Australian Cattle Dog (Blue/Red Heeler) Puppy Training Manual
From 8 Weeks
Australian Cattle Dog: channel movement-control instincts into structured herding-ball play and calm thinking.
29 chapters · English / 中文
Australian Cattle Dog: channel movement-control instincts into structured herding-ball play and calm thinking.
Breed profile
Training group
Herding and cattle dogs
Origin
The Australian Cattle Dog originated in Australia as a cattle-droving working dog; its working sequence retains a strong grip used at cattle heels.
Shoulder height
43–51 cm
Weight
15–22 kg
Coat
Short double coat
Coat care
Build calm acceptance of brushing, coat checks, airflow and dryer noise, with voluntary paw and whole-body handling.
Drive keywords
Controlling movement · Endurance · Strong family attachment and guarding tendency
Handling practice
Condition short-double-coat brushing, coat checks, airflow and dryer noise in gradual, voluntary steps. · Practise calm paw, toe-space, ear and whole-body checks so routine care does not depend on one family member restraining the dog.
General reference ranges only; individual dogs vary considerably.
05
Development has a clock
The 8–16 week window
Between eight and sixteen weeks, the puppy is learning what is safe, ordinary and worth avoiding.
You cannot pause this developmental period. The goal is not maximum exposure; it is carefully controlled experience at an intensity the puppy can process.
Development timeline
0–3 weeksNeonatal period
Basic sensory and physical development.
3–8 weeksDog-to-dog socialisation
Early dog-to-dog learning begins with littermates and stable adult dogs and continues after the puppy goes home.
8–16 weeksHuman and environmental socialisation sensitive period
Build calm, positive or neutral associations with ordinary life.
About 8–11 weeksFirst fear period
One intense fright can create a durable fear memory.
4–6 monthsTeething
Chewing needs increase as adult teeth replace puppy teeth.
6–12 monthsAdolescence
Expect a second fear period and a temporary “selective hearing” phase.
Sleep requirement
18–20 hours every day at eight weeks
Sleep loss often intensifies frantic biting, zooming and difficulty settling. Use scheduled, protected naps; see Chapters 7 and 19.
Attention span
2–3 minutes, 4–6 times a day
Several tiny successful sessions teach more than one exhausted 30-minute session.
Training with FluffyWA
Day school, board & train and private sessions are quoted after a chat, and boarding or daycare can be booked online with live prices.
