on 11/11/2009
my heeler recently died at 10 yrs and the breeder has a 10 mnth puppy for sale and it is only used to coming inside at times he lives on a working ranch his dad is exellent in his duties I am a widow and want a good watch dog companion that lives in the house with me my cat and 2 birds as my older heeler did will this be agood choice for me or should I wait for a younger puppy
on 8/15/2009
The question about fleas, when i got my little girl she was infested with fleas the people didnt take care of her at all. I took her to the vet and got frontline, and so far i havent seen many fleas on her, but she still has a couple. so i would suggest using front line, or the groomer told me to use dawn dish soap. might try that too.
on 8/15/2009
I have a 3 month old female named Koty she is by far one of the best dogs i have ever owned at 3 months she is already trying to work she has no problem getting in the middle of my cows and tryin to help me. When we are home she is very loving and playful and doesnt leave my side often. the only problem i am having is when she plays she will not stop biting, i know all puppies play bite but she hurts. any suggestions on how to get her to stop? joshuaalbright33@yahoo.com
on 12/22/2008
i have a 10 month old female, i treat her with the frontline fle product, but it seems like it only lasts about 20 days instead of the month they say it does, plus my sister has 2 of her own, she is a breeder, she tells me that her dog never gets fleas n she never treats them, they r running out in the yard, she said she was told that this breed cant get fleas and never will, please if u can help i'd appreciate it, my email is tlee_1965@yahoo.com
on 9/29/2008
We just got a blue heeler puppy. She is 3 months old and she is deaf. She seems to be pretty smart but we worry about her getting hurt because she can't hear. Any suggestions?
on 3/27/2007
We got a blue heeler mix at 8 weeks and so far I can completely agree with with a lot of everyone's comments as to the training etc. My concern now is we are planning on getting a chain link fence and I'm curious if anyone thinks this dog could or would jump a 4' foot chain link fence? We ordered a 5' foot chain link fence thinking he'd jump a 4', but now I'm doubting that. So any comments would be great! jen31381@yahoo.com THANKS!
on 8/9/2006
I got my Heeler when he was 8 weeks old. He learned quickly - everything from potty training to hand signals. Very obedient, I can get him to drop a steak from his mouth. He is incredibly sweet and affectionate toward me and people he knows. He is aggressive toward strangers, but only when they are at our house, it's a territorial thing. But, that is a hassle if you entertain a lot (I have to keep him in another room). When I take him for walks he is fine around other people and loves other dogs. Nipping/herding was a problem when he was younger. I usually would stop walking and tell him to sit, thus redirecting his attention. Compared to other dogs, Heelers are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They are high energy; I make sure to exercise my dog before and after work, and leave plenty of things to entertain him while I'm at work. They're social animals and love being part of the family. He's probably the most loyal and protective dog I've ever had.
on 8/8/2006
My first experience owning a Blue Heeler has, thus far, been very challenging, but extremely rewarding as well. I got "Fudgy" this past Fall when he was about 6 weeks old. From the minute I saw him, he was literally at my heels, and has been ever since. This is by far the smartest canine I have ever had-- and I have owned every breed imaginable.
He learned to sit in one minute flat when he was just 2 months old! Every trick I have taught him needs only to be demonstrated once or twice at most, and he never forgets a thing once he has learned it. In fact, the only times he botches a trick are times when my hand signals or voice commands are less than perfect. Training this particular heeler seems to demand that I am consistent, clear in my instruction and abundant in my praise of his good actions.
Heelers do nip you, and from what I understand it is tough to break them of this. The one thing that never works with Fudgy is pushing him off, swatting at him or yelling at him. This seems to cause him to bark, clap down to the ground and spring back up only to nip harder. I have since learned that heelers are sort of hard-wired to do this to get unruly animals in line. I have found that giving him a clear command such as SIT or DOWN as he is nipping or jumping will tend to re-focus him. Then I praise his good behavior, until he nips again. This requires a lot of patience and a lot of time spent training him.
Heelers like to do things, particularly things which require mental challenge. If you are expecting a calm companion to sit and watch TV with you for hours on end, do not get a heeler.
Keeping them busy: I recommend the "Talk to me Treatball" which lights up and talks and dispenses treats. Fudgy herds his treatball relentlessly and it entertains greatly. He also seems to like Kongs of all shapes and sizes with hard-to-extract treats inside. The "Holee Roller" ball and the Boomer or Jolly Ball (the larger 8 inch, 10 inch and 14 inch varieties) are also excellent. These larger indestructible balls seem to satisfy the urge to herd and chase-- for best results, I recommend taking your heeler to a large secure field and turning them loose with a "herd" of larger balls. "Doggie Day Care" is also a great way to wear your heeler out-- something which is pretty tough to accomplish. These guys are non-stop.
Since Fudgy likes to "find" things-- particularly things hidden under the ground which he excavates and brings into the house proudly-- I am training him to be a search/recovery/cadaver dog. Heelers are very driven creatures and will do nearly anything to get the result they want. If properly trained, the result they want becomes dependent upon what you ask for. Heelers are also being used to detect explosive material, narcotics, and bombs. They are excellent tracking dogs when properly trained and focused. They are tireless in their efforts.
This is an amazing breed to say the least. In the past few months, I have discovered that there is very little I cannot get my heeler to do or learn. He has more energy and intelligence than I know what to do with. If you are looking for a canine that you can work with to accomplish a goal, a heeler is a perfect selection.
I would not suggest a heeler for someone who is away from home for extended periods of time. Heelers do not like to be alone and will rearrange your entire house if neglected. They must have space, toys, attention, supervision, companionship and mental challenges daily. Once around the block on a leash after work will simply not cut it. The more you put into training and working with your heeler, the more you will get back.
on 8/4/2006
I got my Heeler when she was about 4 months old. She was very shy for about 2 weeks, but finally came out of it and became playful. I have noticed that a lot of people say that their Heeler's feeling get hurt very easily and this is very true, I hate to have to correct her for her wrong doings because I feel bad. She's been a very loving companion and knows when I'm happy and when I don't feel well she will come and cuddle with me and be very gentle. She seems to be a very sociable dog, she loves my mom's dogs and my boyfriends mom's dog, and she never seems to run out of energy. We did find out that when we would leave her alone in the house she would chew on things or tear things up so we decided to try getting her a few toys, which fixed the problem real quick.
Everyone says that she's spoiled, which she is, but she's also very much loved and she loves and trusts completely. She has never had any kind of aggression problems toward people, small children included, or other animals.
I think anyone who decides to get a Heeler is making a very good choice in a pet and companion. The only bad habit she has is nipping at people's heels, but other than that she has been one of the best friends I could ever ask for.
on 3/13/2006
My first experience owning a Blue Heeler has, thus far, been very challenging, but extremely rewarding as well. I got Fudgy this past Fall when he was about 6 weeks old. From the minute I saw him, he was literally at my heels, and has been ever since. This is by far the smartest canine I have ever had-- and I have owned every breed imaginable.
He learned to sit in one minute flat when he was just 2 months old! Every trick I have taught him needs only to be demonstrated once or twice at most, and he never forgets a thing once he has learned it. In fact, the only times he botches a trick are times when my hand signals or voice commands are less than perfect. Training this particular heeler seems to demand that I am consistent, clear in my instruction and abundant in my praise of his good actions.
Heelers do nip you, and from what I understand it is tough to break them of this. The one thing that never works with Fudgy is pushing him off, swatting at him or yelling at him. This seems to cause him to bark, clap down to the ground and spring back up only to nip harder. I have since learned that heelers are sort of hard-wired to do this to get unruly animals in line. I have found that giving him a clear command, such as 'sit' or 'down' as he is nipping or jumping will tend to re-focus him. Then I praise his good behavior, until he nips again. This requires a lot of patience and a lot of time spent training him.
Heelers like to do things, particularly things which require mental challenge. If you are expecting a calm companion to sit and watch TV with you for hours on end, do not get a heeler. Keeping them busy: I recommend the "Talk to me Treatball" which lights up and talks and dispenses treats. Fudgy herds his treatball relentlessly and it entertains greatly. He also seems to like Kongs of all shapes and sizes with hard-to-extract treats inside. The "Holee Roller" ball and the Boomer or Jolly Ball (the larger 8 inch, 10 inch and 14 inch varieties) are also excellent. These larger indestructible balls seem to satisfy the urge to herd and chase-- for best results, I recommend taking your heeler to a large secure field and turning them loose with a "herd" of larger balls. "Doggie Day Care" is also a great way to wear your heeler out-- something which is pretty tough to accomplish. These guys are non-stop.
Since Fudgy likes to find things-- particularly things hidden under the ground which he excavates and brings into the house proudly-- I am training him to be a search/recovery/cadaver dog. Heelers are very driven creatures and will do nearly anything to get the result they want. If properly trained, the result they want becomes dependent upon what you ask for. Heelers are also being used to detect explosive material, narcotics, and bombs. They are excellent tracking dogs when properly trained and focused. They are tireless in their efforts.
This is an amazing breed to say the least. In the past few months, I have discovered that there is very little I cannot get my heeler to do or learn. He has more energy and intelligence than I know what to do with. If you are looking for a canine that you can work with to accomplish a goal, a heeler is a perfect selection.
I would not suggest a heeler for someone who is away from home for extended periods of time. Heelers do not like to be alone and will rearrange your entire house if neglected. They must have space, toys, attention, supervision, companionship and mental challenges daily. Once around the block on a leash after work will simply not cut it. The more you put into training and working with your heeler, the more you will get back.
on 1/13/2006
We got Cody at 8 weeks old, he's the smartest dog I have ever come across. I have found that this particular breed gets their feelings hurt very easily. We have found that if we need to correct the other pup (a mixed breed that was rescued) we have to send Cody to another room or outside so he doesn't feel he is the one being corrected.
I disagree with statement some have made about the Blue Heeler being a bad pet. Cody is an absolute love around the house, and whatever you do, don't mess with the baby (we have a 14 month old). Cody goes everywhere the baby does, including under his crib when he takes a nap. The only problems we have really encountered is that he does not like the 2 dogs that live next door.
Cody is bright, he does chores. It's his job to carry the trash can lids back from the end of the road. He also picks up the toys out of the yard when they are all done playing. I wouldn't trade my little buddy for anything! He's my companion, my sounding board, my crying towel, an all around lovable, beautiful dog.
on 11/22/2005
My "Red" Heeler is about 7 now, and I got him from a sweetheart truck driver who lived in Wyoming when he was 5. He was de-manned as soon as the vet said he could be. He is very friendly around people. He doesnt mind other dogs, if I am there. I discovered quickly that he does require an unusual amount of water compared to other dogs. He grew up in a semi, and seems to have lost alot of his want to fetch. On the same note if he is with other dog(s) who are fetching, he will herd them to the corners of the yard, nipping them all over their legs. He is very timid if I scold him, and seems to hold guilt unusually long for things he has done. He was feed alot of human food, and begs alot. At times he will not follow orders even if your right by his side, running for the neighbors garbage right in front of you, and cowering the whole way back. Some of my family wonders if his last owners hit him, but I have spent some time with her, and do not think she would do such a thing. He is VERY attentive to activities around the property and seems to dislike people who look like "criminals" for lack of a better word. I am not sure if it the way certain people walk or something else that I am unaware of. If my and my wife play around the house, or move to quickly twords each other, he will jump at her and nip her all over, even if I moved twords her. Like I have read here Heelers do tend to gravitate to one person, though Buddy loves everyone he meets with me there. If I had to pick the best advice I was ever given on Heelers, it would be this: "Heelers are too smart for their own good, they will learn that if you tell them to do something two or three times before you force them to do it, they will always wait untilthat second or third time to do it."
on 11/22/2005
I would actually suggest, from experience, buying from working stock, as they tend to be healthier and more intelligent. The important thing is to train them early and train them well. Do not purchase this breed if you do not intend to interact with it constantly. They will be your best friend for life, but you must be certain to assert your dominance from the beginning. You are the pack leader, and you can't let them get the better of you.
on 11/22/2005
If you start early and work on one new trick at a time, they learn it quickly. They are very intelligent animals and if you speak with them, as you would another person, they will understand. If they tend to chew on, or go after something you do not want them to, keep the command short. Repetition is the key. Treat them like your friend, not a dog.
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josaidwhat said
on 11/11/2009 my heeler recently died at 10 yrs and the breeder has a 10 mnth puppy for sale and it is only used to coming inside at times he lives on a working ranch his dad is exellent in his duties I am a widow and want a good watch dog companion that lives in the house with me my cat and 2 birds as my older heeler did will this be agood choice for me or should I wait for a younger puppy
country33 said
on 8/15/2009 The question about fleas, when i got my little girl she was infested with fleas the people didnt take care of her at all. I took her to the vet and got frontline, and so far i havent seen many fleas on her, but she still has a couple. so i would suggest using front line, or the groomer told me to use dawn dish soap. might try that too.
country33 said
on 8/15/2009 I have a 3 month old female named Koty she is by far one of the best dogs i have ever owned at 3 months she is already trying to work she has no problem getting in the middle of my cows and tryin to help me. When we are home she is very loving and playful and doesnt leave my side often. the only problem i am having is when she plays she will not stop biting, i know all puppies play bite but she hurts. any suggestions on how to get her to stop? joshuaalbright33@yahoo.com
guidolee said
on 12/22/2008 i have a 10 month old female, i treat her with the frontline fle product, but it seems like it only lasts about 20 days instead of the month they say it does, plus my sister has 2 of her own, she is a breeder, she tells me that her dog never gets fleas n she never treats them, they r running out in the yard, she said she was told that this breed cant get fleas and never will, please if u can help i'd appreciate it, my email is tlee_1965@yahoo.com
guidolee said
on 12/22/2008 is it true blue heelers cant fleas
scanada said
on 9/29/2008 We just got a blue heeler puppy. She is 3 months old and she is deaf. She seems to be pretty smart but we worry about her getting hurt because she can't hear. Any suggestions?
jen31381 said
on 3/27/2007 We got a blue heeler mix at 8 weeks and so far I can completely agree with with a lot of everyone's comments as to the training etc. My concern now is we are planning on getting a chain link fence and I'm curious if anyone thinks this dog could or would jump a 4' foot chain link fence? We ordered a 5' foot chain link fence thinking he'd jump a 4', but now I'm doubting that. So any comments would be great! jen31381@yahoo.com THANKS!
Anonymous said
on 8/9/2006 I got my Heeler when he was 8 weeks old. He learned quickly - everything from potty training to hand signals. Very obedient, I can get him to drop a steak from his mouth. He is incredibly sweet and affectionate toward me and people he knows. He is aggressive toward strangers, but only when they are at our house, it's a territorial thing. But, that is a hassle if you entertain a lot (I have to keep him in another room). When I take him for walks he is fine around other people and loves other dogs. Nipping/herding was a problem when he was younger. I usually would stop walking and tell him to sit, thus redirecting his attention. Compared to other dogs, Heelers are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They are high energy; I make sure to exercise my dog before and after work, and leave plenty of things to entertain him while I'm at work. They're social animals and love being part of the family. He's probably the most loyal and protective dog I've ever had.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 My first experience owning a Blue Heeler has, thus far, been very challenging, but extremely rewarding as well. I got "Fudgy" this past Fall when he was about 6 weeks old. From the minute I saw him, he was literally at my heels, and has been ever since. This is by far the smartest canine I have ever had-- and I have owned every breed imaginable.
He learned to sit in one minute flat when he was just 2 months old! Every trick I have taught him needs only to be demonstrated once or twice at most, and he never forgets a thing once he has learned it. In fact, the only times he botches a trick are times when my hand signals or voice commands are less than perfect. Training this particular heeler seems to demand that I am consistent, clear in my instruction and abundant in my praise of his good actions.
Heelers do nip you, and from what I understand it is tough to break them of this. The one thing that never works with Fudgy is pushing him off, swatting at him or yelling at him. This seems to cause him to bark, clap down to the ground and spring back up only to nip harder. I have since learned that heelers are sort of hard-wired to do this to get unruly animals in line. I have found that giving him a clear command such as SIT or DOWN as he is nipping or jumping will tend to re-focus him. Then I praise his good behavior, until he nips again. This requires a lot of patience and a lot of time spent training him.
Heelers like to do things, particularly things which require mental challenge. If you are expecting a calm companion to sit and watch TV with you for hours on end, do not get a heeler.
Keeping them busy: I recommend the "Talk to me Treatball" which lights up and talks and dispenses treats. Fudgy herds his treatball relentlessly and it entertains greatly. He also seems to like Kongs of all shapes and sizes with hard-to-extract treats inside. The "Holee Roller" ball and the Boomer or Jolly Ball (the larger 8 inch, 10 inch and 14 inch varieties) are also excellent. These larger indestructible balls seem to satisfy the urge to herd and chase-- for best results, I recommend taking your heeler to a large secure field and turning them loose with a "herd" of larger balls. "Doggie Day Care" is also a great way to wear your heeler out-- something which is pretty tough to accomplish. These guys are non-stop.
Since Fudgy likes to "find" things-- particularly things hidden under the ground which he excavates and brings into the house proudly-- I am training him to be a search/recovery/cadaver dog. Heelers are very driven creatures and will do nearly anything to get the result they want. If properly trained, the result they want becomes dependent upon what you ask for. Heelers are also being used to detect explosive material, narcotics, and bombs. They are excellent tracking dogs when properly trained and focused. They are tireless in their efforts.
This is an amazing breed to say the least. In the past few months, I have discovered that there is very little I cannot get my heeler to do or learn. He has more energy and intelligence than I know what to do with. If you are looking for a canine that you can work with to accomplish a goal, a heeler is a perfect selection.
I would not suggest a heeler for someone who is away from home for extended periods of time. Heelers do not like to be alone and will rearrange your entire house if neglected. They must have space, toys, attention, supervision, companionship and mental challenges daily. Once around the block on a leash after work will simply not cut it. The more you put into training and working with your heeler, the more you will get back.
Anonymous said
on 8/4/2006 I got my Heeler when she was about 4 months old. She was very shy for about 2 weeks, but finally came out of it and became playful. I have noticed that a lot of people say that their Heeler's feeling get hurt very easily and this is very true, I hate to have to correct her for her wrong doings because I feel bad. She's been a very loving companion and knows when I'm happy and when I don't feel well she will come and cuddle with me and be very gentle. She seems to be a very sociable dog, she loves my mom's dogs and my boyfriends mom's dog, and she never seems to run out of energy. We did find out that when we would leave her alone in the house she would chew on things or tear things up so we decided to try getting her a few toys, which fixed the problem real quick.
Everyone says that she's spoiled, which she is, but she's also very much loved and she loves and trusts completely. She has never had any kind of aggression problems toward people, small children included, or other animals.
I think anyone who decides to get a Heeler is making a very good choice in a pet and companion. The only bad habit she has is nipping at people's heels, but other than that she has been one of the best friends I could ever ask for.
Anonymous said
on 3/13/2006 My first experience owning a Blue Heeler has, thus far, been very challenging, but extremely rewarding as well. I got Fudgy this past Fall when he was about 6 weeks old. From the minute I saw him, he was literally at my heels, and has been ever since. This is by far the smartest canine I have ever had-- and I have owned every breed imaginable.
He learned to sit in one minute flat when he was just 2 months old! Every trick I have taught him needs only to be demonstrated once or twice at most, and he never forgets a thing once he has learned it. In fact, the only times he botches a trick are times when my hand signals or voice commands are less than perfect. Training this particular heeler seems to demand that I am consistent, clear in my instruction and abundant in my praise of his good actions.
Heelers do nip you, and from what I understand it is tough to break them of this. The one thing that never works with Fudgy is pushing him off, swatting at him or yelling at him. This seems to cause him to bark, clap down to the ground and spring back up only to nip harder. I have since learned that heelers are sort of hard-wired to do this to get unruly animals in line. I have found that giving him a clear command, such as 'sit' or 'down' as he is nipping or jumping will tend to re-focus him. Then I praise his good behavior, until he nips again. This requires a lot of patience and a lot of time spent training him.
Heelers like to do things, particularly things which require mental challenge. If you are expecting a calm companion to sit and watch TV with you for hours on end, do not get a heeler. Keeping them busy: I recommend the "Talk to me Treatball" which lights up and talks and dispenses treats. Fudgy herds his treatball relentlessly and it entertains greatly. He also seems to like Kongs of all shapes and sizes with hard-to-extract treats inside. The "Holee Roller" ball and the Boomer or Jolly Ball (the larger 8 inch, 10 inch and 14 inch varieties) are also excellent. These larger indestructible balls seem to satisfy the urge to herd and chase-- for best results, I recommend taking your heeler to a large secure field and turning them loose with a "herd" of larger balls. "Doggie Day Care" is also a great way to wear your heeler out-- something which is pretty tough to accomplish. These guys are non-stop.
Since Fudgy likes to find things-- particularly things hidden under the ground which he excavates and brings into the house proudly-- I am training him to be a search/recovery/cadaver dog. Heelers are very driven creatures and will do nearly anything to get the result they want. If properly trained, the result they want becomes dependent upon what you ask for. Heelers are also being used to detect explosive material, narcotics, and bombs. They are excellent tracking dogs when properly trained and focused. They are tireless in their efforts.
This is an amazing breed to say the least. In the past few months, I have discovered that there is very little I cannot get my heeler to do or learn. He has more energy and intelligence than I know what to do with. If you are looking for a canine that you can work with to accomplish a goal, a heeler is a perfect selection.
I would not suggest a heeler for someone who is away from home for extended periods of time. Heelers do not like to be alone and will rearrange your entire house if neglected. They must have space, toys, attention, supervision, companionship and mental challenges daily. Once around the block on a leash after work will simply not cut it. The more you put into training and working with your heeler, the more you will get back.
Anonymous said
on 1/13/2006 We got Cody at 8 weeks old, he's the smartest dog I have ever come across. I have found that this particular breed gets their feelings hurt very easily. We have found that if we need to correct the other pup (a mixed breed that was rescued) we have to send Cody to another room or outside so he doesn't feel he is the one being corrected.
I disagree with statement some have made about the Blue Heeler being a bad pet. Cody is an absolute love around the house, and whatever you do, don't mess with the baby (we have a 14 month old). Cody goes everywhere the baby does, including under his crib when he takes a nap. The only problems we have really encountered is that he does not like the 2 dogs that live next door.
Cody is bright, he does chores. It's his job to carry the trash can lids back from the end of the road. He also picks up the toys out of the yard when they are all done playing. I wouldn't trade my little buddy for anything! He's my companion, my sounding board, my crying towel, an all around lovable, beautiful dog.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 My "Red" Heeler is about 7 now, and I got him from a sweetheart truck driver who lived in Wyoming when he was 5. He was de-manned as soon as the vet said he could be. He is very friendly around people. He doesnt mind other dogs, if I am there. I discovered quickly that he does require an unusual amount of water compared to other dogs. He grew up in a semi, and seems to have lost alot of his want to fetch. On the same note if he is with other dog(s) who are fetching, he will herd them to the corners of the yard, nipping them all over their legs. He is very timid if I scold him, and seems to hold guilt unusually long for things he has done. He was feed alot of human food, and begs alot. At times he will not follow orders even if your right by his side, running for the neighbors garbage right in front of you, and cowering the whole way back. Some of my family wonders if his last owners hit him, but I have spent some time with her, and do not think she would do such a thing. He is VERY attentive to activities around the property and seems to dislike people who look like "criminals" for lack of a better word. I am not sure if it the way certain people walk or something else that I am unaware of. If my and my wife play around the house, or move to quickly twords each other, he will jump at her and nip her all over, even if I moved twords her. Like I have read here Heelers do tend to gravitate to one person, though Buddy loves everyone he meets with me there. If I had to pick the best advice I was ever given on Heelers, it would be this: "Heelers are too smart for their own good, they will learn that if you tell them to do something two or three times before you force them to do it, they will always wait untilthat second or third time to do it."
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I would actually suggest, from experience, buying from working stock, as they tend to be healthier and more intelligent. The important thing is to train them early and train them well. Do not purchase this breed if you do not intend to interact with it constantly. They will be your best friend for life, but you must be certain to assert your dominance from the beginning. You are the pack leader, and you can't let them get the better of you.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you start early and work on one new trick at a time, they learn it quickly. They are very intelligent animals and if you speak with them, as you would another person, they will understand. If they tend to chew on, or go after something you do not want them to, keep the command short. Repetition is the key. Treat them like your friend, not a dog.