I have an Australian cattle dog?

Question

and he's red as in red heeler. Will he quit biting my heels when he grows up(14 weeks now)?

Answer 1

If you are going to use him for herd work, I wouldn't try to correct the behavior without advice from someone who has trained dogs for herding.

If you are not going to use his for herd work, then I would work on some basic obedience training. Teach him to sit and then when he starts biting at your heels make him sit.

Like someone else mentioned, he is a working breed and needs lots of exercise.

Answer 2

Probably not - that breed is bred to herd animals by heel-biting. Obviously you can try to work with him and train him, but it's doubtful that he will just grow out of it on his own, and even with training it might be hard to change such an ingrained behaviour. Maybe carry a water gun around and give him a squirt in the face when he does it to discourage him. It's difficult to take the cattle herding instinct out of a cattle herder!

Answer 3

Maybe.
He needs someting to herd and you are the only thing he's got.
These are great dogs but needs lots of activity and exercise. Make sure he is getting plenty of play time and running in. If you can get him into a herding class all the better. Many people keep ducks or something like that for them to herd.
Sheep or cattle are the best but most people can not keep livestock for the dog.
Have fun with him.

Answer 4

Nope.
It is their instinct.
I saw program about Border Collies.
Breeder and trainer took them out to expose them to their very first sight of sheep.
One of the dogs didn't do much.
The trainer said the dog was still immature.
But the other dog immediately began displaying herding behavior.
That is what they are bred for.
They will want to herd "something".
You are being herded.
To try to break the dog of habit would probably involve cruelty.
Guess they aren't called Heelers for nothing:)

Answer 5

I have a blue heeler and as a puppy she would do the same thing. It is just a natural instinct that they have since they were bred and encouraged to do that. She eventually out grew it as I discouraged her not to do that to me. Give it time. Maybe a suggestion would be to give him something else to focus his attention on when he starts to do that- I used my kids, nieces and nephews-my blue heeler loved to chase after them nipping at their heels. And the kids enjoyed it. It was like they were playing tag with her.

Answer 6

cattle dogs need lots of room to run, obstical courses are a good idea, see about getting him into learning/doing some herding. working dogs such as yours are truly happy having a job. he will stop biting your heals w/ time and training-it's just 2nd nature to what they were bred for. good luck you have a good dog on your hands but you're going to have some work ahead of you w/ your dog. make it fun for yourself and him.

Answer 7

Yes, he will stop that biting your heels only if you teach him that is a no no..if you don't do anything now..when he gets bigger..he going to do that to everyone who comes in the house..and ppl are not going to like that

Answer 8

best dogs ever LOL yeah he will i got my dog to chase my cats around by the back of their legs it was cute, hes 12 yrs old now i had to trian him with a muzzle though as he actually ate my homework LOL try getting your teacher to believe that one

Answer 9

Yep if you want him to stop he'll stop, if you teach him to keep doing it then he will keep on. they are very smart dogs and very willing to learn what ever you want to teach them, have fun with your new puppy,And have lots of Patience.

Answer 10

He'll stop doing that whenever you take the time to teach him not to.