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Dakota_tobiano · May 20, 2009, 12:53 AM

Hello
I have a chance to take in an adorable one year old Blue Heeler dog. The dog is being given away (although for a fee), because he didn't suit his last owners who had hard time with him chasing farm animals. They did not have the proper knowledge about the breed and were quite irresponsible from the beginning... The dog was brought to the kennels on our horse farm and was to begin a course in basic obedience.
What can I say, this dog got my heart from the beginning :). This is the reason I'm thinking about taking him in. However. I got a horse on the farm and the dog is exhibiting quite strong herding instincts which are hard to control so far. He's nipping at the tail and hind legs of horses and he's very hard to stop at that. My horse has the tolerance of an elephant with him, but I'm afraid that if this behavior won't end in the future, it could lead to problems.
The same problem is with cars. He tries to bite every wheel on every car. Even when it's parked.
With people, there are no problems so far. He's very communicative. Although I heard that he once tried to nip at someone’s heels also...
I have no professional experience with these dogs, although I did own a dog for the last 17 years. I do intend to put time and effort in this dog.
Bottom line is: is it possible with a professional dog trainer to correct this behavior, and if so to which extent? Do you think that I’m making a mistake and what are my chances to further raise a happy, non-problematic dog?
Thank you

shazamataz · May 20, 2009, 02:17 AM

I believe so yes.
I have never had working dogs but with our poodles, they used to try and cahse our rabbits in their cages..
It took a longtime but they have eventually learnt that the rabbits are a no-no!

If you are using a professional trainer then I would say yes.
Keep in mind that it could take quite some time for him to behave how you would like though.

The asnwer below I found on YahooAnswers and I take no credit for it but I thought it might be helpful :)

Well take him on a leash when you have some spare time so he learns that horses=calm. Possibly don't take him, tie him up or something, but I'm guessing that is unavoidable. Collies naturally have a herding instinct so maybe wear him out with more walks or games so he is mentally stimulated. But since it is natural, he will try to herd them. Just keep him on a leash and practice being calm and commands until he is good at that. Then try to control him off the leash around one horse. When he gets good at that, two then the whole herd eventually.

peterslis · May 21, 2009, 05:17 PM

You know that this breed is breed to round up, give him a job that he can do, do it daily, and end it with putting him up for an hour, or for good, by placing him in his own controlled area. Socialize him correctly with people. If you have horses, the natural consequences for him could be a good kick, you could have him run with you and correct the foot biting by stopping and saying no, and when you start walking again, clap loudly, and say NO, if it continues, then keep walking, snap clap and speak firmly and loudly and say NO, you can walk him on a leash for a while, walk him by the horses, the minute his goes to do the job you don't want him to do, do a firm snap of the leash, say NO, and make him sit, and stay... he'll get the picture, have him chase a ball daily and bring it back, as far as cars go, once he establishes your disapproval with clapping and NO, or snapping the leash, use those same experiences with a car, even if you have to have your wife or someone close to you do the driving to control the training.

peterslis · May 21, 2009, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Dakota_tobiano

Hello
I have a chance to take in an adorable one year old Blue Heeler dog. The dog is being given away (although for a fee), because he didn't suit his last owners who had hard time with him chasing farm animals. They did not have the proper knowledge about the breed and were quite irresponsible from the beginning... The dog was brought to the kennels on our horse farm and was to begin a course in basic obedience.
What can I say, this dog got my heart from the beginning :). This is the reason I'm thinking about taking him in. However. I got a horse on the farm and the dog is exhibiting quite strong herding instincts which are hard to control so far. He's nipping at the tail and hind legs of horses and he's very hard to stop at that. My horse has the tolerance of an elephant with him, but I'm afraid that if this behavior won't end in the future, it could lead to problems.
The same problem is with cars. He tries to bite every wheel on every car. Even when it's parked.
With people, there are no problems so far. He's very communicative. Although I heard that he once tried to nip at someone’s heels also...
I have no professional experience with these dogs, although I did own a dog for the last 17 years. I do intend to put time and effort in this dog.
Bottom line is: is it possible with a professional dog trainer to correct this behavior, and if so to which extent? Do you think that I’m making a mistake and what are my chances to further raise a happy, non-problematic dog?
Thank you

I posted a comment, but I thought I should do this as well. If it is a wonderful dog, and you can invest the time, send him to obedience that is geared toward his breed, this type of dog needs a daily job, you can have him retrieve daily, make him carry the ball, this will turn him away from forming other relationships with the animals, and keep it with the ball, leash him and work with him, correct the behaviors, if you don't have time, I would give the guy a chance and send him to a trainer, they will work with you as well..