How to Train an ACD Heeler Puppy

Australian cattle dogs can be difficult to train

Training Australian cattle dogs, or heelers, can be a difficult task. ACDs are intelligent with active minds and lots of energy. They can also be extremely stubborn, which can make training frustrating. However, ACDs are often eager to learn and please and will obey those they respect. Once your ACD puppy is trained, it will probably be a good family and guard dog.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Treats

Instructions

1. Show your ACD puppy that you are in charge. ACD puppies are strong-willed and will try to gain control of the house, which is a recipe for disaster. CowDogz recommends maintaining the alpha position in your household by adopting a confident demeanor. Keep your ACD next to you when on walks, walk through doors ahead of him and handle his food before feeding him so that your scent is on the kibble.

2. Ignore your ACD pup when it is demanding. If you give in to your puppy's demands, such as petting it when it nudges your hand, you are teaching it that it is in control. Your heeler puppy will eventually learn that you will not reward its demands.

3. Place your ACD puppy in a crate when you are not able to supervise it. This will not only help with potty-training, it will keep your puppy from chewing objects around the house. The crate should only be large enough for the heeler puppy to stand up and turn around in. Take it outside immediately after it is released from the crate and always give a reward when it eliminates in the appropriate area.

4. Yelp, say "ouch" and pull away if your ACD puppy bites you. The biting instinct is very strong in ACD puppies and can get out of hand if allowed. If your pup still persists, grab its muzzle, look into its eyes, say "no" and push it away, according to CowDogz. When it stops, give it a treat. If you allow that type of behavior even once, you are teaching your ACD that it is acceptable to bite you.

5. Let your ACD puppy dig---in an acceptable area, that is. ACD puppies love to dig and will do so wherever they can. Fortunately, heeler puppies will grow out of this behavior around two years of age. Until then, set up a designated spot in which it is acceptable to dig and entice yours to do so by burying a favorite toy or treat in the area for about a week or so. To prevent digging elsewhere, sprinkle hot sauce or place your puppy's stool in areas where digging is prohibited.

References

• CowDogz: Tips for Training ACD Dogs
• K9Deb: Nothing in Life is Free