How to Care for a Blue Heeler

The blue heeler, bred to herd cattle, is a dominant, highly intelligent dog breed that requires much time and patience to train. Early training is the key to a happy life with your blue heeler.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Electric Dog Clippers
• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Bones
• Dog Bristle Brushes
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Collars
• Dog Combs
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Tags
• Dog Toys
• Dog Training Aids
• Dog Treats
• Doghouses And Doors
• Holiday Dog Toys
• Muzzles
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Pet Doors
• Frisbees
• Flying Discs

1. Vaccinate your blue heeler when you acquire it, and follow up with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to diseases. Worm your adult dog every three months, and consult your veterinarian about defleaing products.
2. Take your blue heeler to obedience training as soon as you can. Because of blue heelers high level of intelligence and energy, they can quickly get out of control.
3. Train your blue heeler with positive reinforcement, and teach it to be gentle with children. Blue heelers have a tendency to herd young children.
4. Exercise your blue heeler once or twice daily. These energetic dogs enjoy running and are good companions for runners.
5. Keep your blue heeler on its leash while walking it. Because blue heelers are a dominant breed, they can be aggressive with other dogs and people.
6. Provide chewable toys for your blue heeler. This breed will chew everything in the house if it doesn't have a toy or bone to chew on at all times.
7. Feed your blue heeler dog food that has meat as its primary ingredient - if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent, and crude fat no less than 20 percent. Also, the fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.
8. Trim your blue heeler's toenails regularly, about every two to three weeks.
9. Comb and brush your blue heeler's coat with a firm-bristled brush. The blue heeler's coat, which stays relatively clean, is resistant to harsh weather and will not need to be washed frequently.
10. Note that a blue heeler that has been spayed or neutered will shed about twice a year, in very big clumps. A female that has not been fixed will shed after each heat cycle. Bathe your blue heeler in warm baths, and brush it frequently so that it doesn't shed all at once.
11. Know that blue heelers are prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), progressive retinal atrophy (progressive damage to the retina) and deafness.

Tips & Warnings

• Blue heelers will weigh between 35 and 50 pounds by the time they reach maturity, with a height of 17 to 20 inches at the withers (the highest part of the back).
• Some blue heelers will have a "Bentley mark" - a white blaze on their forehead.
• Remember that blue heelers are bright dogs that need constant mental stimulation. They like to learn new tricks and be included in family activities.
• Because of their agility, blue heelers are great at games such as catching Frisbees.
• Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to learn more about hip dysplasia in blue heelers.
• Blue heelers have been known to nip at the heels of humans, much like they do with the cattle they are herding. Children should avoid running near your blue heeler when you are training it, as the dog may chase and nip the child.
• This breed of dog is not easy to train. Be prepared to be rigorous and tough in your training if you decide to own a blue heeler.
• Blue heelers may respond with hostility if they are treated harshly or with force.