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Important: When you take the leash off,
remember the following:
Your Australian Cattle Dog should not run off, with you chasing vainly
behind, yelling for your Australian Cattle Dog to come back. Yes, if you
want Fido to free heel, you must have your Australian Cattle Dog trained
to heel on the leash first.
This is how you need to start:
- Take your Australian Cattle Dog off its leash.
- Walk in a straight line. Angling into your Australian Cattle Dog will
cause her to heel wide.
- Walk briskly! Don't walk at the pace of your Australian Cattle Dog.
Don't wave your hands about - hold your left hand close to
your body!
Make sure you always give the first command in a happy tone
of voice. Your Australian Cattle Dog needs to know that you are happy.
Don't try to teach your Australian Cattle Dog anything if you are in a
bad mood.
Change your voice to a commanding tone or call the name of
your Australian Cattle Dog sharply if they don't keep up to your walking
pace or if they amble away.
After the second command, gently pat your side and give praise
(give praise at every opportunity).
If forging (your Australian Cattle Dog tries to get ahead of you) is
your problem, or if your Australian Cattle Dog attempts to dart off, you
must stand still! Signal back with your left hand and repeat
the heel command forcefully and then pat your side coaxingly.
Remember, training your Australian Cattle Dog is not unlike training
your child to behave in a way society expects. Give those rules
and boundaries. Be firm about what is right and what is not.
Praise whenever you have an opportunity. That is, whenever your
Australian Cattle Dog performs as asked.
When your Australian Cattle Dog is doing a good job of learning, give
it a commendation it deserves! Praise them when they are learning
and performing well.
If the Australian Cattle Dog you are training is large, make sure you
carry the leash folded twice, with the snap end in your right
hand. If the Australian Cattle Dog fails to pay attention, call her name
loudly or reach out and "spank" her playfully on the
hindquarters with the end of the leash. You should then coax
your Australian Cattle Dog close by patting your side. Never hit hard or
in such a way that you cause pain. Just the light spank is all
that's needed.
If all attempts to keep your Australian Cattle Dog at heel position
fail, it's time to put the leash back on, give it one good jerk
to bring the Australian Cattle Dog in close, and try again. The change
in voice, followed by flattery with the occasional use of the
leash, should eventually teach your Australian Cattle Dog to stay at your
side at all times. Especially if you make the heeling fun! |