When we got him, he didn’t even react to a tennis ball or squeaky toy. He also knows to run away from me now when I tell him it’s time for a bath, haha.Ĭopper came from a neglectful and possibly abusive home. He is learning from the repetition to recognize words and commands. I also talk to him a lot like he was human and explain what I’m doing to him. The positive praise, redirecting his attention to appropriate chew toys, firmly commanding him to stop, and especially burning off that energy, seems to be working with Copper. Get your dog wound up, worn out, and burn that energy out. Like Sandy said in her comment, “A tired dog is a good dog.” There is a lot of truth in that. I’m seeing that when he is cooped up and doesn’t burn that energy off, he does get into stuff, even ripping small chunks out of his memory foam mattress when we took the cover off to wash. So what I’ve been doing with Copper is taking him out on walks, and frequent long walks, around several blocks, along the river or up the local canyon trails, to allow him to burn off all that energy before it builds up. But when he took her on walks, she did great around the house. And firmly tell him STOP or NO, when I see him do things that are undesirable.Īnother friend of mine had a Border Collie, and he said that if he didn’t take his dog for a walk daily that his dog would start to chew on everything. He is very playful and excitable, so I give him lots of positive praise and responses when he behaves the way I want him to. I’ll slow him down enough so he is just running behind, or along side them, so he keeps pace with them. I do keep him on a leash so he doesn’t pounce or nip at my grand kids when they are running from him. Then, give them plenty of positive praise and reward when chewing on the appropriate thing. This way, he learns what he can / can’t chew on. One thing that I’ve read to help stop the nipping at hands, and something that I’ve been working with Copper on, is whenever he gets in that hand-nipping playfulness, gently stick in his mouth the appropriate chew toys, rawhide, or whatever that you want him to chew on, every time he starts to nip at my hands. Overall, I get that to him, this is playful and fun. He doesn’t bite to hurt, but very playfully nips and nibbles. He also likes to nip at our hands, constantly. He likes to nip at our heels when we walk or run, and seems to deliberately make attempts to trip us up. On April 14, 2020, we received a 1 yr old Red Heeler, named Copper. I’ve owned 3 dogs previous to the one we just got, and I’ve been around lots of other dogs, cats, and animals in my half-century. I’m not an expert, and am only sharing my experience and advice from my own perspectives, so what I’m doing may or may not work with your dog…but I”m hoping that it will help. Red Heelers can be cautious and wary, making them excellent watchdogs. They may “herd” family members or nip lightly at heels if they want something. Sometimes their herding instincts come into play at home. Though tough and steady, they definitely appreciate praise and good treatment. Red Heelers have a sense of independence, not requiring much in the way of cuddling or affection. They are high-energy, intelligent and active dogs with a steady attitude. Not content with sitting around the house for hours, Red Heelers will encourage you to take them outside for exercise, play and work. Their dense, weather-resistant coats are usually red speckled with possible dark or tan markings. They have broad, somewhat rounded heads with pointy ears. Slightly longer than tall with curved, hanging tails, Red Heelers have muscular legs and strong necks. Red Heelers are solid, sturdy and compact dogs with an alert, ready-to-work stance.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |