We just got the puppy and we want to know if it is a good idea to keep them as an inside pet? We want to find out as much info about him as we can so we can decide if we want to keep him.
2007-07-09 18:52:13 · 7 answers · asked by MIRACLE GIRL 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Info: The dog was going to be put down if our friend didn't get (rescue) him & his brother last night. Our friend couldn't keep both dogs, so we being the dog lovers that we are, decided to take the dog.
2007-07-10 05:13:43 · update #1
I am a blueheeler owner. They are massively intelligent dogs.
My is an indoor dog. She is asleep by my bed as I type. They are bred for herding. They will try to herd you too rofl.
Mine was very easy to train. They love to fetch. They are protective but not agressive. They like to be part of the family.
Give them plenty of chew toys and plenty of exercise and you will have a wonderful pet. Good luck.
2007-07-09 19:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by dcricket23 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess I am a little disappointed that you waited to do your research after you got the dog. Dogs don't usually "bounce" well.
Heelers are very energetic and focused herding animals who need to be busy ALL THE TIME. They need to exercise their bodies and their brains every day. If you don't do this, they can become "problem children", both in the house and out.
If there is alot of activity in your home and plenty for your puppy to do, he should be fine in the house or out. They actually have very good house manners, if you train them.
Training is the next issue-Heelers are not for the first time dog owner when it comes time to train. They can be difficult and stubborn, and always want to know what's in it for them. If your Heeler decides he doesn't agree with your command, you could have a battle of wills on your hands.
And then there's the biting. Heelers do alot of nipping, starting as puppies and into adulthood. They are bred to nip at the heels of cattle to herd them, so it is a challenge to get them to stop doing this to your family. They also nibble on you to show affection.
The bottom line is this is a very intelligent and aggressive breed, who wants to work and will do anything for you as long as you give it something to work on. They are intensely loyal to their people and will defend to the death. If you are up for the challenge, they are great fun to own!
If you do a Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog fact search on the Internet, look for Mark Abbott's site. He gives great info on the history and temperament of Heelers, as well as some good training tips. Barkbusters training facility, which is nationwide, is very well-versed in Heeler training.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your puppy!
2007-07-10 09:32:10 · answer #2 · answered by anne b 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Blue Heelers were breed to heard sheep!
You can get a rescue dog for less than $1000.
Most rescue puppies are around 130 to cover the cost of vaccination
Adult rescue dogs are around 200
Elderly dogs are even cheaper
NEVER BUY FROM A PET STORE.
Getting adult dog you'll already know whether it gets along well with young children!
Heelers are best on a FARM, or a large backyard and daily walks!
They don't like to be left along and like to come to work with you!
For example Harry!
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/animal/animalDetails.asp?
animalid=36705&result=1&statusID=3
Harry has outgrown his previous home and is now a large, mature, dog with a passion for ball games - which he plays like a true gentleman. He is friendly and polite however he offers everything to special friends. He is easy going, takes things in his stride and gets on well with other dogs. He would suit family able to include him their lives, play ball games, and address the middleage spread he developed when his yard got too small. We recommend Harry for a family with children over 8.
Another example-Chloe-Border Collie x Australian Cattle Dog
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/animal/animalDetails.asp?animalid=36539&result=7&statusID=3
Chloe was surrendered to the shelter because she was jealous of the other dog in the household, so she would prefer a home without small dogs or female dogs. She loves a belly rub, ball games and teddies. She loves children.
So they would be okay indoors if allowed outside alot in a large yard to do high energy games-such as frisby, fetch the ball etc and ideally round up cattle!
2007-07-10 07:20:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try checking the UKC and AKC (.org; not .com) sites then looking under Australian Cattle Dog (the proper name for a Blue Heeler) club. There will be all the information you could ever dream of on them.
2007-07-10 04:05:32 · answer #4 · answered by Caninelegion 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is an extremely smart breed, they are also excellent "kid" dogs, both of mine (one's passed, the other one I still have) love being around kids, in fact when we go do Frisbee demos Tazzie plays up to the kids in the crowd (I have 6, and most of my dogs do!). Give this pup lots of love. plenty of direction and you'll have a dog you'll always have fun with! This breed loves all games from Frisbee to agility to herding. Learn about them and your new pup, be sure to give her/him a job! (check out Bill Camp's Disc Dog 101 video, (www.discdog101.com) it'll teach you and your pup a fun sport!)
2007-07-10 11:29:18 · answer #5 · answered by Disc Dog Guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Alltheweb.com type in blue heeler check results
2007-07-10 01:58:07 · answer #6 · answered by grayhairsoicu81269 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try akc website, or your local kennel club
2007-07-10 01:55:02 · answer #7 · answered by NinjenWV 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋