Comments on: How to Select a Blue Heeler

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.

on 11/22/2005 I have a two year old Blue heeler, she is my life. I love taking time out of the day to walk, train, or socialize with her. But walks aren't always fun. You need to get your dog used to other things. It's not just their world, as they think it might be. My dog hates other dogs. I'm not sure what it is about them, because she likes cats and squirrels. Walks are hell if you don't socialize your dog. I am upset that she won't socialize with other dogs. Everything else with her is perfect. Blue heelers are very trainable. You have to use a more positive image when training. I've found that if I don't say, "No" (while training) my dog will listen better. In total, she knows 18 tricks. Good luck with your dog.

on 11/22/2005 I have several Blue Heelers. I have found that I need several buckets of food around, since they do territorialize things. I have the leader of the pack. He carries his food and sits on the couch and snacks while watching TV. He also guards the other dishes. I find that he does this when he knows that I will be gone for a time. He then limits the other dogs' food intake until I come home. Then, they all eat their meals like nothing happened. I always have several gallons of water within reach at all times. I leave them several toys and bones as well. They show some jealousy about their bones, and they often swap with another dog after a short time to chew on the "better" bone. I always have about five bones per dog, since one or two always hide them.

on 11/22/2005 Socialize, socialize, socialize. I can not stress this point enough. As soon as your puppy has all of its shots and it is safe to do so, take it with you everywhere. Playgrounds are great (with the proper supervision). Teach your Blue Heeler to be tolerant of others. They are an extremely intelligent breed and they easily adapt and assess the situation. Start obedience training young and play lots of games. It has been my experience with this breed that 7 minute sessions of training throughout the day work very well. After that amount of time, their attention starts to wander. Always end a training session on a positive note. Next to training, play is one of the most important things you can do with your Blue Heeler. These dogs are great if you have an active lifestyle and you are willing to share it with them.

Here is my experience with Blue Heelers in a nutshell:

1. Research this breed. The people who know and love Blue Heelers are not making up the amount of trouble they can get into if you are not willing to spend lots of time molding their development (yet respecting their uniqueness).

2. Just because you chose the Blue Heeler, it does not mean that you are the family member it will choose to listen to or spend its time with.

3. They need a job. If you do not give them tasks, they will find their own. Oftentimes, it will not be anything you want them doing.

3. Heelers are the worst pet on the face of the earth, but they are the best partner you could ever ask for.

on 11/22/2005 I would say the first week is CRITICAL in your relationship with a heeler. I recommend taking a vacation when you're thinking of getting a heeler. She does need a lot of attention, constant reassuring and appreciation. She would get very lonely and scared in the first month. I could tell she'd felt abandoned when we came home or if she woke up lonely in another room. If she has learned she can trust you to always love her, after this first month, you will get her to do almost anything.

My key tip: Because she IS wired as a working dog, she perceives everything as tasks and takes everything seriously. She will love being loved but will not indulge in prolonged sessions of hugging and patting. She seems to be saying "C'mon, pat me less and give me something to do!" If you bear these things in mind and exploit them, she will be easy and pleasing to train! The beginning is harder, indeed, but once she gets used to you teaching her, she will learn new things faster.

She has learned everything I have taught her so far (sit, shake, down). "Come" only works in a low distraction environment. She is 2 months old. "No" works very well whether I want to stop her from doing something or for establishing territory limits. She keeps a good memory of what she has been "no"-ed against! The only thing that seems harder is to teach her to "stay," but I reckon that is probably because she is wired to "heel" :) She follows you everywhere. You'll step on her if you're not careful. I'm still working on that. She accepted the collar right away, and she has no problem with the leash, either.

She is very jealous of our attention to other animals. She IS possessive, but surprisingly, only of us and our things and less often about hers: she will share her toys, most of the time, with other dogs, but fiercely guard our things against them.

She strikes me as an energy-saving dog, however. She breaks for water more frequently than other dogs she is playing with. And she seems to prefer "calculating" the prey's trajectory, following it from some distance and cornering it before "charging," rather than running after it in a frenzy-like manner.

She doesn't' like direct sunlight. She always seeks the shadow - preferably yours :)

All in all, this is a very smart and trainable dog. But if you're not willing to spend time continually training it new things, don't choose this breed. You will misuse and ultimately hurt them.

on 11/22/2005 It was suggested to me to lay my T-shirt down at night for the puppy to sleep on. Use one that you have been wearing all day. They pick up that scent and are yours forever.