[simpleaffiliate source="chitika" results="0"][/simpleaffiliate] How can I get my newly adopted, 1-yr old Cattle Dog to eat consistently?
Logic says that "they'll eat when they're hungry," but our new dog only eats once every couple of days. We put food out twice a day for about 30 min. It's the same food she ate at the shelter. When she does decide to eat, she won't eat out of her bowl (stainless steel, same as water dish, and there are no problems w/drinking water), but will eat when a small handful is placed on the floor. It's so inconsistent, and makes potty-training her very difficult. She'll take treats readily (only given for good behavior & following commands). Any ideas?
If she is the only dog and you are feeding dry dog food. Fill the bowl and leave it down all the time. She will eat when she is hungry and will self regulate her diet. If you have a picky eater this works well. I free feed all of my dogs and they all maintain a nice weight.
Winter Disc Dog Training, Cattle Dog Style!
[simpleaffiliate source="amazon" results="10"]cattle dog training[/simpleaffiliate] [simpleaffiliate source="clickbank" results="5"]cattle dog training[/simpleaffiliate]
[simpleaffiliate source="chitika" results="0"][/simpleaffiliate] Help on how to train an Australian Cattle Dog?
We just brought home an 8 week old Blue Heeler! It's very cute and playful... for now. I've researched a lot about Cattle Dogs and it is often in their temperament to be very protective of their family. This doesn't really pose a problem for my family, but it does for any visitors. At the moment, the puppy seems to be happy with all the attention, but what about when it grows up? How can the puppy be raised to be friendly to everyone (including other dogs)? Anything we can do in particular as part of the puppy's training to make her as friendly as possible?
Well, the reality is your pup may never be a social butterfly. It is not in the nature of the breed to be so. This dog is bred to herd cattle and protect the herd and the family. Not a dog someone should choose without a specific job in mind.
Most ACDs have no use for other dogs, and may just ignore them, or be very dog aggressive when they encounter another dog. As far as strangers in your home, your dog could accept them, or could rush them from behind and bite them in the backs of the legs.
What plans do you have to keep this dog occupied? What job is lined up for this dog to do every day once it is trained? What type of obedience classes are you signing up for to make sure your dog accepts your authority and responds to your commands? (Just in case it does chase some kids down the street).
And we haven't even gotten to children yet. Heaven forbid if the kids start to run away from the dog. Not only will they be herded, they will be bitten and possibly tackled with full teeth, like a steer.
My advice varies with your answers. If you have something great for this dog to do, I suggest starting a basic obedience class immediately, and take the training through to advanced. Introduce the dog to all your neighbors and the neighbors kids, and make plans for the dog to be restricted from chasing anyone.
If you don't have some clear plans for this dog, take it back where you got it from and pick a different breed.
You have chosen the most true "working" breed there is. The well bred ACD lives only for the job, and is not going to be happy with anything less. And an unhappy ACD is dangerous.
This is one of the most euthanized dogs in the US because they seldom pass the temperament test once they hit the shelters. Keep this in mind.....
Monster, an Australian Cattle Dog, Demonstrates Basic Obedience after Completing Training
[simpleaffiliate source="amazon" results="10"]australian cattle dog training[/simpleaffiliate] [simpleaffiliate source="clickbank" results="5"]australian cattle dog training[/simpleaffiliate]
