How to Train Queensland Heeler Puppies

Queensland heelers are energetic dogs.

The Queensland heeler, also known as the Australian cattle dog or sometimes a blue heeler, was originally bred as a work dog. Heelers are hard working and have lots of energy. They are also highly intelligent dogs, which can lead to behavioral problems if they are not stimulated. While heelers are also known to be independent dogs, you can easily train them at home or by using a professional trainer.

Things You'll Need

• Cage
• Rope toy
• Rawhide bones
• Cage dividers
• Leash

Instructions

General Training Tips

1. Use a cage or small room to confine your Queensland heeler puppy when you will not be able to devote 100 percent attention to him. Also, provide him with something to do, such as rope toys or rawhide bones. Queensland heeler puppies are easily bored and will look for entertainment. This can result in destructive behaviors, such as chewing. He can also find his way into dangerous or hazardous items, such as cleaning supplies or electrical wires.

2. Provide your puppy with plenty of companionship. Queensland heeler puppies do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If you will not be able to provide companionship every few hours, consider a puppy day care or a pet sitter to walk your dog when you cannot.

3. Make it known that you are the pack leader. Since Queensland heelers are strong-willed dogs, your puppy will want to make himself the alpha dog. Show him this is not the case by being assertive. Do not coddle him. Try holding him on hi back in your arms like you would a baby. Talk to him and play with his paws. This will show him you are the one in control.

4. Be patient and consistent in your training. Depending on your particular dog's temperament, it may take a while for him to learn any given command. Yelling at your dog will only make him afraid of you.

Potty Training

1. Use your cage for potty training. The cage should be large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in, but not large enough to have a separate sleeping place and a place to potty. Dogs do not go potty where they sleep, so keeping the cage small will use this natural desire to your advantage when it comes to potty training. If you want to purchase a larger cage your puppy can grow into, you can also purchase cage dividers at the pet store that can help keep the space the right size. If you are not able to use a cage, choose a room and section off a small space for your puppy.

2. Feed your heeler puppy on a schedule. Feeding her once in the morning and once in the evening at set times will help you better monitor her elimination habits. Most puppies will need to potty within 15 to 20 minutes of eating.

3. Take her outside to a designated potty spot. Choose a spot that you want her to use, then go to that spot every time. Keep her on a leash during this time so that you can monitor and keep her focused on what you want her to do. When you reach the designated spot use a trigger word, such as "potty" or "empty" to let her know what you expect. Stay there until she does her job and then praise her for it. Do not play with her or talk to her until she has eliminated.

4. Take her outside regularly, including first thing in the morning, last thing before you go to bed, after every meal, after every nap and anytime she gives signs she needs to go, such as circling or sniffing the ground.

5. Clean up accidents and do not make a big deal about it. If she messes in the house and she sees you clean it up, she can get mixed signals. Ignoring her, or better yet, removing her from the area so she cannot see you clean it up will help ensure that she does not expect you to clean up her messes. Never punish her or rub her nose in it. This will only instill fear in your dog.

Training Your Heeler to Sit

1. Instruct your puppy to sit by saying "Sit."

2. Place a treat above his head with one hand. This will make him look up to see it.

3. Place your free hand on his hindquarters and press down while he is looking at the treat. Be gentle with your pressure so you do not hurt him.

4. Praise him for sitting and give him the treat.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until he understands the command without you using a treat or pressing on his hindquarters. Training may take several sessions before your puppy is comfortable with the command.

Training Your Heeler to Lie Down

1. Tell your Queensland heeler to sit.

2. Instruct her to lie down by saying "Down."

3. Hold a treat under her nose. Bring your hand straight down to the ground and then pull it out towards you. This should be done in an L-shape movement.

4. Repeat step 2 and 3 until she lays down to get the treat.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until she understands the command without you using a treat. Training may take several sessions before your puppy is comfortable with the command.

Train Your Heeler to Heel

1. Choose an area to work that has lots of room to walk and is unobstructed.

2. Put your heeler on a leash and begin to walk.

3. Change directions when he begins to walk in front of you.

4. Instruct him to heel by saying "Heel" when he catches up with you again.

5. Continue steps 1 through 4 until he understands the command.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same training concepts explained for sit, down and heel, to teach your puppy other basic commands, such as stay and come.

References

• Dog Breed Info: Australian Cattle Dogs
• See Fido: How to Teach a New Puppy to Sit
• Training Dogs: Potty Training