Problem(s) With Blue Heeler

[Diji]

I have a lovely 11 month old blue heeler boy, who is not my first heeler but is proving the most troublesome.

My problem with this boy is, I have absolutely no control over him. He has been trained and does the usual sit, drop, stay, come, heel etc perfectly....until he doesn't want to. He is an inside dog who behaves most of the time. He will be behaving perfectly, then just seems to lose the plot. If I tell him to do something he will start yapping continuously and will even nip (I'm hesitant to say bite, but it's getting there) and will also jump at me, which he has been taught not to do. He is also good at using his front paws as hands. He will chew his lead when in this state. When he is in this state, I have no control over him at all and I have no idea what to do with him. Nothing I have tried has worked, ignoring him, distracting him. I have taken to putting a halti on him at this time, as it is the only way I can do anything with him.

He started his yapping and silly stuff tonight and I didn't have the halti close by....he was on the lead with a correction chain and I corrected him to get his attention and he growled at me and slightly curled his lips. This is the first time he has done that and it worries me greatly. So with all my efforts, he is getting worse.

He gets plenty of exercise, hours each day of free running plus play time and training. He is very attached to me, he follows me everywhere (I am home all day). I can happily leave him home, but if we are out, I can't go out of his sight or he goes nuts. He is neutered. When we are inside, he will often just lay on the floor and stare at me.

If you have any suggestions, I would be extremely grateful. I love this dog to pieces but I am at a loss with him.

[persephone]

Welcome.

I am glad you posted :)

if you are around melb - you are fortunate in that there are some DOL members who are professional/experienced/ caring - and who can help you understand and manage this dog.

ERNY

COSMO

NEKHBET

..and I know there are more ...

please seek some personal professional help ..... and keep us posted .

[Dogsfevr]

Was the litter tested for hearing ??

[Cosmolo]

A dog will escalate when you violate their expectations. So when you corrected him instead of putting his halti on in that situation he upped the anti a little- you need to be especially careful about this as if you enter into confrontations that you do not 'win' you can make things much worse very quickly.

You need professional help from someone who knows what they're doing in these situations and with ACD's- they do not suffer fools and a failed training attempt will also escalate the problem. Feel free to contact us via our website www.underdogtraining.com.au

[Diji]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, the litter was tested for hearing and my boy has a clean bill of health.

Though since it looks like I will have to go with a professional trainer, I will try to find someone local. Melb is just too far in this weather for him.

Thanks again.

[persephone]

Whereabouts are you ? We may be able to suggest someone closer ...

the weather now is cooling down ... he is young and healthy ....

[Salukifan]

A dog will escalate when you violate their expectations. So when you corrected him instead of putting his halti on in that situation he upped the anti a little- you need to be especially careful about this as if you enter into confrontations that you do not 'win' you can make things much worse very quickly.

You need professional help from someone who knows what they're doing in these situations and with ACD's- they do not suffer fools and a failed training attempt will also escalate the problem. Feel free to contact us via our website www.underdogtraining.com.au

Completely agree. This dog does sound like a bite risk if not handled carefully.

I'd be starting NILIF immediately and finding a good trainer ASAP.

[Diji]

I live in Gippsland.