i have two australian shepards and they are unfriendly to mostly dogs, is it possible to make them sociable to dogs? and when i take them on a walk sometimes they nip people on their ankles and other times they dont... why is this?
2007-09-30 04:12:10 · 8 answers · asked by TiffanyP 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's because if they're always together, they're not going to properly socialize with other dogs. They will form their own pack and won't want anyone else in it.
They are nipping at peoples ankles because they are trying to herd them, it is their natural instinct. This behavior needs to be stopped immediately. If they do it, give them a yank on their collar or scruff them and tell them a firm NO.
My suggestion to you would be to socialize them separately. Take one out, then the other. Or enroll them in separate obedience classes and take them separately (Don't take one to the others class).
Aussies are very quick learners, but you must take control of them or they will assume the Alpha and Beta position before you even know what happened.
Edit - Ken - Blue Heelers are Australian Cattle Dogs -- Still bred for herding, but totally different dog!
2007-09-30 04:28:43 · answer #1 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Australian shepherds or blue cattle dogs are bred to nip ankles. This is why they are also called "blue heelers". It is instinctive. They are working dogs, quite intelligent, but not really intended as pets. The best thing is to give them plenty of exercise. Their nipping of ankles is not unfriendly, it is ingrained.
I grew up among blue heelers in central Queensland, Australia, where the blue cattle dog was extensively used by cattle people. My grandfather was a cattle man and so were some other relatives. These dogs will round up chickens and even children if they can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Heeler
2007-09-30 04:29:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of these days one of those people "nipped" in the ankle is going to call the police or animal control and get your dogs impounded. It's not cute if your dog is doing that to total strangers and you can't expect people to be tolerant of that. You need to learn how to train your dogs and you need to do that before you take them out in public again.
2007-09-30 04:18:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
first off, it doesn't sound like they are socialized enough around other dogs and humans. for this i would recommend a professional. as for the nipping at heels, that is a herding dog's instinct. they were bred to herd cattle by biting the heels then getting away quick. this will require training.
2007-09-30 04:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by nedoglover 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to take them to obedience classes, where you will learn the proper methods of training. Don't let this go on--you are only asking for trouble in the future.
2007-09-30 05:08:35 · answer #5 · answered by bettyp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life is like a box of chocolates. You just din't know what your going to get.
2007-09-30 04:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by K(old man) 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
They're not socialised.
2007-09-30 04:15:43 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
did she say they where cute ? try a water gun each time they try and do it ! they will get it in the end.
2007-09-30 04:20:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋