Adopting a Heeler

[Cassie Abbott]

Just to forewarn you, this is obscenely long. I apologize in advance.

I'm adopting a female Heeler on Sat who's guestimated to be 2 years old. She came in as a stray, so they don't know much, but they said she'd had several litters already (she's getting spayed today! yay!). This is my assessment after seeing her on Sat... She's very submissive, rolling onto her back when you pet her, sometimes putting her ears half back and head slightly lowered when you look at her (other times she's searching my face for guidance). She loves attention and is very sweet, cuddling with you and generally being a love bug. In an enclosed space she stayed very near me (velcro dog) and was always looking at me for guidance. When near a door going outside she really seemed to want out and pretty much ignored everyone in the room. I know nothing about her training, but she walks well on a loose leash (tho not near me).

She appeared to be looking for a way out the whole time, and wasn't strongly bonded to any one person. She also doesn't have a known name (they called her Rudy, blech ) so she doesn't respond much to calling her to you. I get the feeling she'll bond very strongly with me given some time, and once that happens she'll be much more attentive to me and my cues. She seems to be either neutral or submissive with other dogs. I didn't get to see her interact with one directly but she ignored all the barking and jumping of the other dogs. She's very cautious of cats, not wanting anything to do with them. When the humane society guy took her back to her kennel he scooped her up in his arms like a baby and she did nothing. Overall she's a very submissive and almost shy dog who I would expect to develop a strong bond with her new owner and be a Velcro dog.

A little about myself… My previous dog was very dominant, so I’m used to dealing with the opposite temperament from this new dog. I’ve read Patricia McConnell’s “The Other End of The Leash” many times and I plan to use clicker training for this new dog (I tried it half-heartedly with my previous dog). I went thru the sticky’s in this forum and also like the level system by the woman with the PWDs & llamas (forget her name atm). As far as my ultimate goals with this dog, I want her to earn at least a CGC, and hopefully much more than that. I’d like to title her in obedience, and try our hand at every other sport (agility, flyball, tracking, etc). I want to teach her lots of tricks and fun stuff to keep her occupied and further my own education. But for now I’m going to treat her as if she were a puppy, only housebroken.

So here are my questions! First of all, I have two cats. I live in a 2 bdrm apartment with a spare room. How do I best introduce her to the cats? My older cat is very dominating and the younger one will just avoid her, and she avoids cats, so really it’s just about keeping it low stress and positive for everyone. Should I put the cats in the spare room? For how long (hours, days)? Given that I have no relationship or prior training with this dog, what methods should I use to ensure she and the cats have a positive experience?

Second, I’m a little concerned that she may, once bonded with me, develop separation anxiety. What can I do now to prevent it from starting in the first place?

Third, how long should I wait until I can train and expect more from her? For the first few days, maybe even a week, I just plan on us hanging out and establishing some ground rules. When can I push for more? When can I start with clicker training (loading the clicker)? Basic behaviors (sit, down, stay, etc)?

Fourth, because she’s so submissive and timid I’d like to work on building up her confidence. I know that training in general will do this, but what are some specific exercises I can do with her to make her more confident? I don’t mean bold and dominant, I mean calm and relaxed. In the same vein, I’d like to allow her to sleep on the bed and sit on the couch with me. I don’t anticipate problems with this, but what are some steps I can take to keep it in my control?

Fifth, how do I teach her the new name? I’m thinking of changing it to Phoebe, so how do I reinforce that without her being clicker trained? Also, she seems to be kind of on the fence about whether to stay or go. How do I strengthen our bond so she recognizes me as her new leader and not just somebody who’s keeping her from going on a quest to find her old owners?

I probably sound like a total neophyte, but really I’m just trying to sort everything out. I’ve read a wide variety of training books with different methods, and trained with trainers who used different methods. I've found it difficult to choose one, but I think positive reinforcement training is the way to go. There are no trainers in my area (tiny college town) to help me tailor a program just for her, so I figured I’d ask you guys.

Thanks so much, and sorry this turned into an e-novel!!

 

[OutlineACDs]

Kudos for adopting this sweet girl. First of all, get a crate. When you bring her home allow her to spend some time in her crate getting used to the sounds and smells. Allow the cats to visit her through the doors of the crate and see how that goes. If she is fine with that I would let her walk around the house wearing a leash. For probably the first week, at least. This way you can grab her leash if she tries to chase the cats. (And as she gets more comfortable she probably will try)

You can load the clicker as soon as you get home. It is never too soon. Always start a new dog on NILIF, even the shy ones. Structure in the home will build her confidence and take away her fears as she learns a routine. Cattle dogs (heelers) are strong willed. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for a new dog's temperament to really show through.

Teach her to respond to her name by doing just as you would with a clicker. Call her name-deliver a treat. etc.

Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, placed in the freezer, will help with separation anxiety. Get her used to staying in a crate while you are home. Have her eat in her crate. These types of exercises will hopefully prevent her from feeling separation anxiety. Keep her busy

Good luck with this girl!!!

 

[Red_ACD_for_me]

I think it is wonderful that you are adopting :hail: . Have you read any books on the Australian cattle dog? You should learn more about the breed to know exactly what you are getting into. This is a breed that has to stay mentally and physically stimulated or they will find other ways to occupy there time and it's usually not what you want them to do example:herding your cats . They are very strong willed and naturally suspicious of strangers, although, your new girl sounds like she has a love everybody temperament :lol-sign: As far as your cats go, she may want to chase them at first but with training that can be resolved. Like I said keep her busy, active, and stimulated and hopefully they will be great friends.

 

[Cassie Abbott]

Crate

I've been debating on the crate, but only because I already have 4 of them back home (I'm in college 6hrs away). Working at Petsmart meant I acquired them for $10 or so apiece when they got returned or the boxes got too dinged. Guess I'd better invest in yet another one, only now I don't get a discount.

I haven't read a lot about ACD's but I've known many. Stubborn, tend to be a one person kind of dog, not usually incredibly effusive with other people, protective, need stimulation. Actually, as a breed they're somewhat similar in temperament to the Cane Corso, which is what I had before. Maybe this won't be quite a tough as I thought.

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

You should definately do some more research. I'm fostering an ACD mix. I love him, but he can be a real pain in the arse. Active, stubborn, REACTIVE dogs.

Have fun and props for adopting

~Tucker

 

[Aussie Red]

I have owned ACDs since 1979 and you really need to be aware of what you are doing. Crating aan ACD is not something I reccomend because of their need to be active. As a puppy it is ok but a two year old can suffer panic attacks.
I don't normally agree with apartment life for an ACD either. If you are willing to spend a good amount of time with her and running her and working her ok. I do not mean to be hard but I have had to rescue too many of them and a owner who thinks they know them or feels they can be like other dogs does them more harm. Many ACDs in shelters have some very serious issues due to the fact they had been with an owner that was not ACD savy. It is a dog I strongly do not reccommend for just anyone. I think they are the best there is in the dog world but I am well aware of how to train and handle one and most of the advice you get here will not work on an ACD like it will a chi, pom or Shih-tzu. Good luck with her and I sincerely hope it works out well for you and if it does you will be hooked on the breed for life.
When you get her we will be expecting pics of course and if I can be of any help to you in the future just ask.

 

[Cassie Abbott]

I completely understand what you're saying about them not being for everyone. I've dealt with other breeds like that (Pyrenees, Cane Corso) and I agree, some breeds just don't work for some people. However, I'm confident that I can handle a dominant, stubborn, independent dog. I'm just not used to a submissive dog like this girl, which is why all the questions.

I was also thinking that a 2yo shouldn't need a crate, which is why I didn't mention using one in my original post. It would be useful in some circumstances, but I wouldn't plan to confine her to it. It would really just be her hideout and a tool for stuff like introducing the cats.

 

[OutlineACDs]

I have owned ACDs since 1979 and you really need to be aware of what you are doing. Crating aan ACD is not something I reccomend because of their need to be active. As a puppy it is ok but a two year old can suffer panic attacks.
I don't normally agree with apartment life for an ACD either. If you are willing to spend a good amount of time with her and running her and working her ok. I do not mean to be hard but I have had to rescue too many of them and a owner who thinks they know them or feels they can be like other dogs does them more harm. Many ACDs in shelters have some very serious issues due to the fact they had been with an owner that was not ACD savy. It is a dog I strongly do not reccommend for just anyone. I think they are the best there is in the dog world but I am well aware of how to train and handle one and most of the advice you get here will not work on an ACD like it will a chi, pom or Shih-tzu. Good luck with her and I sincerely hope it works out well for you and if it does you will be hooked on the breed for life.
When you get her we will be expecting pics of course and if I can be of any help to you in the future just ask.

I disagree with the crating issue. I own two ACD's and one ACD mix and none of them have been adversely affected by crating. In fact, I acquired my ACD mix before I 'believed in' crating and she has suffered for it. Multiple electrical cords were chewed when she was left at home while we were working and/or at school. When we kept her confined in the bathroom she ripped the wallpaper off the walls. She is 11 years old and will still chew things if not watched. ACD's can live in an apartment if they are provided with mental and physical stimulation. It is not easy to live with any dog in an apartment, they all have the same basic requirements.

 

[Cassie Abbott]

It is not easy to live with any dog in an apartment, they all have the same basic requirements.

I agree with you on that one! I also think that a lot of people hear "apartment" and automatically shut down to the idea. Any dog who lives in an apartment and is exercised regularly will be better off than a dog who's living in a fenced in back yard, no matter how large the yard is. A large dwelling size doesn't equate to an ideal living situation. Apartment living just means you need a more proactive and creative approach to keeping a dog. You can't just toss him into the back yard and call that 30 minutes of exercise, you actually have to take him out for a walk!

 

[Aussie Red]

I disagree with the crating issue. I own two ACD's and one ACD mix and none of them have been adversely affected by crating. In fact, I acquired my ACD mix before I 'believed in' crating and she has suffered for it. Multiple electrical cords were chewed when she was left at home while we were working and/or at school. When we kept her confined in the bathroom she ripped the wallpaper off the walls. She is 11 years old and will still chew things if not watched. ACD's can live in an apartment if they are provided with mental and physical stimulation. It is not easy to live with any dog in an apartment, they all have the same basic requirements.

This is the whole point about ACDs and why I feel they need to be worked and active with human interaction . Crating a dog that was bred to be active and work just does not sit well with me and if you don't have the time or place for such a lovely animal then you are better off not to get it. ACD's are put down at a much higher rate then most other dog with the exception of the pit bull. They are an agressive breed and the majority of shelters are not able to deal with their issues. ACD's can and will be very destructive if they are bored. I have worked with rescue for over 20 years and devote myself to ACD's. Many of the ones we get have been crated or locked down to one room and then their owners don't understand their nature and become frustrated with them and chose to surrender them. Now I am not saying that crating one is not going to work or that it is bad in all situations if you know what you are doing. Many people get these little beauties and treat them as they would a poodle. Not going to work !!!!
Now as to the Issue of your submissive young lady. It has been my experience that submissiness in the ACD tends to happen because she was owned by a non ACD savy owner and she has been hit. My main concern for you after you get her is that she may have or develop a defensive biting syndrome. ACDs are not normally submissive. Ones that I have delt with like this are usually submissive for the reason I stated. Clicker trainning is a great idea for her. It is what I personally would try to do. I think you are on the right track with her. Still I wish you every success and am very happy to welcome you into the wonderful world of ACD ownership. And bravo to you for at least attempting to save this little girls life. If she becomes the dog for you I know one thing you will have another before long LOL:lol-sign:

 

[Cassie Abbott]

Now as to the Issue of your submissive young lady. It has been my experience that submissiness in the ACD tends to happen because she was owned by a non ACD savy owner and she has been hit. My main concern for you after you get her is that she may have or develop a defensive biting syndrome. ACDs are not normally submissive. Ones that I have delt with like this are usually submissive for the reason I stated.

That was one of my concerns about her. At this time I feel that, if given no avenue of escape, she might fear bite in the wrong situation. I haven't seen anything that resembled that reaction (and admittedly I had limited interaction with her), but I could see it happening. That was the main reason behind building up her confidence in new and strange situations. She needs some mental barriers to prevent her from getting to that point. Training, training, training and plenty of fun and exercise!