I support you on your journey with your furry friend. The younger they are the more open they are to accepting new things. This behavior can quickly escalate if the dog isnt close to his owners or there is no threat incentive. This beautiful Australian Cattle Dog is Indy. Category: Categories Australian Cattle Dog. It is often followed by a snap or bite. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_9',146,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',146,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1-0_1')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_11',146,'0','2'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1-0_2')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',146,'0','3'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-large-leaderboard-1-0_3')};.large-leaderboard-1-multi-146{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:3px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:3px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. They will have their eyes focused on their target. Always expect dogs to be dogs and try to avoid any situation in which you are unsure. Reward your puppy or adult dog every time he behaves nicely in front of new changes and experiences. Hello, I'm Madeline the owner and writer of this site. Too much pressure will actually work against your efforts. If its the fear of dogs itself, this means its time you start socializing with them and help them make new friends. Bear teeth always come with a snap rather than a full bite to let the other dog know that the next one will be an aggressive bite towards them. Are Australian Cattle Dogs easy to train? I had three dogs at one time. Be sure to check out her web site here and her YouTube channel Here. Just like how children create a scandal when they are frustrated. In general, they get along well with other dogs as long as they have been socialized well and had good training. Blue Heelers are also a herding breed and the instinct to herd other animals can be quite strong. Introduce the new pet or child as a playmate for your ACD, with increasingly more frequent playdates. Every time he does everything right, give him a treat, and if wrong, instead of punishing him, just stop giving him his treats. Still, if theyve had bad experiences with other dogs in the past or dont have adequate training to control their frustrated or fearful behavior, things might go out of hand at times. If your dog used to be a good dog, obedient, and suddenly starts to act violently, pain could be the reason. If they are unsure of something, allow them their space and time to adjust. Where is it okay to let your pup have the freedom to explore and learn new things on his own, for an adult dog, you need to have your supervision at all times. Blue Heelers are not in general an aggressive dog. Yes, they can be, but they may need more time and patience during this particular socialization period than other dogs who are not as cautious or protective as Australian Cattle Dogs. They enjoy playing and the company of other dogs, animals, and humans. The good news is these dogs are brilliant and easy to train, which makes this whole process a complete no-brainer for you. But, with proper socialization and training, they can get along just fine with most other dogs. If one dog tries to make their body position higher and place their head above the other, it is also a sign of dominance. Outside of their pack, a Cattle Dogs herding behavior towards other dogs can be aggressive, especially with the same sex. Our goal at Cattle Dog World is to share as much information as possible about the Australian Cattle Dog. We have looked at what a good greeting looks like above. Baby steps will help him stay committed and have a positive relationship with all the new changes. Neutering a male dog stops any sexually motivated behavior. If your dog has allergies, check out our Gluten Free/Grain Free Beef or Chicken Freeze Dried Treats. Since all dogs are different, they will each have their own personality. Do Australian Cattle Dogs Need a Lot of Exercise? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other sites. This is when a small dog thinks they are much bigger and tries to dominate a larger dog. It is possible to over socialize a puppy so it is important to introduce them to new experiences, people, and animals slowly. For those up-and-coming Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) owners hoping to get a new furry companion, it is always good to consider your favorite breeds friendliness and compatibility as a top priority. If you do want to have a Blue Heeler and a small dog to live together, it is usually better if the small dog is the older one. Want a cool gift idea? How can you do that, you may ask? Dogs in the same household that vary in age tend to get along much better. Stiff body posture A dog will become noticeably rigid and stiff in their body when theyre becoming agitated. It is also important to be aware of signs of tension, dominance, and aggression in dog body language. Either feed them separately in different areas or train both dogs to only eat from their own bowls. The perfect treat for all breeds, ages and sizes! This means that they can be suspicious of people and other dogs they dont know. When first introducing dogs to each other recognize that it is just a part of socialization and needs to be treated with the same steps and concerns. This is not a full list of aggression dog body language but it can include:-. Blue Heelers, like all dogs, are a social animal. Its a good idea to know what aggression looks like so you can be safe. Every dog is an individual and some Australian Cattle Dogs are aggressive which is true of any breed of dog.This is not so much a trait of the breed. I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post (at no extra cost to you). This will keep them busy with things they actually love rather than staying home and creating a mess. If the tail is wagging in a stiff motion while be held high it is a sign of aggression.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'barkhow_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',122,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-barkhow_com-leader-4-0')}; Bearing teeth Showing teeth by raising their lips is a warning sign. Offering treats can be the best way to get your dog to do what you want. Curling of the lips, showing the teeth, a classic snarl. If all goes well you can decide if you should get closer and let them smell each others rear, but dont be in a hurry for this. They also have a strong herding instinct and they may be prone to herding other dogs and animals if they are not well trained.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'barkhow_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-barkhow_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; If you have other dogs and pets you should introduce your Blue Heeler to them slowly and with supervision. It is important to note, that a bigger issue arises if the other dog suffers from a superiority complex in which the smaller dog attempts to dominate a larger one. Your Australian Cattle Dog will be totally happy being only with you if you are his chosen one! It just may require a little more time and patience. Not only does this determine their overall temperament, but more importantly, it defines their social life as well. All growling is not necessarily aggressive and many dogs use a play growl when playing. It doesnt necessarily have to be physical pain. So local ranchers began breeding the working dogs with Dingoes to create a breed well-suited for herding livestock in the Outback, which became known as the Australian Cattle Dog. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. However, remember that too much interaction can become an issue as well. It is usually a good idea to introduce dogs to each on a leash if you are unsure. I dont recommend desexing a dog until around 6 months old when they reach sexual maturity. This will motivate him to keep experimenting and stay calm throughout the entire socializing process. He was introduced as a puppy to his three German Shepherd siblings. Growling a deep growl or snarl usually with eye conduct focused on the other dog. It is important to distinguish between aggressive behavior and behavior related to their instinctive herding drive. When in a pack, an ACDs strong instinct to herd or group other dogs may cause conflict or annoyance. This does not mean to say that an older Blue Heeler can not also receive the right training and socialization required to get along fine with other dogs. This has a completely different tone. By giving them physical treats or verbal praises, they learn that they are doing the correct behavior.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herdingdogzone_com-leader-2','ezslot_4',152,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herdingdogzone_com-leader-2-0')}; Fair warning: socializing and training an adult Heeler will take a lot more time and patience. This is known as habituation. I love helping people build a better relationship with their dog. Make sure you teach him commands like sit, speak, or stay to help you avoid the fight right before its about to escalate. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. This is only a general guideline and it does not mean that male dogs cant live together. Become familiar with socialization methods by reading this article: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'cattledogworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',126,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cattledogworld_com-leader-2-0')};Thank you to Christine at Chaos to Calm K9 Training in Newark, Delaware for sharing this video and for her comments. But generally, they will not be aggressive towards the small dog. It is most important that you introduce your Heeler to the household slowly and under supervision, especially if you have other dogs, pets, or younger kids. Many of the Terrier breeds can fit into this category. It is never too late to socialize a dog. Blue Heelers are also a herding breed and the instinct to herd other animals can be quite strong. The basic commands are always the hardest yet the most important ones to teach. After 18 weeks of age, it becomes more difficult but by no means impossible. When socializing with other dogs, they can be determined to be the boss and are generally single-minded as they focus on their need to heel other dogs. The most important thing is to avoid dangerous situations and prevent injury. Whether it is from fear, a desire to dominate, establishing a pecking order, protect their territory, or true aggression, dogs will inevitably find themselves in a fight. It is more likely the result of past experience or poor training.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'barkhow_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_18',118,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-barkhow_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0')}; To learn more about Blue Heeler aggression see here. Because of their nature, however, it is essential to begin training and socialization from a very young age. Before starting anything, your dog needs to see you as a leader. Alternatively, if the Blue Heeler and the small dog are raised together from puppies there are usually no problems. That is they will stand side by side with their heads at opposite ends so they can sniff the other dogs rear. This is especially true if they have grown up together in the same family and have known each other. This may make them feel overwhelmed. Not all Australian Cattle Dogs will want to play or be friends with others, but there will be many who will thrive in a multi-dog home. Therefore, socializing and training your dog (spoiler alert: Ill be talking about it in a while) can play a big role in creating a cohesive and peaceful relationship between your Blue Heeler and other dogs. Therefore, always equip yourself and, most importantly, your dogs with the right training and build that bonding with your dog to stop him right before hes about to start a fight.