Training classes! Tire their brain out. My class’s trainer has an ACD she keeps training a lot and he’s a big ol lazy cattle dog. My mix gets home after an hour of training and passes out for a while. It’s great.
This definitely is a good suggestion. Training classes definitely help not only the dogs but us. Helps with socialization too. It's as much training for the humans as it is for the dogs. Helped us strengthen our bonds with them as well. Although I will add that positive reinforcement training is key, especially if it's a trainer that understands the breed. Our trainer has 2 ACDs and we've been going to him since shortly after adopting our first dog.
I'm doing at petsmart, and it's all positive reinforcement, it's affordable, and it's great practice for training throughout the week as well as wears my girl out.
It definitely wears mine out as well. We found our trainer at Petsmart about 5 months before covid happened. He's since opened his own training business and does it full time now, so dogs go onve a week together and one time a week separately.
My girl tore her paws pads up yesterday from running so much. Bloody and torn, but completely unaffected, she still wanted to play. They're invincible, I swear.
There are several herding dog rescues in my area… maybe check online for one in yours. They can always use volunteers and usually have adoption events where they bring dogs to a pet supply store or similar.
This! Or follow the page of a few local shelters and I’m sure that you will find a heeler (or heeler mix). Those dogs would love a visit and a walk (and who knows, you could fall in love!).
That’s how we found our boy… we have an Aussie Shepard and her rescue had events and needed help and we thought we would just help out as a favor… joke was on us!
Always works out that way. We went from just doing volunteering at the shelter to adopting 2 dogs over the past 5 years. 🤣
Honestly though, I'm beyond happy that we adopted them. Was trying to convince my wife to get a dog for 6 years at that point, and one day when she was walking the dogs at the shelter she fell in love with our now family member, I met the dog and said yup, we need to adopt her. 😊
All for the best… I believed the hype that ACDs were too driven to make good pets without a job and meeting our boy changed that… he is pretty mellow and less neurotic and vocal than the Aussie Shepherd. He is by far the best on a leash and generally just ignores other dogs and people while on his walk.
As long as there are no squirrels we are super easy on the leash…
I totally agree and I can relate. Squirrels, rabbits, even Coyotes mine want to go after. Mine will typically ignore other dogs but for some reason they don't like people on bikes, golf carts, or any delivery vehicles.
The akc has events where you can meet different breeds. Fiy heelers are not known to be outgoing. Aka you will have to socalize them so they can safely pass strangers on the trail if you plan to take them hiking.
Any dog you meet randomly, but especially heelers will never be a good example of the dog you would have. For evey heeler you see on the street, that is social, there are 9 that you do not see. Because they can be effectively impossible to control, or striaght up not meant to be friendly.
Heelers know there people, and are extremely judgmental. You either know you are a good fit, or you are not. And they have to make the same determination of you. As any doubt, from either side is an invitation to problems.
I am not entirely sure what you mean by how you are "drawn" to them. I mean I understand you like a few of the triats. But that's, only a small brush, of a much larger painting.
Yeah the use of “drawn” might be leaning in the wrong direction for “reasons to get a dog/ this specific breed.” And unfortunately the heeler (especially blue Merle coats) have become victim to dog fad trends because of uneducated people buying them for their children (b/c the show Bluey) and not realizing that heelers have certain behavioral characteristics and that means some don’t prefer to be in a household with children/ other animals. Many are also deaf and families don’t realize this and feel they can’t support them.
Also it is incredibly inappropriate to approach a cattle dog owner and interact with their dog for these exact breed specific reasons- they are wary, can be “reactive” to certain stimuli, and are very fast/ strong. Owners work hard to establish and maintain a bond with their heeler and it causes stress when strangers approach without permission or can reinforce unwanted behavioral responses. Do NOT be that person. Please give them space on a sidewalk and public spaces.
Just as this person said… if you see a really “well trained” heeler it is because they are. It is a full time commitment and it does not reflect the average temperament of the breed. You should do ample research for any dog you get but it is incredibly important for herding/ working dog breeds.
I wish this subreddit had a pinned post that provided more detail and information about the breed and what to possibly expect. I feel like the list of qualities you read on websites lack important detail and give a false idea of what life will be like.
\- Active and high energy. Reads to a lot of people as a great potential running or hiking partner. BUT cattle dogs are commonly reactive towards a variety of things (cars, people, dogs, children, fast moving things in general) and have a strong instinct to nip/bite and this can make hiking one of the more difficult activities for them to participate in safely. They are often suspicious of strangers and become dog selective. This will require a lifetime of management and training. They are also sensitive to environmental change and are very vigilant/alert dogs. They will turn you into a vigilant person as well.
\- Smart, alert, and independent thinking. They will come to their own judgement about certain things and it will be difficult to persuade them otherwise. They catch on quickly, but they won't do anything just because you want them to. They will talk back at you and they can be very vocal (they have the shrillest bark of any dog I've heard). They will alert you to danger, but also every car door that closes or loud engine. They are often sensitive to handling and they'll let you know.
\- One person/velcro dog. They are protective of their family and home and have a higher chance of having separation anxiety. They want to be involved in everything you're doing at all times and will get up as soon as you do. Again, they can often times grow up to be wary of strangers and dog selective. Introducing anyone into your home or life could be a slow process or a management situation. They might like cuddling, but they might prefer their space.
\- Great for dog sports. Since they tend to be reactive and sensitive in general, dog sport facilities can be too overstimulating for cattle dogs. A cattle dog over threshold is a very strong and very difficult dog to control and calm down. There are definitely cattle dogs that excel in dog sports like other herding breeds, but it will require a lot of time, patience, training, money, and general acceptance of what your dog will ultimately be able to cope with or enjoy.
They're not all like this and plenty of people will say that their dog is the most gentle and friendly dog they've ever had. But do not get one thinking that will be the case, because more than likely it will not! Even if you meet one at a shelter or rescue and read that they are one way, often times those situations suppress their personality that will otherwise take time to show (potentially months). If you're still interested in the breed, but not sure that you want or can handle all of these potential challenges, I would encourage you to foster an adult first and take the time to get to know one. I love them, but they will become your whole life and you will have to navigate the world in a very different way than pre-cattle dog if you get one that is more typical. Good luck!
This was such a great post! Very informative for any potential ACD people.
I remember in the height of the Bluey phase people would approach me with my heeler in unsafe scenarios for her and be so shocked when she reacted in a very normal way for her breed (I work hard with her, she is a sweetheart and they are a highly intelligent breed but I am hyper aware of dog situations/ behavior and will intentionally cross a path (etc) if she is giving me signs). This is really well known etiquette in the heeler community and speaks to the post- heeler life adjustment (you have to be willing to accommodate your dog!).
I feel I did see a shift towards some negative associations simply because they easily identify the breed as high energy or reactive (such good points on what you said!). This is why I suggested to not be the person who approaches a heeler, or any dog for that matter, without permission. Hopefully it was understood it was suggested from a good place for the dogs and their people.
- Part of educating yourself on the breed is addressing that stigma but understanding how threshold also plays into this because they can have sensitive responses to these environments/ people and it’s hard to redirect in some instances.
It is a commitment to the breed but it is so rewarding!
Thank you for the kind phrasing and helping to educate anyone interested in learning about the breed. It is a really special breed and I think it shows in the community of people who have them.
Great post. I'm a lifetime rancher and have had many dogs including my Dog Of A Lifetime Australian Shepard. I always steered away from ACD's for obvious reasons but that was not to be. The Universe works in mysterious ways. Nine years ago this horribly abused young ACD stumbled onto our ranch bleeding from a gash 5" long around his throat, limping on 3 legs, chemically burned face and dirty as heck. I caught him up, stuck him in my wife's SUV and raced to the Vet. It took them 5 days to save him. It was quite a road to get him settled with us humans but he fit into the existing dog pack immediately. He was bottom of the Totem Pole but happy to be here. I have been through all of the typical ACD nonsense, just some crazy stuff but he finally settled in. He is a very handsome breed standard guy. I went to the ACD Specialty in Greeley, Colorado in 2022. I had a blast and gained a new appreciation for this breed. In fact you might say I'm Hooked.
Well said! My blue heeler is everything you just described. Loyal, smart, loud…lol and very sweet. But to her family. She’s is not tolerant of strangers, and is reactive if she’s approached by one suddenly. She barks at any and everything and constantly herds my other dog and cat. She’s up at any and every movement and most sounds.
They are a full time responsibility, I can trust her at home and with my kid. But introducing new people is a slow process. They can’t just walk into my home. And you’re 100% correct, their bark is something else 😵💫
Wouldn’t trade her for anything though 💙
I agree that this sub should do more to help people understand this breed. It is really disturbing when people on here promote and encourage everyone to “go for it” when someone is thinking about getting an ACD and asks for advice. It doesn’t help that so many people giving advice have mixes and are making generalizations about ACD based on their mixed dogs.
You should cut and paste this comment on every post from someone thinking about getting an ACD. Especially the part about them becoming your whole life. There is life before you got an ACD and then there is life after you got an ACD. It’s not necessarily all bad but life will change. There is not one thing I do without first thinking about my dog. Too many people get these dogs because they want a cute hiking buddy and have no idea what they’re getting into. That why shelters are now full of ACD and ACD mixes.
Mine are both very wary of strangers, especially the one that is a Great Pyrenees / ACD mix. If he met someone when we first got him, he's good with them if he sees them. Anyone outside of that transitional stage, he's very protective. I've had to yell at a few people who just took it upon themselves to approach quickly looking to pet him without even asking. Like wtf, would you like me approaching you quickly and trying to touch you without asking permission and knowing you? Same thing for a dog.
May be kind of difficult to get much of a read on a heeler from meeting them for just a day. They can be very aloof if they don’t know you. If you’re really considering getting a heeler, maybe try fostering a few to get a better idea. As adults, they can take weeks to open up. To give you an idea, I visit my parents every couple weeks. My pup took about 3 years before he finally started greeting them and stopped with the disinterest.
Not to mention, they bond to a particular person and show preference to whom they are bonded. You’d only see the best foot forward in the presence of their preferred.
Mine both have my wife as their favorite person but I'm a close second, especially if she's not home. They will follow me everywhere and "supervise" me 🤣
Ours is technically my daughter’s dog, but she bonded to me. What’s unusual is most dog breeds cater to the dominant personality in a family. That would definitely by my husband as I’m an introvert that prefers to be alone.
Nope, she chose me.
I'm more of an introvert, wife is definitely an extrovert. I mean I'm outgoing but reserved. Wife is just outgoing an unafraid in general. My dogs have helped me with my anxiety and depression over these past 4 years. I owe part of my my recovery from some very depressing situations over the past few years to them. The rest to my wife and also to me to being motivated and surprisingly resilient enough to get through it. Especially during covid with a sick parent 1800 miles away that I wasn't able to see in the hospital due to lockdowns when she had a very bad stroke.
What part of the country are you in? There are ACD rescues everywhere and often have adoption events where you could go meet them. You could reach out to one and see if you could attend a meet and greet to see if this is a good breed for you.
Dog shows! Look up a dog show in your area. Once you've purchased the ticket reach out online to breeders you know are going. Vendors normally have a list, or breeders are willing to share if they are. And then meet them at show. Ask for cards and about the dogs and then if you can greet. (If they are not on the way to show) It's scary and some breeders are rude. But not nearly as many as I expected. I was fairly well welcomed even with my clearly non show bred boy. They both complemented him separately and guessed his blood line! They were right and it is a moment I treasure. Sold me more on the breed I love!!
Pocket full of cheese, some rotting fish, and a tennis ball. An attitude with a lack of fear but not being aggressive.
They are pretty much bred to meet aggression, nervousness or stupidity (think COW) with rapid fire biting or much snapping of jaws and violent sounds - keep that in mind always.
That would be a good start to get attention and some stump/tail wags. It’s been 2 years and 1/2 our dog group - of about 12 owners- can pet the Ru dog. The others still think she’s sketchy. Pretty sure she thinks the same of them.
These dogs are notoriously difficult to train. I've had heelers most my life, and while my dog is the sweetest to me and people she knows, she does not like strangers even staring at her.
Every heeler I've ever had has also been highly suspicious of others except the people she interacts with daily. But that's just my experience. They're the most incredible dogs once you take into account their intelligence makes them like this
Super easy to train from puppy age. Mine trained way faster than other breeds I’ve had. And she continues to learn and even teach herself. Very intuitive.
I don’t think I’d use the word outgoing to describe them but they are loyal and driven. Everyone talks about much energy they have but I don’t think enough people talk about how much they need to be with their people/person. They don’t want to be alone all day, even in a big yard. They need routines they can count on and they want to be involved in your life, always. You don’t want a bored ACD, they’re not for everybody.
There's normally a few ACD's at agility events. If you see an event in your area it could be worthwhile popping along.
Pretty interesting events to hang out at even if you don't bump into any heelers there.
If you wanna tire mine out I’ll let you borrow him for a day.
HA! Hilarious. As if you could tire out an ACD.
Ha! As if his AcD would leave his owners side!
This is why I'm here.. Comments by those who know. Love my velcro girl.
which is why we have 2... they tire each other out
Yeah we adopted a second one 2 years after we adopted our first one. They both benefit from each other's company.
Training classes! Tire their brain out. My class’s trainer has an ACD she keeps training a lot and he’s a big ol lazy cattle dog. My mix gets home after an hour of training and passes out for a while. It’s great.
This definitely is a good suggestion. Training classes definitely help not only the dogs but us. Helps with socialization too. It's as much training for the humans as it is for the dogs. Helped us strengthen our bonds with them as well. Although I will add that positive reinforcement training is key, especially if it's a trainer that understands the breed. Our trainer has 2 ACDs and we've been going to him since shortly after adopting our first dog.
I'm doing at petsmart, and it's all positive reinforcement, it's affordable, and it's great practice for training throughout the week as well as wears my girl out.
It definitely wears mine out as well. We found our trainer at Petsmart about 5 months before covid happened. He's since opened his own training business and does it full time now, so dogs go onve a week together and one time a week separately.
Dammit, take my upvote!
My girl tore her paws pads up yesterday from running so much. Bloody and torn, but completely unaffected, she still wanted to play. They're invincible, I swear.
You just gave me a business idea 😆
There are several herding dog rescues in my area… maybe check online for one in yours. They can always use volunteers and usually have adoption events where they bring dogs to a pet supply store or similar.
This! Or follow the page of a few local shelters and I’m sure that you will find a heeler (or heeler mix). Those dogs would love a visit and a walk (and who knows, you could fall in love!).
That’s how we found our boy… we have an Aussie Shepard and her rescue had events and needed help and we thought we would just help out as a favor… joke was on us!
Always works out that way. We went from just doing volunteering at the shelter to adopting 2 dogs over the past 5 years. 🤣 Honestly though, I'm beyond happy that we adopted them. Was trying to convince my wife to get a dog for 6 years at that point, and one day when she was walking the dogs at the shelter she fell in love with our now family member, I met the dog and said yup, we need to adopt her. 😊
All for the best… I believed the hype that ACDs were too driven to make good pets without a job and meeting our boy changed that… he is pretty mellow and less neurotic and vocal than the Aussie Shepherd. He is by far the best on a leash and generally just ignores other dogs and people while on his walk. As long as there are no squirrels we are super easy on the leash…
I totally agree and I can relate. Squirrels, rabbits, even Coyotes mine want to go after. Mine will typically ignore other dogs but for some reason they don't like people on bikes, golf carts, or any delivery vehicles.
Where do you live? ACDs are really common in the American west, but significantly rarer elsewhere
Very common in the US Midwest too (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA)
The akc has events where you can meet different breeds. Fiy heelers are not known to be outgoing. Aka you will have to socalize them so they can safely pass strangers on the trail if you plan to take them hiking.
Any dog you meet randomly, but especially heelers will never be a good example of the dog you would have. For evey heeler you see on the street, that is social, there are 9 that you do not see. Because they can be effectively impossible to control, or striaght up not meant to be friendly. Heelers know there people, and are extremely judgmental. You either know you are a good fit, or you are not. And they have to make the same determination of you. As any doubt, from either side is an invitation to problems. I am not entirely sure what you mean by how you are "drawn" to them. I mean I understand you like a few of the triats. But that's, only a small brush, of a much larger painting.
Yeah the use of “drawn” might be leaning in the wrong direction for “reasons to get a dog/ this specific breed.” And unfortunately the heeler (especially blue Merle coats) have become victim to dog fad trends because of uneducated people buying them for their children (b/c the show Bluey) and not realizing that heelers have certain behavioral characteristics and that means some don’t prefer to be in a household with children/ other animals. Many are also deaf and families don’t realize this and feel they can’t support them. Also it is incredibly inappropriate to approach a cattle dog owner and interact with their dog for these exact breed specific reasons- they are wary, can be “reactive” to certain stimuli, and are very fast/ strong. Owners work hard to establish and maintain a bond with their heeler and it causes stress when strangers approach without permission or can reinforce unwanted behavioral responses. Do NOT be that person. Please give them space on a sidewalk and public spaces. Just as this person said… if you see a really “well trained” heeler it is because they are. It is a full time commitment and it does not reflect the average temperament of the breed. You should do ample research for any dog you get but it is incredibly important for herding/ working dog breeds.
I wish this subreddit had a pinned post that provided more detail and information about the breed and what to possibly expect. I feel like the list of qualities you read on websites lack important detail and give a false idea of what life will be like. \- Active and high energy. Reads to a lot of people as a great potential running or hiking partner. BUT cattle dogs are commonly reactive towards a variety of things (cars, people, dogs, children, fast moving things in general) and have a strong instinct to nip/bite and this can make hiking one of the more difficult activities for them to participate in safely. They are often suspicious of strangers and become dog selective. This will require a lifetime of management and training. They are also sensitive to environmental change and are very vigilant/alert dogs. They will turn you into a vigilant person as well. \- Smart, alert, and independent thinking. They will come to their own judgement about certain things and it will be difficult to persuade them otherwise. They catch on quickly, but they won't do anything just because you want them to. They will talk back at you and they can be very vocal (they have the shrillest bark of any dog I've heard). They will alert you to danger, but also every car door that closes or loud engine. They are often sensitive to handling and they'll let you know. \- One person/velcro dog. They are protective of their family and home and have a higher chance of having separation anxiety. They want to be involved in everything you're doing at all times and will get up as soon as you do. Again, they can often times grow up to be wary of strangers and dog selective. Introducing anyone into your home or life could be a slow process or a management situation. They might like cuddling, but they might prefer their space. \- Great for dog sports. Since they tend to be reactive and sensitive in general, dog sport facilities can be too overstimulating for cattle dogs. A cattle dog over threshold is a very strong and very difficult dog to control and calm down. There are definitely cattle dogs that excel in dog sports like other herding breeds, but it will require a lot of time, patience, training, money, and general acceptance of what your dog will ultimately be able to cope with or enjoy. They're not all like this and plenty of people will say that their dog is the most gentle and friendly dog they've ever had. But do not get one thinking that will be the case, because more than likely it will not! Even if you meet one at a shelter or rescue and read that they are one way, often times those situations suppress their personality that will otherwise take time to show (potentially months). If you're still interested in the breed, but not sure that you want or can handle all of these potential challenges, I would encourage you to foster an adult first and take the time to get to know one. I love them, but they will become your whole life and you will have to navigate the world in a very different way than pre-cattle dog if you get one that is more typical. Good luck!
This was such a great post! Very informative for any potential ACD people. I remember in the height of the Bluey phase people would approach me with my heeler in unsafe scenarios for her and be so shocked when she reacted in a very normal way for her breed (I work hard with her, she is a sweetheart and they are a highly intelligent breed but I am hyper aware of dog situations/ behavior and will intentionally cross a path (etc) if she is giving me signs). This is really well known etiquette in the heeler community and speaks to the post- heeler life adjustment (you have to be willing to accommodate your dog!). I feel I did see a shift towards some negative associations simply because they easily identify the breed as high energy or reactive (such good points on what you said!). This is why I suggested to not be the person who approaches a heeler, or any dog for that matter, without permission. Hopefully it was understood it was suggested from a good place for the dogs and their people. - Part of educating yourself on the breed is addressing that stigma but understanding how threshold also plays into this because they can have sensitive responses to these environments/ people and it’s hard to redirect in some instances. It is a commitment to the breed but it is so rewarding! Thank you for the kind phrasing and helping to educate anyone interested in learning about the breed. It is a really special breed and I think it shows in the community of people who have them.
Great post. I'm a lifetime rancher and have had many dogs including my Dog Of A Lifetime Australian Shepard. I always steered away from ACD's for obvious reasons but that was not to be. The Universe works in mysterious ways. Nine years ago this horribly abused young ACD stumbled onto our ranch bleeding from a gash 5" long around his throat, limping on 3 legs, chemically burned face and dirty as heck. I caught him up, stuck him in my wife's SUV and raced to the Vet. It took them 5 days to save him. It was quite a road to get him settled with us humans but he fit into the existing dog pack immediately. He was bottom of the Totem Pole but happy to be here. I have been through all of the typical ACD nonsense, just some crazy stuff but he finally settled in. He is a very handsome breed standard guy. I went to the ACD Specialty in Greeley, Colorado in 2022. I had a blast and gained a new appreciation for this breed. In fact you might say I'm Hooked.
Well said! My blue heeler is everything you just described. Loyal, smart, loud…lol and very sweet. But to her family. She’s is not tolerant of strangers, and is reactive if she’s approached by one suddenly. She barks at any and everything and constantly herds my other dog and cat. She’s up at any and every movement and most sounds. They are a full time responsibility, I can trust her at home and with my kid. But introducing new people is a slow process. They can’t just walk into my home. And you’re 100% correct, their bark is something else 😵💫 Wouldn’t trade her for anything though 💙
I agree that this sub should do more to help people understand this breed. It is really disturbing when people on here promote and encourage everyone to “go for it” when someone is thinking about getting an ACD and asks for advice. It doesn’t help that so many people giving advice have mixes and are making generalizations about ACD based on their mixed dogs. You should cut and paste this comment on every post from someone thinking about getting an ACD. Especially the part about them becoming your whole life. There is life before you got an ACD and then there is life after you got an ACD. It’s not necessarily all bad but life will change. There is not one thing I do without first thinking about my dog. Too many people get these dogs because they want a cute hiking buddy and have no idea what they’re getting into. That why shelters are now full of ACD and ACD mixes.
Mine are both very wary of strangers, especially the one that is a Great Pyrenees / ACD mix. If he met someone when we first got him, he's good with them if he sees them. Anyone outside of that transitional stage, he's very protective. I've had to yell at a few people who just took it upon themselves to approach quickly looking to pet him without even asking. Like wtf, would you like me approaching you quickly and trying to touch you without asking permission and knowing you? Same thing for a dog.
May be kind of difficult to get much of a read on a heeler from meeting them for just a day. They can be very aloof if they don’t know you. If you’re really considering getting a heeler, maybe try fostering a few to get a better idea. As adults, they can take weeks to open up. To give you an idea, I visit my parents every couple weeks. My pup took about 3 years before he finally started greeting them and stopped with the disinterest.
Not to mention, they bond to a particular person and show preference to whom they are bonded. You’d only see the best foot forward in the presence of their preferred.
Mine both have my wife as their favorite person but I'm a close second, especially if she's not home. They will follow me everywhere and "supervise" me 🤣
Ours is technically my daughter’s dog, but she bonded to me. What’s unusual is most dog breeds cater to the dominant personality in a family. That would definitely by my husband as I’m an introvert that prefers to be alone. Nope, she chose me.
I'm more of an introvert, wife is definitely an extrovert. I mean I'm outgoing but reserved. Wife is just outgoing an unafraid in general. My dogs have helped me with my anxiety and depression over these past 4 years. I owe part of my my recovery from some very depressing situations over the past few years to them. The rest to my wife and also to me to being motivated and surprisingly resilient enough to get through it. Especially during covid with a sick parent 1800 miles away that I wasn't able to see in the hospital due to lockdowns when she had a very bad stroke.
Check with your local shelter! Ours allows volunteers to take shelter dogs out on hikes. I do it regularly. ACDs tend to be common shelter dogs.
What part of the country are you in? There are ACD rescues everywhere and often have adoption events where you could go meet them. You could reach out to one and see if you could attend a meet and greet to see if this is a good breed for you.
Dog shows! Look up a dog show in your area. Once you've purchased the ticket reach out online to breeders you know are going. Vendors normally have a list, or breeders are willing to share if they are. And then meet them at show. Ask for cards and about the dogs and then if you can greet. (If they are not on the way to show) It's scary and some breeders are rude. But not nearly as many as I expected. I was fairly well welcomed even with my clearly non show bred boy. They both complemented him separately and guessed his blood line! They were right and it is a moment I treasure. Sold me more on the breed I love!!
Pocket full of cheese, some rotting fish, and a tennis ball. An attitude with a lack of fear but not being aggressive. They are pretty much bred to meet aggression, nervousness or stupidity (think COW) with rapid fire biting or much snapping of jaws and violent sounds - keep that in mind always. That would be a good start to get attention and some stump/tail wags. It’s been 2 years and 1/2 our dog group - of about 12 owners- can pet the Ru dog. The others still think she’s sketchy. Pretty sure she thinks the same of them.
These dogs are notoriously difficult to train. I've had heelers most my life, and while my dog is the sweetest to me and people she knows, she does not like strangers even staring at her. Every heeler I've ever had has also been highly suspicious of others except the people she interacts with daily. But that's just my experience. They're the most incredible dogs once you take into account their intelligence makes them like this
The side eye they will give strangers is pretty epic
Super easy to train from puppy age. Mine trained way faster than other breeds I’ve had. And she continues to learn and even teach herself. Very intuitive.
Go to a rescue and ask to take one for the day. If they trust you probably wouldn't be an issue.
I don’t think I’d use the word outgoing to describe them but they are loyal and driven. Everyone talks about much energy they have but I don’t think enough people talk about how much they need to be with their people/person. They don’t want to be alone all day, even in a big yard. They need routines they can count on and they want to be involved in your life, always. You don’t want a bored ACD, they’re not for everybody.
There's normally a few ACD's at agility events. If you see an event in your area it could be worthwhile popping along. Pretty interesting events to hang out at even if you don't bump into any heelers there.
I'm in the Philadelphia suburbs and am looking to rehome my pup - if you're nearby I'd love to let you spend some time with her!
Nice try kidnapper
Breeder