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How to Train an Older Heeler

How to Train an Older Heeler

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How to Train an Older Heeler

Heelers, also known as Australian cattle dogs, are highly intelligent dogs with a strong will that can make training them fun and easy -- as long as it's done the right way. Dealing with an older dog can be more challenging than training a puppy, as an older heeler will already have established habits both good and bad. Using these established habits when working with the dog can make training easier, and understanding the dog's point of view is key. Old dogs can be taught new tricks, however, and patience and understanding will result in a lifelong companion.

Instructions

    1

    Establish your dog's behavior patterns, and decide what needs to be worked on. Adult dogs come from a variety of different backgrounds, and understanding the heeler's good and bad habits will make it easier to establish where training should begin. If the dog has not been taught the basics that all puppies should know -- such as housebreaking -- that's a place to start.

    2

    Establish a relationship with your heeler. These are dogs that will bond very, very strongly to one individual in the family, and once that bond is created, they can go from an obstinate, headstrong dog to one that is eager to please their chosen person. Spend time with the heeler, pet him and play with him, make being around you a pleasant experience. This will not happen overnight -- and may take weeks with an older dog -- but will be worth the time and effort and is a process that can be done alongside training.

    3

    Get the heeler used to a crate. This can be a valuable step; if the dog isn't housebroken, it can make this process easier, as an adult dog will be able to hold his bladder until taken outside and will quickly learn not to soil his bedding, but in the appropriate spot. Even if the dog is housebroken, establishing his crate as his own den will give him a sense of belonging in a new household. For an adult dog that has been adopted, rescued or rehomed, this can go a long way in making him comfortable.

    4

    Reinforce any good behavior consistently. Adult heelers are always observing and always learning, so giving positive feedback, praise and petting when they have done good will go a long way in establishing the relationship between you and your dog. Adult dogs aren't like puppies, and intelligent adults like heelers don't miss a thing.

    5

    Exercise, and exercise often. Heelers are bred to be hard-working herding dogs, and will need several hours of hard exercise each day in order to wear them out. While puppies will be asleep after short bursts of energy, adults will need long walks, runs or games in the yard. A tired heeler will be a much more obedient one, and will be much more likely to listen to commands if he's not bouncing off the walls with energy. Set him up to be successful.

    6

    Make him work for the treats. As working dogs, an adult heeler will thrive when given a job to do. Learning his training is his job, and treat it as such. Within this job, set up a clear reward system. When he succeeds, he gets praise and a treat. When he fails, he gets nothing. This will not only help him learn faster, but will reinforce your status as the alpha who is responsible for giving out rewards and punishments.


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GoGetMe Dog Subscription Box Review

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GoGetMe is a high-quality dog subscription box which delivers a box of premium quality toys, treats, tips and tricks delivered right to your door every month.

Whether your dog is left alone at home for most of the day and needs mental stimulation or you want to spoil your furry friend at Christmas time, there is a lot to like in this concept!

HOW DOES THE GOGETME SUBSCRIPTION BOX WORK?

Life can make it hard to find time to run all our own errands, let alone shop around for the best toys and treats to pamper our pooches! This is where the GoGetMe team steps in, scouting for toys that last longer than a few hours to keep your dogs stimulated and healthy natural treats to keep them healthy and happy!

Each monthly box contains 5 to 7 handpicked items tailored to your dog’s size, normally including two treats, two toys, plus chews and an assortment of other dog products. Every month the box includes different items so you’ll never see the same product twice. 

With all the selected dog treats and chews, the focus is on organic, natural, grain free and single ingredient products. GoGetMe is proudly supporting Dogs for Kids with Disabilities with 10% of all profits going to this cause.

WHAT WAS IN OUR NOVEMBER GOGETME BOX?

The quirky shape and design of the GoGetMe box, bright yellow complete with knotted rope, certainly grabbed our attention! The team must be great at Tetris as once all the items were out, there was no chance we could pack that box again!

We always check out the toys first but our dogs were more interested in the smells emanating from the box...

The NERF DOG Infinity Tug Toy is designed for long-lasting games of tug-of-war between you and your dog or multiple dogs. This tough toy is made from durable rubber with an exterior texture like a tire track to assist with grip.

It is shaped like an infinity symbol to allow each participant to tug from their end. This durable toy is great for tough chewers as it promises to stand up to the test. It comes in Large only (25.4 cm long) which is a great size for our Belgian Shepherds.

The JW Monkey Fist Ball is perfect for dogs who love chewing rope toys and also chasing balls. 

We could not judge its 'fun and erratic bounce' on our overgrown lawn however I can foresee many hours of dedicated chewing from our Malinois to untangle all these knots!

The K9 Natural Beef Feast Toppers were a timely inclusion as we'd run out of dog food and were preparing some home cooked meals during that week! 

The toppers are made with 90% New Zealand grass-fed beef and 5% vegetables and fruit. They are free from grain, gluten and GMO ingredients. 

They were very easy to sprinkle over our senior dog's food for a nutrient-packed high meat boost.

Also included was a pack of Blackdog Shark Cartilage dog treats (100g). Made from the cartilage of shark spine, these chewy treats are rich in protein (51%) and a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin which helps keep dogs’ joints healthy so they're great for those dogs suffering from arthritis.
Our dogs loved their smelly fishy munchies but a word of advice: these are best kept for outdoor use as they pack a punch! 

Probably why they were so popular... To date, this is the best shaped treat we have found for use in our Kong Goodie Bone chew toy as they fit the slots perfectly!

Also included was a sample pack (40g) of natural premium treats by Pure Pet Products Ruby Rose’s Chicken Chunks  handmade in Perth. Suitable for both dogs and cats, these treats contain 71% protein and only 7% fat as they're made with 100% chicken tenderloin and skinless chicken breast. Our dogs would have enjoyed a much larger pack!

We also received three GoGetMe Kangaroo sticks with 100% kangaroo meat and no preservatives. These natural high protein chews were clearly our dogs' favourites as it was very difficult to keep them from eating them during the photo shoot!

The box comes with some colourful cards: one details all the items in your monthly box, handy if you're not familiar with some of these brands or products. As the focus is on keeping dogs entertained, there's also a 'GoGetMe a Trick' - this month's trick was how to teach your pooch to give you a hug. There was also a 'GoGetMe a Tip' explaining why our dogs love ripping up their toys... 

OUR VERDICT

We were impressed with the excellent customer service and the prompt delivery we received from GoGetMe. Boxes are delivered after the 15th of each month to current subscribers.

We also appreciated the fact that the company took the trouble to customise our November box to include tough toys suited to our pack of active chewers. Please note this option will be available to all box subscribers in 2018.

The main thing we're looking for these days is "do we get good value for money" and we think that GoGetMe certainly delivered on its promise. The retail value of sourcing these high-quality dog toys and treats individually (plus shipping) would certainly exceed the cost of the one-off box and you'd also miss the element of surprise!

All the products we received were high-quality items in their own right and were thoroughly enjoyed by our pack! 

PRICES & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: from $39-$49 on a monthly subscription; $55 for a one-off Gift Box exclusively from gogetme.com.au

A GoGetMe Christmas themed box is available for $60 (includes free shipping Australia wide). This box will be themed and packed with extra Christmas goodies with only a limited number available. 

All orders must be placed prior to Dec 15 to ensure timely delivery.

Australian Dog Lover readers can save $10 off any order until 31/12/2017, simply use your unique coupon AUSTDL.  

Disclaimer: product gifted by GoGetMe for editorial consideration

They Never Made Cats

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From Posteritati
David McCallum, who played Ducky in the NCIS TV show and Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. TV show, starred in this 1976 horror film.

There was to be a sequel entitled "Cats," but when "Dogs" failed at the box office, production of that movie was canceled.

Trump to Reduce Size of Two National Monuments

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Extra Early Socialization for Puppies Makes a Big Difference

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Research on a new program for socializing puppies in the nest finds it brings big benefits.

Early socialization for puppies, like this cute chocolate Labrador Retriever, makes a big difference to the dog's future behaviour.
Photo: Sarai da Silva / Shutterstock

A new study by Dr. Helen Vaterlaws-Whiteside and Amandine Hartmann (Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre) (2017) tests an improved program for socializing puppies in the nest from 0 – 6 weeks. The program provides additional socialization in a way that is relatively cheap, easy to implement, and designed to fit with what science tells us about the development of puppies.

In comparison to puppies receiving the regular socialization program, the puppies who got extra socialization got better scores in tests at 6 weeks old. By 8 months of age they were less likely to have separation-related behaviours, general anxiety, be distracted, or have body sensitivity.

In other words, the extra socialization brought important benefits for their behavioural welfare as young adult dogs. These results will be of particular interest to those who breed and train service dogs, but they are important for anyone who cares about dogs – especially those looking to get a puppy.

Dr. Vaterlaws-Whiteside told me in an email,
"The program is designed to provide a highly effective socialisation experience for our puppies that is low cost, quick and easy to complete. The program of specific exercises mirrors puppy physiological and behavioural development and is proven to have a lasting improvement on behaviour. 
"Dogs who do not receive this kind of socialisation as puppies can grow up to be anxious and scared. Therefore, positive early life experiences are critical in helping puppies grow up to be confident, content companions. This program can be used by working dog organisations, pet dog breeders and animal shelters."
The puppies who took part in the study are part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind breeding program. All of the puppies follow a standard program, spending the first 6 weeks in a breeding facility where they experience identical conditions and then having the same socialization program for the first year of their life. Therefore this is the ideal environment in which to test a new, additional, socialization program.


The extra socialization activities took place five days a week during the first 6 weeks. It was designed to include interactions with people and animals as well as visual, auditory and tactile stimulation. In the first week, it took 5 minutes per puppy per day, building up to 15 minutes per puppy per day in weeks 5-6.

Examples of the extra socialization include stroking the puppy gently with the fingers, a towel, and rubber gloves; making a cell phone ring near the puppy; gently examining the puppy’s ears and teeth; and encouraging the puppy to do things like climb over an obstacle or come through a doorway.

All of this was done in a way that was fun for the puppy and the researchers made sure the puppy was comfortable at all times.

The researchers have made a video called play builds confident puppies to explain their findings.



How did they conduct the study on early puppy socialization?


Six litters of puppies took part. Half the puppies in each litter received the extra socialization and half had the standard program. To make sure it wasn’t simply extra time with a person that was causing the results, the puppies in the standard program had someone spend the equivalent time sitting with them and only interacting a little with the puppies that wanted to.

The puppies were either Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or Labrador-Golden crosses. They were assessed at 6 weeks old, and at 8 months old their handlers completed a survey on their behaviour.

At 8 months, the handlers’ responses showed that puppies who had the extra socialization scored better for separation-related behaviour, distraction, body sensitivity and general anxiety. There was no difference for trainability or energy.

These results suggest they will make better working guide dogs, but more research (and time on the job) is needed to assess this.

The scientists write,
“The additional age-specific stimulation received by puppies given the extra socialization during this study provided increased physical contact, mental challenges and extensive positive interaction with people away from the litter. These stimuli could be considered to be mild stressors and may help explain the reduced anxiety and distraction related behavior observed in the eight-month handler questionnaire.”
The very short periods of time that puppies in the extra-socialization program spent away from the litter and with a person may have helped them to become more resilient to being taken away from the litter, which may in turn have made them more resilient to being left alone. This could account for the differences in scores for separation-related behaviours.

Early socialization for puppies makes a big difference to later behaviour, so start when they are young like this cute little Golden Retriever


What’s especially remarkable about these results is that the puppies in the standard group were already getting an excellent socialization program that included lots of opportunities to interact with different stimuli. One of the things that is different about the enhanced program is each puppy got to have that kind of interaction away from the other puppies, just in the presence of a person.


What does it mean for dog owners?


This study builds on the existing research on the sensitive period for socialization in puppies and on what we know about puppy development. It has implications for all dog owners because it shows that extra socialization brings additional benefits. If you are getting a puppy, socialization in the home of the breeder makes a difference to the future behaviour of the puppy.

Sadly, many puppies come from places where they do not get good (or any) socialization. This is thought to be one of several reasons why puppies from pet stores are more likely to have behaviour problems such as aggression, fear of dogs, separation-related behaviours, sensitivity to touch and house-soiling.

So do not buy a puppy from a pet store, or from the internet where the puppy will be brought to you. You need to see the puppy interacting with the mom. And you should ask the breeder what they are doing to socialize the puppy. This should include lots of short, positive experiences with a wide range of different stimuli.

"positive early life experiences are critical in helping puppies grow up to be confident, content companions. This program can be used by working dog organisations, pet dog breeders and animal shelters."

Animal shelters and rescues also sometimes have puppies, and you should ask the same questions about socialization.

Of course, you still need to continue to socialize your puppy after you bring it home. The sensitive period for socialization ends at around 12-14 weeks, although it may be earlier in some breeds.  Remember that socialization means positive experiences, so never force your puppy into an interaction and always give them a choice.


Summary of the puppy socialization study


This study shows that additional puppy socialization from 0-6 weeks, on top of an already excellent socialization program, can make a big difference in terms of the dog’s behaviour at 8 months of age.

The paper contains details of the extra socialization program including a table showing what happened and when. This makes it easy for anyone else who wants to follow the program. Breeders of pet dogs, working dog programs and animal shelters in particular may wish to take a look. The paper can be downloaded for free until 15th December via this link.

You can follow The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (UK) on twitter and Facebook.

You can learn more about the classic research into the socialization period in my post, Why you need to socialize your puppy. And if you’d like to know why we call it a sensitive period or how kittens compare to puppies, you might like to read the sensitive period for socialization in puppies and kittens.

For more stories like this, subscribe to Companion Animal Psychology.


Reference
Vaterlaws-Whiteside, H., & Hartmann, A. (2017). Improving puppy behavior using a new standardized socialization program. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 197, 55-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2017.08.003

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Decaf is for Sissies

Decaf is for Sissies

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My wife does this every morning with the dogs while the coffee maker does its thing.

Things That Did Not Exist 10 years Ago

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The Smart Phone
Twitter
Uber
Google Maps
Airbnb
Personal Drones
Driverless carsKindle
CRISPRInstagram
Spotify
Snapchat
Bitcoin
Multi-use Space Rockets
iPad
Android
Kickstarter
Pinterest
App Store
Tesla Powerwalls
Siri
Lyft
Google Chrome
Venmo
Alexa
3-D Printers
Tinder

    Same Latitudes

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    North America and Europe superimposed on each other to show what areas are at the same latitude.

    The Gulf Stream helps a LOT to keep Scotland, Ireland, and England a few degrees warmer than they might otherwise be.

    Delta Society Australia Celebrates 20 Years

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    “Every day I thank Dog I am alive” says Robin Simpson, Chairperson of Delta Society Australia. In November 2017 the charity is celebrating 20 years of providing therapy dog services and positive reward-based dog training education in Australia. 

    Delta Therapy Dog Team - Fiona Morton and her dog Ruby
    "Delta has grown from two vets and a dog trainer operating from a Sydney kitchen in 1997 to 600 certified professional dog trainers and over 1,200 therapy dog volunteer teams across 15 branches all over Australia, visiting 850 care facilities every week. Not bad for a charity with only four full-time and two part time staff!

    My own history with dogs goes back a little further. Like many rural lads, I’ve been surrounded by dogs since I was born. Admittedly my earliest memories are of sheepdogs like Jack (who also enthusiastically chased cars until he caught one) and Sandy the red Kelpie (who loved to bark at the full moon) – but on my eighth birthday I was given my own dog, a golden Cocker Spaniel called Lucky (who unfortunately wasn’t). Despite his early demise, for me Lucky began my love affair with dogs which has continued for more than fifty years.

    Robin Simpson and his dog Rafa
    Ever since, I have always had two dogs so that they keep each other company when I am at work, and partly so that if one becomes ill, the other is still there to help me with the profound grief that comes with the loss of a much-loved friend. 

    There is an extraordinary kinship between dogs and people of all ages. My dogs have kept me grounded and sane through both the tough times and the triumphs of my life. It’s not just the companionship – an enthusiastic welcome at the front door when you get home can brighten the darkest day and make your heart soar; they provide unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, judge nobody and are always willing to listen to your problems or share your joys.

    Delta Therapy dogs brighten up a workday at Sunsuper
    But there is much more: recent research has shown that dog owners live longer, healthier lives (especially if they live alone) and have lower risk of heart attack, and that sleeping with a dog (on the bed, not in it!) helps some people to sleep better.

    Children growing up with dogs are less likely to be obese or to develop asthma and other allergies. 
    Dogs are literally keeping some of us alive!

    Perhaps this explains why a 2016 survey of pet ownership by Animal Medicines Australia showed that 38.5% of Australian households have at least one dog, 68% of those households regard the dog as a member of the family and 66% of those dogs are allowed inside. Unlike other pets, the number of dogs increased since the previous survey in 2013. Dogs have become highly valued members of the family, with owners spending almost $2,000 per annum per dog on dog food, veterinary care, training and accessories – a total of $7 billion annually.
     Students at the Australian Catholic University (ACT) enjoy a Delta Society Paws The Pressure visit
    This also explains why there is increasing demand for our Delta certified dog trainers on how to train dogs to be model citizens – inside the house and out. But it’s much more than puppy training or “sit”, “stay”, and “roll over”. Many owners (and their dogs!) derive great pleasure from training their dogs to work with them in the show ring, obedience trials, dog sports – or as Delta Therapy Dogs. A Delta certified trainer can help you with all of these things.

    Given the pleasure and comfort that our dogs provide, it is easy to understand the trauma that elderly people must experience when they have to leave their familiar surroundings and enter aged care (often after the loss of a partner) and are forced to give up a beloved pet which might otherwise have helped them to cope. To make it worse, up to 40% of aged care residents never get a single visitor all year.

    The Classroom Canines program improves children's confidence
    That’s where Delta Therapy Dogs come in. Each week our volunteer therapy dog teams touch the lives of 20,000 people by visiting in aged care, hospitals, schools and prisons all over Australia.

    Your dog does not have to be an obedience champion or a special breed to participate in this incredibly satisfying activity. Becoming a certified Delta Therapy Dog Team is mostly about having the right temperament and the ability to walk nicely on a lead.

    Given all the positive mental and physical health outcomes from dog ownership, it is hard to understand why some governments and local councils are making it harder to own a dog. In the UK and many European countries dogs are welcome in hotels, shops, cafés and on public transport. Not so much in Australia! 

    However, there are some positive signs. The Victorian government recently changed tenancy laws to prevent landlords and body corporates from discriminating against tenants on the basis of pet ownership. 

    Pet friendly hotels are emerging, like Pier One in Sydney, and accommodation rental websites such as Stayz now have a tick box to help you find pet-friendly holiday rentals.

    A 2016 University of Sydney survey found that 95% of Sydney dog owners are in favour of allowing dogs on public transport, and more than half of those said they would use public transport and do more activities with their hound if allowed. Given that there are approximately 2.4 million dog-related trips in a private car in Sydney every week, that seems like an enormous opportunity for reducing pollution and traffic congestion and making it easier for dog owners to get around.

    SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

    Well, Delta relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to provide its life-changing services so consider making a donation to Delta this year as a gift for family and friends, or even as a special Secret Santa present, or get involved! 
    Volunteer Genevieve Reid and her dog Byron

    After 20 years of providing therapy dog services and training there is increasing demand now for Delta’s services, especially leading up to Christmas when people in hospitals and care facilities may feel particularly lonely. 

    Knowing the joy of companionship that Delta therapy dogs and my own dogs bring, I want to share that joy, like all Delta volunteers, with with those not able to have a dog. Then every day, you too can say “Thank Dog I am alive!”

    Robin Simpson, Chairperson Delta Society Australia, November 2017