QUESTION: My son's family, complete with a 1yr. old Queensland Heeler, just moved in due to job loss. I have a 13yr. old Sharpie-Spitz in declining years as well as a 9yr. old Pit-Rott. I feared the Pitt having issues with the new pup (and he does), but I didn't expect the old girl too. She does now because the Heeler attacked her and she couldn't get her feet under her to posture. The old girl has always been the dominate dog. We have a good sized yard for the city, but the Heeler was raised in the desert. Everything I'm reading suggests she needs more space. Is there any hope for the dog around the older ones, or am I going to have to live with continually keeping them separate?
Anonymous - 1/24/2012 3:31:37 PM
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QUESTION: I have a 12 year old male blue heeler and he seems to be getting fatter and fatter. He weighs approx 40 lbs now maybe more. What is the amount of food he should be getting daily?
Anonymous - 1/8/2012 10:15:13 PM
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QUESTION: why is my healer following my 4 year old son all over the house? she follows him and her tail curls to the side as she does. what does this mean? is she just really protective of my son ?
Anonymous - 1/4/2012 3:33:45 PM
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I have a heeler who is 4 yrs since he was 8 wks and he does the same thing with me and my cat(6yrs) they are not just herders their #1 priority is making sure that the ones they love are safe. because theyre smart you can break this by consistently calling her to you every time. start rewarding with a treat when she comes to you, and slowly wean off treats. coming will be her new task, and also this is a new "trick" to mentally stimulate. her protective instinct might becoming too strong due to lack of stimulation. i found with my a good collection of toys that all a different call name are a good distraction. when she starts to follow you can call her and request a certain toy. play with her for a few minutes, and then let her go. she will probably go lay down and entertain herself with the toy that you have made seem more prized to her than what your son is doing. heelers need consistent tasks, they are working dogs.
Anonymous - 1/14/2012 3:52:30 AM
QUESTION: my healer is following my 4 year old son all over the place what does this mean
Anonymous - 1/4/2012 3:25:36 PM
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QUESTION: I just found out that my queensland heeler is 5yrs. old. How long is their normal life expectancy?
Anonymous - 12/9/2011 11:37:57 PM
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We had to put my heeler down last yr on super bowl sunday ( 2-6-11 ) he was 17 1/2 yrs old ! Their life expectancy is 12 to 13 yr. I was very lucky to have him for so long. He went with me everywhere for many yrs, even to work. I trained him as a pup, he was very loyal & protective of me & the kids. My husband could not raise his voice or a hand, if so the dog would growl at him (warning him). He never bit anyone, but he would warn, he did nip at heels but never bite, and he loved herding cattle. He was the best dog I ever owned.
Anonymous - 2/4/2012 3:04:20 AM
my heeler just passed away at 14-15 years old. I believe that is pretty average, although my vet told me that the oldest living dog on record was a heeler, he was 31 years old and worked every day of his life.
Anonymous - 1/27/2012 10:42:38 PM
QUESTION: I have a 9 month old red Heeler named Gibson. He's the most awesome dog I've ever had the pleasure to own. One major problem, he's very fast and if he gets a chance to slip out the door he takes it. The "come" command only works when in the yard or house. He'll let you get close almost to touch him then he takes off running again. I'm scared to death he's gonna get hit by are car. Please help. Any and all responses are welcomed and encouraged.
Anonymous - 11/21/2011 9:38:28 PM
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I highly recommend the "Koehler Method Of Dog Training". Please get this book as soon as you can. Read it. With a fairly simple 4-5 day training you will have the dog you have always wanted! I have purchased everal copies off used book sites. Libraries have it also.
I have a two year old Queensland Heeler. (Pete) He is fast but the training has given him the knowledge that I am leader.
I have used this training method on many different breeds of all ages. Usually it is the owner who is slow to catch on to the process.
Anonymous - 12/16/2011 8:48:22 AM
We have 2 Heelers, 1 red & 1 blue, so I know whereof I speak. Your Heeler needs a job. Whenever you go out front take your Heeler with you; at first you will have to tie him on s short rope as he gets use to being out front with you give him more rope until he can reach your property line. Eventually he will learn his boundary and you can start to unhook him. Keep an eye on him when possible distractions appear as he will want to herd. Heelers are the best dogs and once he learns to stay by your side you will never be alone again.
Anonymous - 11/24/2011 11:15:28 AM
QUESTION: My queensland had 7 puppies, we lost one due to being underdeveloped, 5 of them seem all very healthy and are thriving, but I am concerned about one of my little girls, she was born with a larger forehead, it wasnt real noticeable at first, but as she has gotten bigger it seems to have gotten larger, if I feel it, it seems to be hard like bone, and her eyes just dont have that shine like the others, but is by far he most lovable puppy..help please do I need to worry about this?
Anonymous - 11/9/2011 11:54:29 AM
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QUESTION: Our Queensland is 19 years old, (Roo) he is The best dog ever. He still eats very well and does his duty. He whines a lot, we're not sure if he's in pain or its a habit, because he likes to talk a lot, and likes to be the center of attention. He has a hard time sitting because of his hips, any suggestions for pain relief?
Anonymous - 11/6/2011 10:40:57 PM
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I have found that a coated aspirin such as Ecotrin works very well.
Lizisue - 12/26/2011 5:07:56 PM
QUESTION: do queensland heelers shed
Anonymous - 11/6/2011 1:19:27 PM
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Yes, queensland heelers do. But if you give them baths once a month the shedding goes downa lot. That is what I had to do.
Anonymous - 11/19/2011 10:47:27 AM
QUESTION: Do Queensland Heelers bite?
Anonymous - 11/3/2011 12:59:51 PM
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With correct training even heelers learn that biting is not acceptable. If YOU allow it, they will. If you teach them it is unacceptable behavior it will be nonexistent to very little.
Anonymous - 12/16/2011 8:51:58 AM
Yes and no. My queensland heeler nips in a play mode and after a little time you have had the dog you will get used to the nip.
Anonymous - 11/19/2011 10:50:44 AM
Yes, Queensland Heelers can be nippers, and if they are guarding, you are not getting in....
Anonymous - 11/6/2011 10:42:58 PM
QUESTION: I just got a puppy from a friend thats part queensland, pitbull and hound. She is actually a really good puppy so far. Any advice about these puppies and trainging? She's only like 3 months.
Thank you,
Lisa
Anonymous - 11/1/2011 6:59:12 AM
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Socialization with people and many other dogs. I even have my heeler liking cats. Please get the book, "The Koehler Method of Dog Training"! Do not wait! This training will make that heeler very obedient and easier to handle. Turn you puppy over and hold in the crook of your arm like an infant as often as you can.
Anonymous - 12/16/2011 8:55:18 AM
QUESTION: is something wrong with a Queensland pup if it has one blue eye?? is that bad bad trait ??
Anonymous - 10/16/2011 2:15:13 AM
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no, no, no. that is part of the queensland heelers markings. it is called a dapled. they are really cute
Anonymous - 11/19/2011 10:52:05 AM
QUESTION: Do Queensland Healers have tails?
Anonymous - 10/15/2011 12:23:00 AM
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In the true sense of the breed they are supposed to have a tail. But some people like to get them docked at an early age and some are bred with out a tail. My red heeler was docked before I got him and it was kind of funny to watch wag his nub.
Anonymous - 11/29/2011 2:39:24 PM
QUESTION: Are queensland heelers prone to any skin disorders that are incurable?
Anonymous - 10/12/2011 3:16:48 PM
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QUESTION: My question is: When the queensland dog goes in heat, can the female dog be bred with its own pup? Can the father pup breed with its own female pup?
Anonymous - 9/16/2011 3:24:54 AM
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QUESTION: How long do Queensland Heelers teeth for because she has been teething for a long time or is she just chewing up things?
Anonymous - 9/15/2011 11:13:38 PM
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Please get the dog a "doggie tire". Play with her with the tire. My heeler, pete loves it and it has stopped him from chewing anything else!!
Anonymous - 12/16/2011 8:57:25 AM
When Queensland Heelers start loosing their baby teeth and if already have lost their baby teeth and still chewing. It could be of boredom and needs walks and runs every day at least 2 times day
Anonymous - 10/16/2011 4:50:08 AM
QUESTION: What is the best food for a queensland heeler? I have used Kirkland Rice and Lamb puppy food and am ready to switch to adult dog food. Should I stay with Kirkland or use another brand?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Anonymous - 9/10/2011 1:11:30 PM
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QUESTION: are black eyes very rare marking on a queensland heeler puppy?
Anonymous - 7/28/2011 12:05:38 AM
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No not at all! Queensland Heelers come out with all kinds of marking black tan red and white, but I will say a purebred will have a diamond marking on top of head
Anonymous - 10/16/2011 4:51:44 AM
QUESTION: What breeds is a Queensland Healer bred from?
Anonymous - 6/25/2011 10:46:35 PM
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QUESTION: how many puppies does a female queensland have her first time giving birth
Anonymous - 6/23/2011 6:21:56 PM
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not sure of the average but my queensland's had 7 puppies.
Anonymous - 12/10/2011 4:29:51 PM
QUESTION: I was wondering if all red heelers do not like their paws touched?
Anonymous - 6/9/2011 8:03:34 PM
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Just the ones who were not handled properly as puppies. Start handling them several times a day. Make it as normal petting the dogs head when you say "good dog" that will make it a positive reinforcement tool.
Anonymous - 12/16/2011 8:59:14 AM
My heeler doesn't like his paws touched either, but if I persist, he allows it, although he doesn't like it.
Anonymous - 10/10/2011 8:22:18 PM
I had a red heeler and she didn't like them touched at first. However, everyday I touched them as part of her training and she got over it. She would let me clean snow from her paws and let me trim her nails with no problem at all.
Anonymous - 6/18/2011 8:47:56 PM
QUESTION: well i have a boxer/queensland healer mix.. she is about 2 1/2 yrs old and has started to become very aggressive with my smaller dogs. i am getting her spayed. will this help calm her down? she was raised with the other dogs from when she was a puppy. help me . i dont want too have to find her a new home
Anonymous - 6/8/2011 5:32:34 PM
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she might be trying to become the pack leader
Anonymous - 8/9/2011 11:08:45 AM
QUESTION: We have a red heeler JoDog 4years old and a blue heeler Max 2 years old. Jo has bad habits of getting into the garbage, eats anything off of the counter and gets into the cats food. We let him outside and he comes back in and poop on the rug. Look him in the eyes and say Bad Jo pat him. If we are gone along time I can see. Now Max does the same thing poops in the house too. I just started walking with Max and I am not sure how Jo is at walking but I need to walk them me too. Can you tell me how much walking they need a day. I want to learn all I can. I have a cat so dogs are a new thing for me. Thanks
Anonymous - 5/20/2011 3:11:46 PM
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QUESTION: I am very interested in getting a red Heeler mutt mix. The dog is supper active which is what I am looking for, however in the winter I do a lot of back country skiing. I was wondering how other heelers do in the snow?
Anonymous - 5/3/2011 2:19:53 PM
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Mine also loves the snow.. she is about 5 mo. A red heeler. She loves to pounce in it and eat the snow. Their coat is great for the weather.
Anonymous - 12/19/2011 3:16:31 PM
My heeler absolutely LOVES the snow. He loves to play in it and toss the snow up in the air with his nose and catch it. It's quite fun watching him try to catch the snow as it falls.
Anonymous - 10/10/2011 8:24:45 PM
Mine loved the snow. She wore boots and ran with me when I snowshoed or cross country skied.
Anonymous - 6/18/2011 8:49:50 PM
QUESTION: My heeler and I are heading back to the high mountains of the Wyoming Rockies for another summer chasing horses. I've had her on a low protein, weight management diet to try to keep her energy level/weight down while I'm gone riding snowmobiles all winter and now I want to put her on something good for summer work (no longer satisfied with the summer diet of the past few years). We live at 9400 feet, work in extreme weather conditions (probability of snow every month of the year), and she'll run anywhere from 5 to 30+ miles a day in rough, mountainous country. Oh, and she's extremely picky! ;-) Any suggestions on a diet she'll actually eat that will keep her healthy and energetic enough for the demands of ranch life?
Anonymous - 5/1/2011 1:27:40 PM
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QUESTION: Is there a white Queensland heeler or would that make a pup a combination of other dog(s)?
Anonymous - 4/30/2011 2:36:02 PM
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QUESTION: where did the queensland heeler originate
Anonymous - 4/10/2011 8:03:59 PM
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Australia commonly referred to as Australian cattle dog
Anonymous - 8/19/2011 11:33:43 PM
QUESTION: I am thinking about getting a Queensland heeler/pit bull mix.
Are Queensland heeler usually good with with small dogs,cats & kids?
Anonymous - 3/29/2011 1:20:23 AM
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Heelers are easily trained to do whatever you want them to do, but the key is showing them that YOU are the pack leader! when it comes to small children it's best for the dog to be brought up around them. this will also help the dog understand its limits and to be gentle with little ones (this includes animals) The 1st step is stopping bad behavior BEFORE it starts. If he nips, jumps up, tries to heard or is just being too rough you need to be consistent and let the dog know that the behavior will not be accepted . With My heeler I didn't even need to touch him. Their feeling can be hurt very easy.
Anonymous - 4/6/2011 3:07:23 PM
I have 2 red heelers; a male an and a female. My female we got at 2 1/2 months and my male we got at 2 years. Since my female was received as a puppy, she was raised around kitties and is fine. It took her a few times to realize that chasing the kitties was not a good idea. We are still working on our male heeler, as he still tries to herd the kitties. One thing to remember with this breed is that anything smaller than them is "herd-able" so you will have to start training early. Both of my dogs are very good around kids. They are generally very gentle, however, if the kids run and squeal, the dogs will try to herd them. Hope this helps.
Anonymous - 3/30/2011 7:59:29 PM
QUESTION: How do I stop my Queensland Heeler's from digging?
Anonymous - 3/8/2011 11:33:49 PM
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Your Queensland Heeler's my need more exercise or an alternative activity to take up his or her time. If you are consistent with your dog letting it know the behavior is not accepted and give him something else to do like chewing on a bone or playing with a toy. Nothing is impossible and if your not happy with the behavior you can change it. I would recommend looking at the dog whisperer website. Lots of good tips!
Anonymous - 4/6/2011 3:12:17 PM
You don't. Our female heeler digs holes to hide things in. What we ended up doing is designating an area of the yard for her dig in. With some training, she now knows that she is only allowed to dig in that area and leaves the rest of the yard alone.
Anonymous - 3/30/2011 8:00:38 PM
QUESTION: Im interested in a Heeler, I would consider myself intermediate in terms of knowledge on domesticated canines and a strong pack leader.
I currently have a German Shep/Beagle mix that weighs in at about 30#'s and im interested in getting a Blue Heeler as his companion. I find it hard that I couldnt break any bad habits with routine training.
However I went on a hike last week and a fellow hiker had one. We hiked along side each other for 3 miles and his heeler kept nipping at the heels of my shep/beagle.
I already knew about this behavior and that it is bred into the dog. I guess my question is, how hard is it to break instinct? Is it even possible?
Anonymous - 2/22/2011 10:42:24 PM
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We have 2 red heelers. The female we have had since she was 2 1/2 months old. The nipping behavior is instinct, but with enough training it will subside. The behavior will not disappear completely, but you can make it better. With our female, it just took a shake of the penny can every time she tried it and now she doesn't do it very much, only when excited. Our male, well, he's another story. He doesn't nip, but will carry a toy in his mouth and try to push you where he wants you. It's not painful, just irritating. He will most likely never be "broken" of this behavior, but it's something that we can live with.
Anonymous - 3/30/2011 8:03:50 PM
I have a female Blue Heeler I got in Santa Barbara. She nipped me and chewed me apart for the first six months but I didn't respond to it unless it was painful. She learned in while that she was praised for good behavior and ignored (I mean no response and no attention at all) when she was bad or doing behavior I didn't want.
After six months she only behaved the way I wanted and never nipped me again. She's the best dog I've ever had and she wants to interact and obey my input and my direction. I've had around twelve dogs and all were great dogs but the Heeler is the most cooperative and the most loyal. Not for people who leave dogs alone all the time and don't interact with the dog. I work outdoors so it worked just fine.
Anonymous - 3/16/2011 9:30:20 PM
We've got 5 Heelers and the reason we love them is their trainability. We have 8 horses, cats, Emus and Llamas and we do not allow any of our dogs to "heel" these animals. They can be taught that they are only allowed to herd the animals that we want herded. You do not have to put up with bad behavior, you just know how to deal with it and maintain consistancy. They will get it.
Anonymous - 3/15/2011 3:32:12 PM
The heeler breed was bred for the purpose of herding. The beauty of this dog is how instinctual his need to herd is. Why would you want to "break him" of this. I think it wise to appreciate and enjoy the behavior that makes each breed distinct or you will end up hating the dog for something he was designed to do. If you don't like a dog that nips at heels, you should avoid the strongly breed herding dogs.
Anonymous - 3/6/2011 8:54:58 PM