With the interest in Australian Cattle Dogs on the rise, many Cattle Dog breeders find themselves seeing and hearing only the most basic of information on their favorite breed. Just about everyone knows that the Australian Cattle Dog is a uniquely bred canine, fiercely loyal and brave. In general, they need lots of room, plenty of attention and lots of exercise. This is all good information to know but it is also information that can be true for a lot of other dog breeds as well. When breeders ask potential buyers what they actually know about the Australian Cattle Dog, sadly there is not much more than this basic information. Being fully informed is of the utmost importance in choosing the right breed; not only for the owner but the dog as well.
The most notable aspect that breeders point out to potential buyers is that the Australian Cattle Dog is first and foremost a working dog. Specific tendencies were bred into the breed to benefit ranchers with large herds of cattle. These tendencies range from harsh herding tactics such as nipping and growling to trying to run the house when they feel no other managerial being is present. They are of a dominant personality and need consistent household rules set forth from the beginning. Owners that do not have a habit of staying consistent or are not interested in investing a good amount of time in obedience training should opt for another breed.
Breeders know all dogs are different and that while one Cattle Dog is submissive, others are outgoing and friendly. However, most Cattle Dogs attach themselves to one principal owner in the family and will only listen to that person. While they can be wholly obedient animals, they will often turn a deaf ear with those they do not consider their principal attachment. In these cases, it is important to be firm regardless of how difficult it can be. One should never resort to heavy handed tactics with the Australian Cattle Dog. It will not only create a psychological distance between the owner and the dog, the dog may respond in like as they do not respond well to cruel treatment.
If an individual is not prepared to have a dog with a lifelong tendency to chew, they may want to consider a different breed. An Australian Cattle Dog has jaws that make short work of even the toughest toys, especially when there is a high amount of nervous energy to get rid of. The Cattle Dog is not a breed that chews strictly with a goal of being destructive. It is one of the many ways, besides exercise, the breed copes with its abundant store of energy. While the breed never stops chewing, keeping it to a minimum means making sure the Cattle Dog gets all the exercise it needs on a very consistent basis.
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