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    Maddie1110's Avatar
    Maddie1110 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Mar 1, 2007, 10:03 AM
    16 week Blue Heeler - Training
    Please help! We had our Female Blue Heeler for 3 weeks now and she hates her crate, would not stop barking, and the past two days now she has pooped in it in the middle of the night. We were doing really well with her being housebroken and going outside and the past two days she went back to doing her business in the crate and kitchen floor. I tried taking the poop on a paper towel and lay it in her spot, she just wants to eat the paper. We tried training her not to bark and now she won't let us know when she has to potty, she just goes. We had a good schedule of going outside before she ate, she went. Feeding 6:30am and 6:30pm, and treat training in the afternoon. Using treats for going potty and going in her crate. What are we doing wrong? Noise distractions do not work, she wants to eat paper and clothes, she also loves to bite me. She won't bite my husband, because he yells at her when she tries to bite him, I am just not the yelling type. I tried flipping her over and pinning her down and saying no, she bites my hands still and wiggles. Oh and water training did not work either, she loves water. That can be a good thing.

    Thank you.:confused:
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Mar 1, 2007, 10:26 AM
    Much of what you are doing is right, but you need more help. Go to the sticky and read the sections on Housebreaking and ''What does a puppy need?'' at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251809

    Post back with any details you need help with. You might give the age and how long you have had her.

    Young Labs, which I know best, and other puppies tend to very bad about
    Biting. You see a litter of them, and all the ones that are awake are biting
    Another one or themselves. I am not even sure they realize that when they are
    Alone, if they quit biting, they would quit being bitten. At 3 to 4 months
    They are getting their adult teeth, and it seems they spend every waking
    Moment biting or chewing. One thing you can do at that stage is to knot and wet a piece of cloth. Then freeze it. The cooling will soothe the gums. Only let the puppy have it when you are there to watch it. I maintain a Lab's favorite chew toy is another
    Lab. Otherwise they settle for any person they can. They keep hoping to find
    One that won't yelp and jerk their hand away, or growl "Bad dog." and clamp
    Their mouth shut. Then offer a chew toy. They keep trying despite hundreds
    Of corrections. Another good technique is to quit playing and go away. That can be highly effective. Be sure to praise them when they are playing nice and not biting.

    You just have to keep on correcting them, hundreds of times, not dozens.
    Provide sturdy, safe toys such as Kongs and Nylabones. Avoid things they can
    Chew pieces off and choke on them. Keep them away from electrical cords.
    Crates are essential for most young Labs and other dogs.

    The pet stores are full of toys that many dogs will quickly chew up into
    Pieces they could choke on or cause intestinal blockages. If you are not
    There to watch, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs. Keep a
    Close eye on chew toys and quickly discard anything that is coming apart in
    Pieces. Rawhide is especially bad because it swells after being swallowed.
    These problems are the worst with, but not limited to, large, aggressive
    Chewers such as Labs.
    RubyPitbull's Avatar
    RubyPitbull Posts: 3,575, Reputation: 648
    Ultra Member
     
    #3

    Mar 1, 2007, 01:16 PM
    Maddie, please follow labman's advice.

    Just as an added insight, I don't know how much you know about the breed but generally speaking, An Australian Cattle Dog (blue heeler is only one type) is an incredibly, incredibly intelligent dog. I am not going to lie, they are a lot of work, but the return on your "time" investment will be well worth it! I love these dogs! They need a great deal of mental and physical stimulation. They also have a tendency to nip much more readily than a lot of other breeds due to their herding instincts. You definitely need to get that under control as soon as possible. Labman's home made toy is a good one to use while she is teething. These does are actually ready a lot sooner than most breeds to start obedience training. I would suggest that you do a little research in your area and locate a program that uses positive reinforcement training. It would also be beneficial to start an agility training program when your pup is about 6 months old. These dogs need jobs. They need an outlet for all their energy. I am including a link to a number of websites that might help you with additional information.

    Australian Cattle Dog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    Blue Heelers / Australian Cattle Dogs

    FAQs & What?

    -= Welcome to Australian Cattle Dogs On Line =-

    How to Care for a Blue Heeler - eHow.com

    Good Luck! Let us know how you progess.
    Panamaa's Avatar
    Panamaa Posts: 12, Reputation: -1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Mar 2, 2007, 08:15 AM
    Great advice Rubypitbull... you are SO right. I raise these dogs (red variety) they are a handful. They are super intelligent and need a "job" even from an early age. I have a 1yr female and when I got her tried crating her when I wasn't around. Didn't WORK. She hated it. Working with these dogs is an interesting undertaking to say the least!

    Some people aren't cut out to have them. This pup is going to bite somewhat but you HAVE to disipline her for it when it gets out of hand. The older she is the less she will bite if you curtail it now. If she has toys you have to interact with her some. You just can't give her toys and think she will play all byherself she will some but by interacting with her you are training her in ways you won't even know until later.
    This breed of dog has to know what you expect of it and what the boundaries are. They must have adequate exersise.If she won't stay in her crate find her a place where she likes to lay down and take a nap... corner of the room whatever(if she stays in the house 24 hrs.)Let her know that is her space.

    I agree with the training when she is ready... get an experienced heeler person... find one that uses their dogs on a farm and take your puppy (if all parties agree, dogs included) once you and your dog start working together and establish a relationship/understanding you will be amazed at what your dog will pick up.

    My first heeler never learned a trick, was never taught a thing persay... I got her when she was 7 months old and she just always knew what I was asking.I still have her and she runs the farm, knows all the animals names, protects the chickens, stops horses from chewing the fence, removed dead animals that the cats bring in... etc... I know have the young dog and she is learning from the older dog... they are amazing animals and well worth the effort.
    CattleDogLVR's Avatar
    CattleDogLVR Posts: 1, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #5

    Apr 2, 2008, 06:53 PM
    The Australian Cattle Dog (aka-Blue Heeler) is truly a breed that is as crazy and stubborn as it is loveable. Your potty problems are not uncommon however, they are shared by many frustrated owners. First off, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind about puppies is that for every month they are old (4 months for yours) is equal to the amount of time in hours they can hold their bladders (for you then 4 hours). Whenever you go over your puppy's "time limit" you are setting your puppy and yourself up for an accident. Yes, this means setting your alarm clock for an early morning pee. I know... it's a bummer. But your little one is a baby... you wouldn't expect your human child to hold her bladder that long would you? Second... pick a command you will use for going potty. I use "do your business" for my Heeler. When you take your friend outside, tell her "go potty" or "do your business" and STAY OUTSIDE with her until she does. Cattle Dogs are "velcro dogs" who share close and intimate relationships with their owners. She may not go outside if she is alone and feels isolated. As she goes potty praise her verbally tell her she is the best darn cattle dog you ever met. And after she is done, feed her treats immediately afterward. Make going potty outside so darn exciting that she would never think of going anywhere else. If she has an accident in the house, clean it up and move on. Yelling at her will only cause her to be confused (dog's don't get upset about bodily functions why should we?) and mistrustful. Set her up to succeed by taking her out to go potty every couple hours, if you work long hours considering hiring a pet sitter to visit once or twice a day. And lastly... keep in mind that physical punishment, such as rolling a dog on it's back, is a really good way to get bitten. Cattle dogs were bred to herd cattle. 2200 lb. stupid, stubborn cattle. These dogs will not EVER give up if physically challenged. They are bred to be immune to pain and fear... Not the type of dog you want to challenge. Instead, try using more treats and praise for things you want your dog to do and when behavior mistakes happen gently correct them by verbal reprimand ("NO" or "Uh-UH") time outs (tethered to a door) and by removing the opportunity to earn a food or toy reward.
    As far as your kennel, barking and general mischief goes... well part of that is your typical Heeler puppy. They know 2 speeds... 200 MPH and sleeping. LOTS of exercise will help solve your mischief and barking problems. Panamaa is right, Cattle dog's are incrediably intelligent and become bored easily. Playing fetch, teaching tricks, and providing an opportunity to run FULL BLAST will help these problems. As far as biting goes, that is a puppy thing- but is by NO MEANS acceptable. A mother dog will correct her pups for biting too hard and litter mates will learn to correct each other. This is called bite inhibition. It is important you keep up the training. Should your puppy bite you, try making a sharp yelping noise. This is the same noise a litter mate will use to tell it's brother or sister "you are too rough". When your puppy stops dead in it's track (which it should) praise her and continue in play. Repeat if necessary. You may also try a command such as "kisses". Do this by putting some peanut butter on the back of your hand and say "kisses" as your dog licks it up. Practice this once a day. When your dog bites you, tell her what she should do INSTEAD which is "kisses" not biting. Good luck! And know that your Heeler will be your most loyal and wonderful friend will a little positive reinforcement and lot's of patience. For more info on Cattle Dogs visit: -= Welcome to Australian Cattle Dogs On Line =-
    Charlie_T's Avatar
    Charlie_T Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #6

    May 25, 2008, 02:29 PM
    So, I'm the proud new pop of a 6 1/2 week old Female Blue Heeler. I knew what I was getting into when I got her, but did not realize the age issue. Usually you get pups at 8 weeks or older... Well, I did not know, and the breeder (for reasons unknown) gave her to me at 5 weeks... She is weened and has all her shots, and clean bill of health, and I have papers on her, so I don't know why she gave me the dog this early, but anyway, I have her and I'm not looking back... So far, I've been able to crate train her (started the 2nd day I had her. Used a stuffed animal that smelled like me along with her blanket from the litter.) She goes to the bathroom outside, knows how to sit (when she wants), and have been able to get to walk on a leash.) Keep in mind she comes to work with me everyday and sleeps under my chair, gets plenty of walks, and exercise, and I spend probably 3 to 4 hours a day interacting with her.

    My concern is the nipping. She already has a tendency to do this when she is excited after playing, or getting praise for doing something good. i.e. sit, or come. I do perform submission drills a couple times a day where I hold her until she submits, and I turn and walk and or yelp when she does nip, but I wonder if since she did not spend much time with her littermates, that she may have a tough time relating this. I especially want her to be able to adjust and work well with other dogs in the future. All the comments have been great... I just am concerned since I get her so young... any feedback is appreciated.

    Also I've been looking at Cesar Milans books in regards to establishing pack leader status with her.

    Quote Originally Posted by CattleDogLVR
    The Australian Cattle Dog (aka-Blue Heeler) is truly a breed that is as crazy and stubborn as it is loveable. Your potty problems are not uncommon however, they are shared by many frustrated owners. First off, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind about puppies is that for every month they are old (4 months for yours) is equal to the amount of time in hours they can hold their bladders (for you then 4 hours). Whenever you go over your puppy's "time limit" you are setting your puppy and yourself up for an accident. Yes, this means setting your alarm clock for an early morning pee. I know... it's a bummer. But your little one is a baby...you wouldn't expect your human child to hold her bladder that long would you? Second...pick a command you will use for going potty. I use "do your business" for my Heeler. When you take your friend outside, tell her "go potty" or "do your business" and STAY OUTSIDE with her until she does. Cattle Dogs are "velcro dogs" who share close and intimate relationships with their owners. She may not go outside if she is alone and feels isolated. As she goes potty praise her verbally tell her she is the best darn cattle dog you ever met. And after she is done, feed her treats immediately afterward. Make going potty outside so darn exciting that she would never think of going anywhere else. If she has an accident in the house, clean it up and move on. Yelling at her will only cause her to be confused (dog's don't get upset about bodily functions why should we?) and mistrustful. Set her up to succeed by taking her out to go potty every couple hours, if you work long hours considering hiring a pet sitter to visit once or twice a day. And lastly...keep in mind that physical punishment, such as rolling a dog on it's back, is a really good way to get bitten. Cattle dogs were bred to herd cattle. 2200 lb. stupid, stubborn cattle. These dogs will not EVER give up if physically challenged. They are bred to be immune to pain and fear...Not the type of dog you want to challenge. Instead, try using more treats and praise for things you want your dog to do and when behavior mistakes happen gently correct them by verbal reprimand ("NO" or "Uh-UH") time outs (tethered to a door) and by removing the opportunity to earn a food or toy reward.
    As far as your kennel, barking and general mischief goes...well part of that is your typical Heeler puppy. They know 2 speeds....200 MPH and sleeping. LOTS of exercise will help solve your mischief and barking problems. Panamaa is right, Cattle dog's are incrediably intelligent and become bored easily. Playing fetch, teaching tricks, and providing an opportunity to run FULL BLAST will help these problems. As far as biting goes, that is a puppy thing- but is by NO MEANS acceptable. A mother dog will correct her pups for biting too hard and litter mates will learn to correct eachother. This is called bite inhibition. It is important you keep up the training. Should your puppy bite you, try making a sharp yelping noise. This is the same noise a litter mate will use to tell it's brother or sister "you are too rough". When your puppy stops dead in it's track (which it should) praise her and continue in play. Repeat if necessary. You may also try a command such as "kisses". Do this by putting some peanut butter on the back of your hand and say "kisses" as your dog licks it up. Practice this once a day. When your dog bites you, tell her what she should do INSTEAD which is "kisses" not biting. Good luck! And know that your Heeler will be your most loyal and wonderful friend will a little positive reinforcement and lot's of patience. For more info on Cattle Dogs visit: -= Welcome to Australian Cattle Dogs On Line =-
    spinphoto's Avatar
    spinphoto Posts: 125, Reputation: 7
    Junior Member
     
    #7

    May 25, 2008, 03:15 PM
    MAddie, I tell everyone this anti-biting method all the time and it really works, just let out a little 'yelp!' and let her let go, don't pull your hand away. The higher pitched the better.. ever notcie when puppies play and one gets yelps and everything STOPS! Punishing the dog by flipping it on it side or yelling won't help and you know why? Because dogs use their mouths like we use our hands, so it's only natural to them.. they don't understand why they're being punished..

    I rehabilitated a young border collie/lab and at seven months, he had no clue what a crate was so I tried to make it his little sanctuary, I would NEVER EVER punish him to it EVER! I'd say, 'go in your bed.. ' So this is the trick to getting them to like it.. go to the butcher or even some local pet shops have them (make sure it's real not processed, full of dyes) pick up the biggest bone you've ever seen (smoked works the best) and give it to her only when she's in her 'bed' and when she leaves the crate, take it away. After a week my dog was laying in his crate with the door open, waiting for his bone. You can also use a kong with peanut butter, it will keep her busy for hours but ONLY when she's in the crate! OH and intense exercise before the crate helps A LOT, and never coo and caw at the dog, trying to soothe it, just put her in and don't say anything or just say bye. Casually aahaha..
    albertafarmer's Avatar
    albertafarmer Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #8

    Jun 30, 2010, 09:40 PM
    Get that dog busy, jog, play anything, concentration is not on working, it is frustrated and not in a happy place. If you think you can overwork that dog you are mistaken. After a good workout the dog will sleep, then when it wakes, outside for potty. When you have fed the dog 5 to 25 minutes after the bowls kick in. heelers just want to make you happy, and work does that, good luck, and love that heeler!

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