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Positive training · From eight weeks

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

Watercolour illustration of an Australian Cattle Dog standing alert beside a herding ball in a dusty farm paddock with a fence, water tank and windmill
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.

Precision before vocabulary

Marker training foundations

A marker is one short, consistent sound—a clicker click or a spoken “Yes!”—that means: “That exact behaviour; your reward is coming.”

Charge the marker in three steps

  1. Choose a quiet environment Remove toys, people and movement so the sound is the only new information.
  2. Marker, then food within one second ×15 Make the sound once, then deliver one piece of food within one second. The puppy does not need to perform a cue.
  3. Test the association Make the marker sound while the puppy is not already watching you. An immediate turn towards you means charging is complete.
Watercolour diagram showing the timing of a marker word and food reward
YES = marker word; TREAT WITHIN 2 SECONDS = reward promptly. This manual uses a stricter one-second training target.

Reward placement sets up the next action

Keep the position

Feed at the puppy’s mouth

To maintain a sit, bring the food directly to the mouth so the puppy does not need to stand or step forward.

Reset for another repetition

Toss the food away

To have the puppy get up and repeat, toss the food away, let the puppy collect it, then set up the behaviour again.

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