our feet away. I am not sure what to do in these situation, as when the biting gets more intense we can’t redirect her with toys. We can sometimes redirect with treats but it seems like she wants to bite our hand, not really caring about the treat. I’ve heard you’re supposed to remove yourself, but we can’t do that with puppy teeth attached to our ankles! So we try to keep her on the leash at all times to be able to pull her away but just don’t think it’s a sustainable solution. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I am having the same experience with my 8week old blue heeler pup! Willing to try anything to help correct/teach proper behavior!
I have a red heeler puppy and recently she has started to bark aggressively while in the car she is 13 weeks
my heeler was so good before quarantine but because he didn’t get to socialize as much for a while he’s starting being really nippy and growls often
Wow same ! Mine is 6 years old and has regressed since quarantine due to decreased socialization
This is my trouble too
Hi ,,I adopted a 7year old ausky mix,,he's very sweet ,smart and yes reactive to dogs approaching,,we have been attacked by dogs off leash,,this is very frustrating..he switches from good dog to protective., this is natural,,but usually he wants to meet dogs on leash and loses his mind crying and jumping....should I let him get closer to the other dogs? I don't think he will nip, unless the other dog attacks?
Did lou ever nip you because he redirected his reactivity? I’m having trouble fixing that.. about to get a muzzle but not sure how to stop that..😢
Thanks Liz. I've watched lots of your videos, but had no idea til now that you had these issues with Lou. My ACD is now 12 months old, and about a month ago started to occasionally display aggression toward people and other dogs. Most of the time of he's fine, but I feel like I cant trust him off lead any more at our local dog parks. Its a conundrum, because they need their exercise.. My previous dog, a Cattle Dog X, was so easy in comparison. I love my ACD to bits, so will work toward a solution, but its a bit of a shock when your happy, social dog, turns antisocial.
Thank you Liz....your video has been very helpful to me. We made the mistake of getting 2 adorable blue heeler and border collie mixed puppies. They came from a cattle ranch nearby and are adorable in so many ways. But now at 5 months old we are trying to get them socialized in campgrounds and they are failing miserably. We may have to rehome one of them and are considering all those options now. My little girl puppy is very smart but so reactive on a leash now. She seems to be protecting us from everything these days and is becoming very reactive. She also pulls like a sled dog on her leash.
Being that your dog is working dog and it came from a cattle farm it is going to be super touchy. If cattle dogs don’t have a job they will create their own, which is biting, eating furniture, barking, chasing. I have met few farmers over years that will just shoot them and go buy another if they can’t round up cattle. There is a chance you bought a dog that failed its training. But don’t think it’s stupid, their level of training is so hard any dog but a working dog would fail. That’s why they so smart. Buying from a farm it could be very smart. Most are purebreds with good smart bloodline.
Wow, this describes my dog to a tee! Great to hear this.
Thank you so much for helping me understanding
My healer absolutely LOVES people when she sees them. It’s actually rare for her to NOT like someone so we actually do get weary around people she don’t like. Because it’s extraordinary rat and not a one time thing.
Love 💕 so many puppy 🐶 Blue Heler , it’s the better… Super 🐕
It’s sounds like you are describing my heeler. This helps thank you!
Mine is the same way. It took awhile to get my stepson to warm up and muzzle trained with the same brand you use on Lou. It works great!
I'm having problems with my healer she is approximately approximate one year old. Randomly she has just started attacking the other dogs when they're not even around us. I don't know what to do. I've never dealt with dominance behaviors before.she is well socialized. Any help would be appreciated. Will she grow out if this ?
I just basically got dumped with a blue heeled mix I think but she looks more like short hair border collie and I have an issue with saying no but I didn’t realize these breeds are just like Belgian shepherd, high energy and now I got two. In about 2 hours I was able to connect with her and she very sweet, wants nothing but my attention, that I can give and loves all dogs but human just like my Belgian. I will say she’s broke both of my 30 feet yard line, so now I’m hoping I can spend time to get her used to my command like my other pup but she 4.
Your dog sounds exactly like my dog with the reactor my heeler does the same thing she needs a lot of time to get to know that person she trusts 4 people that I can leave with them if I have to go somewhere
Hello my name is Heather I have a 6-month-old red heeler border collie mix and I have been trying and trying on how to get him to not jump up and nip and we can't take him anywhere because he simply plays too hard with other dogs to the point where it becomes a possible dangerous situation and he is too smart for muzzles while walking I have tried three different type for when we walk and I just have no idea on what else to do for him. I am starting to believe that he may just be one of very few that has temperament problems moreso. We rescued him from an abusive family when he was 9 weeks. He has terrible anxiety..I did take him to a 4-week k9 obedience school and he was so unmanageable and bad that we could not continue. I have tried redirection many times... Visitors do not want to come and visit me because if he is wanting to play he will not take no for an answer and that's when his temperament will get more aggressive and so people will never generally be at my home for more than 15-20 minutes.... I have tried redirection with toys I take him out for an hour, three different times a day so he can just run. I spend a lot of time working with him but it just doesn't seem to be enough. I live in the country so we can run as much as he wants to and I thought that maybe that was the reason why he was aggressive is he wasn't getting enough exercise but even a whole day of running and he's still is very anxious and temperamental... It makes me sad because I have joint custody with my kids and my little boys want to come be here but I can't have the dog around them and so maybe I need to look for a home because I can't expose my children to all the nipping and jumping, stratching...and it seems no matter how much they are around Kopper... He is just very aggressive. It would be different if my boys weren't 10 and 5.. and they were older but there doesn't seem to be much of another answer. Unless I fix him and maybe that will calm him down. I do NOT want to get rid of him do you have any other ideas sorry I know this post is super long. Also I want to point out that he has had regular socialization at least 4 days out of the week with my family members and my close friends so most of the time it's just me and him and my boys but people stop by regularly as to where he should not be acting like this. The vets even kind of bamboozled. 🥴 Oh well we will get there.
i feel for you.
My girl is showing some aggressive behaviour with other dogs recently.
Everyone suggests me ti contact a trainer who has experience with cattle dog.
Maybe that puppy school was not good for him. I will say try to contact another trainer .
I don t want to give away my girl too but as my situation she can’t be unfriendly with other dogs as i need to take her out to run at least twice a day( my place has not enough space for big runs). So i will say keep trying to find a better professional trainer
My blue heeler pup Ash bit me for the first time the other day out of reaction and i guess he didnt like being pointed at when he was bad lmao, hes really social and he loves people he just gets really hyper. But i do muzzle him around people to stop him from nipping. Ive had him since he was 3 days from 9 weeks and hes probably around 9-10 months now and hes literally my son. Best friend he doesnt leave me alone at all but i wouldnt trade him for the world
I have noticed that my GHoST is snappish when he needs to take a nap...and you're saying that I should be taking him away from the REACTOR, but I am the only one that makes him freak out, so how would I help him to STOP?
Does your dog bark, like incessantly barking without real cause?
no, hes usually pretty quiet. He barks at strangers if they try to pet him, but thats about it.
I take my three-month-old to the dog park at least twice a week. When people realize he is a pup they enjoy picking him up, he then proceeds to climb on their head.
Yeah my little pit heeler is a little punk, we tryed doing things with him when he was smaller he just never grew out of it, well I guess it's just his personality lol. He heards my son around alot and is nippy with us all, playfully. Oh my gosh the vet thing!! Yes my Floki to 100%,
i have a rhodesian ridgeback mixed with a queensland heeler and he is very aggressive and it’s gotten to the point where i had to get him neutered and if he continues to be aggressive i have to give him up😭 if you could help and make a video that would be greatly appreciated and or any tips also he is mainly aggresive torwards intact males
I love my blue heeler so much and I am afraid I'm not gonna be able to keep him. He keeps growling at random people over at the house and just growled and bit at my 8 year old nephew. I'm crushed.
Thank you! My blue healer is quite mean to strangers I sincerely thank you 🙏
I like the flat leash
Thx So mutch for youre explanatian, my Englisch is not So wel, i am sorry.My dog is a mix of father is Labrador and Mother is a cattle dog, it’s a girl 10 month’s old Now. I never had a fantastic clever dog like this before in my life, sjofar not any problem, she is very clever and she is very happy to learn triks, she hardlopen barks and she is 24/7 with me, i am a traveling street musisian, togheter we make a good living and a happy life. She is black and a big wide face and very strong but never agressieve. Thank you So mutch, her name is Pip ❤️
Mine is very scared of strangers. I need help, he thinks everyone is a intruder
It’s so funny!! I literally felt like I was watching me talk & explain everything!
Me & Odin my Blue Heeler are always working, I notice if I don’t practice with him bcuz he’s doing well, he will randomly down the road forget certain tasks we’ve worked with. So consistency is key.
He has I believe a bit of trauma from being jumped by 2 dogs bcuz owner’s who need to lift some weights or something bcuz both these people literally had their dogs on retractable leashes which I hate seeing people with them for that very sweaty palms reason and plain out no control. So he tends to have his guard up. he was just learning how to socialize with other dogs when this happened . I got him during the Vid19 & it wasn’t so easy socializing him. No one really around. And not only did it happen once, it happened twice with the same idiot people!! This time he just ran home from the park he wasn’t attacked Me & bf split up I stayed around the park & he went home to check. And there he was sitting at our door. I literally was so mad at these people I sought them out & broke down in angry terms to them to get control of their dogs bcuz last time they cost me over $1000 & I could’ve lost him when I completely missed a puncture wound & it blew up to a huge lump. That was a process & a half. Omg I gave them a piece of my mind. “ if you can’t control your dogs then don’t come to the park! Unless you want me to sue you next time?!” Haven’t seen them since.
Anyways, I think we as the parents of these types of dogs we find ways to tweak things. But also not completely avoid scenarios.
Even though he’s a bit reactive to dogs I’ve been working with him to stay or come in the park & I got to see the results. A little puppy was roaming loose, I was trying to pick it up to bring back to its home. Odin was with me, but the puppy was scared of him so I told him to sit & stay, I walked over to the little puppy, and as I walked to the pup, I noticed a man walking with his dog on the sidewalk & Odin sat there did not react to the dog & stayed while I was helping the puppy,I was actually a good distance away from him, that’s bcuz we’ve been working on that reactivity and it takes firmness and consistency. That’s from doing the work.
It’s always a light work in progress, bcuz of the stubbornness. He just wants a job to do & giving him tasks helps. His favorite is getting my shoes, getting the leash & collar, picking up toys & putting them away, hide & seek his toys.
Sorry for long winded response.
Love the videos!!!! Thanks y’all!!
My heeler has severve possession aggression. He will steal and gaurd what he thinks are high value items. I fail over and over on controling the situation or correcting it most times it results in a fight he has bitten my hands several times. He likes other dogs but can apear agressive with strangers, (just nervous).
Have a 1-year-old smaller size blue heeler she's black and silver her name is DeeDee, Right when I'm ready to go take them for a walk they bark or she barks very loudly in the garage I can't get her to stop She had a bark collar on barks through the bark collar and I used my push button device that makes them shut up and she would still bark through that so I had to hit her hard today I feel bad that I hit her but she would not shut up and I have neighbors that are complaining How do I get this damn dog to shut up she's quiet all day while I'm home working from home but the minute I clock out and get them get ready to stand up that she starts barking and barks even worse in the garage it's very loud and very disruptive and I can't get her to shut the hell up Help!!!
What if the puppy is socialized, but gets reactive, but not aggressive, with other dogs but to play. Because as soon as the dog comes over she plays with them, even kids! She is a mix with pit and lab. When the other dog comes to me she doesn’t get aggressive either. And when people come over, she plays. Again, not aggressive. She hardly barks, but she will ignore me when she sees another dog. What are your opinions?
I have a ten month old blue heeler and unfortunately she has started displaying unprovoked aggression towards my other dogs. She literally tried to kill them, latching on and shaking them, trying to pull them away from me. In these incidents, she's completely unprovoked, just walking up to them and bam, attack is on. I've been bitten in the process of trying to separate then, which I know is my fault. She's not displayed any aggression towards humans to date. I DO NOT want to put her down but everyone is telling me I need to but she is such a loving, beautiful dog. My question is is this aggression considered reactive or do I need to have her put down. I hope you tell me no but please help. I need guidance.
I am familiar with the training collars but I was wondering about muzzeling. Is thst cruel???
My heelers 1.5 years old now and I’ve been with my boyfriend for a year and he still hasn’t warmed up to him 😩😩
Great video, Liz! Do you have any tips on resource guarding with heelers? My blue heeler Sadie steals our things and guards them and will attack and bite us. Thinking about using the vibration collar
Approach your heeler with an extra YUMMY treat, toss near pup and walk away. Repeat. Soon your dog will see you approaching when pup has a resource as a good thing! Decrease distance gradually.
I wouldn’t suggest using the vibration collar in this situation. It will make the situation worse because you would be using it in a negative manner (vibrating dog so they will drop it) that will only make your dog more fearful & aggressive in this situation. I agree with JJ Solly, get your dogs attention off of whatever she’s guarding.
At first I thought this was just my dog but I didn't know it was a blue heeler thing!
It’s a heeler thing, not just blue. I have a red blue mix and she is exactly what Liz described.
My dog grew up in a college house where people were constantly coming and going and large gatherings and people always played with her so she loves all people thank god. But hates other dogs :( I don’t understand what makes her so scared and leash aggressive near dogs on walks
Yep I have 2 red and blue both girls.
Sapphire my blue us cuddle bug and wouldn't associate with aggression at all.
Ruby is different story.
Very protective over me.
I thought it was males but no all humans 😬
Mine is quite reactive but is not aggressive at all. She loves everyone.
Gday.
My partner & I have put a deposit down for a cattle dog puppy, due to come home in 2 weeks.
We’re just a bit worried as a lot of super had said they can be super aggressive & that is definitely not what we want.
I wondered, have you found this to be true?
We also have a bunny that roams around the house and definitely don’t want any accidents.
My red heeler growled at a dog for the first time the other day at the park dog (have been there dozens of times). We’ve had him since March and he just turned 1 in August. He’s really sweet he just needs to be trained.
My ACD is not confortable with ppl inside my house he barks a lot and when I take him for a walk he pulls me and gets whiny or sometimes wants to bark so I need a device for this, he's almost 7 months
He sounds frustrated. Have found heelers need more than a walk a day on a lead IMHO
So how do I get him to stop nipping me and not be aggressive Barking
My heeler is aggressive towards me in the house ----- At the end of my rope.
Yeah, my puppy is the same towards myself & I am mystified as to how to stop the chaos that he inflicts towards myself! I was bleeding 5x this morning...HELP?
@@raynbeauheather669 A tired dog is a better behaved dog. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Then, mental stimulation and play. They're never going to be mellow. They're working dogs.
Thanx for Sharing
I have a question for you I have a blue heeler name is Mickey mouse he sits down he's outside he drives but he bites everybody but when he's in the house he's so sweet and livable he listens but when he's outside he doesn't listen to me he bites me and especially when we're at the park and I can't allow him with nobody to ask you any suggestions
Get advice from a dog trainer! Your dog is probably very stressed outside
He’s lovable inside we went to get outside he wants to biit me
Most well trained dogs have to be trained outside of the home with distractions, they don’t generalize like we do. You have to train them in every environment. They don’t transfer obedience from the house to outside, you have to train outside for that.
Watch training videos by Upstate Canine Academy here on RUclips
Give me your website or the website that I have to watch to train him
I’d argue the example you give w the child, him not wanting to be pet and you being present with him and being defensive are three different issues.
My Rottweiler used to display these traits too.
I've been subscribed and watching your videos for a while and you and Lou were one of the reasons I got an ACD. My puppy is 7 months now and is exhibiting reactivity on and off leash very similar to what you've described about Louie. Thanks so much for these tips! We're going to continue to work hard with our pup.
Thanks for sharing!! & thank you so much for supporting our channel. I wish you the best with your pup.
Lol, I had a heart attack when you pulled out the training collar, cuz I thought you were telling people they should zap your dog, where as using the vibrate, that makes sense, and is a great tip.
im in a off kind of road wheel chair reactor at least in my 3 months , its like people sorry but stupid they can go round me but no, lets make the one legged old man wait ot get stuck or go off the sidewalk plss i dont see well so i dont see people but banjo does thanks for the tips plus he gets 2 1 hr woods run and anotherone later with a downtown freddy brown walk inbetween
Good video appreciate it.
Glad it was helpful!
Lord I didnt know anything about littermate syndrome. We have 2 female sisters 😇 😈 . We have 5 acres and a Giant pool so we do not need to take them anywhere but when people come over it's nipping, biting, herding and a whole Lotta barking. So we take them to where my daughter works to start socializing, I take them to non dog parks that's not heavily populated no bicycles or skaters.