How to Train Australian Cattle Dogs

Training an Australian cattle dog (ACD) can be challenging since these dogs are bred for independence and determination. Developed to maneuver obstinate cattle, horses and hogs, the ACD is not afraid to risk a kick from livestock and will dart in again and again to bite the heels of a herd animal to get it moving. Australian cattle dogs are fiercely loyal, but so headstrong you will have to outthink them at every turn. Basic obedience is a must before any livestock training can begin. Knowing the command terminology and learning from experienced cattle dog trainers are also key.

Instructions

1. Train your Australian cattle dog in basic obedience. "Sit," "stay," "heel," "come" and "down" commands are essential first steps to training your ACD for agility, work or companionship. Australian cattle dogs are bred to be hard-headed, so persistent practice is essential with this breed of dog. Make sure your ACD knows you are pack leader or it will ignore your commands.

2. Teach your Australian cattle dog puppy "bite inhibition." ACDs were bred to bite. Nipping at the heels of cattle is how the ACD gets livestock to move. This instinct can be painful for pet owners if allowed in adult dogs, so start training your ACD puppy right away not to bite humans or even their clothing. Mimic the mother dog by yelping (or shriek "ouch" in a high voice) if the puppy bites you, then turn away from it for a few seconds. This signals the puppy that biting is not acceptable. If the puppy persists, grab the back of its neck and give it a firm (but careful) shake, using a threatening tone like a growl. If it still tries to bite, flip it over on its back and hold it down until it relaxes completely for at least 10seconds. Never play tug or wrestle with an Australian cattle dog.

3. Teach your Australian cattle dog working commands. Basic obedience may be enough if your ACD is only going to be a family pet, but if you want it to work livestock, you will first need to learn and then teach working commands. There are many working commands to teach an ACD, including "get around," "get back," "bring them in," "stand" and "that’ll do, and directional commands like "away to me," "there," "right," "left" and "steady." Once the dog has learned the voice commands, you can replace them with whistle commands.

4. Contact ACD trainers and observe working dogs in action. Learning from experienced, active trainers is always best. Herding competitions are a good place to find amateur and professional ACD trainers. Ask your veterinarian, breeder, groomer, pet store or local rescue society for information. If you live in a rural area, check with a feed store for farmers and ranchers with working dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog Club of America lists regional clubs on its website.

Tips & Warnings

• Train your ACDs one at a time. You want the dog to obey you and not follow a dominant older dog.

• Train your ACD with regard to its personality. Compliant dogs might respond to a gentle command, while hard-headed dogs will need a harsher tone.

• Don’t start an ACD too early in training livestock since it will not be swift enough to avoid injury. Start puppies on herding small stock like ducks.

• Don’t train ACDs on pet livestock, like lambs or goats. Pet stock will not respond to a dog like farm or range animals will.

References

• Oregon State: 4H Training Guide to the Livestock-working Dog
• Dog Owner' Guide: No Bite: Angel Days and Devil Days: Teach bit inhibition to puppies;” DeGruy, Vicki; Dog Owners’ Guide

Resources

• Australian Cattle Dog Club of America