About Wendy Grudin Expertise I will answer any general or specific questions regarding Australian Cattle Dogs(conformation, behavior, showing in either obedience or conformation). I cannot give any comments or recommendations re:AKC judges,as that would be considered a conflict of interest.
Experience I have owned, bred and shown ACDs for the past 13 years, and I am a licensed conformation judge (AKC) for the breed. I have owned and operated an all breed training center for the past 22 years.
Publications Dog World magazine(cover article on the Australian Cattle Dog, March, 1995)
Expert: Wendy Grudin Date: 2/13/2008 Subject: going crazy with an ACD
Question I recently received a Heeler kelpie mix from one of my college professors and was wondering if you would be able to give me any tips on training him..He knows some of the basic commands though he doesn't listen all to well, myself as well as my parents have been attempting to leash train him and have been having little to no success. We have tried everything from just a collar and leash to a gentle leader and neither have worked...I was wondering if perhaps he would need a training collar instead of a gentle leader...He also has a digging problem many have said to fill the whole back up with some dirt then put poop in the half filled hole,then fill it up with more dirt but that has had no effect on him...
Answer Hi Kris, He is digging because he is bored. Both Kelpies and Cattle Dogs are working dogs and either need a job to do or need much exercise(ball retrieving,etc) each day. Also, look into some formal obedience classes, making sure the instructor has worked with and likes this type of dog.We have three Cattle Dogs who are active all day. Is this dog left alone when he does the digging? If so, he would much rather be with you, catching frisbees or working cows. If you are willing to provide the exercise and the classes, he will become a fantastic companion. Did I mention they are smart? That is what makes them difficult to train...both smart and cunning too. Yes, a training collar is preferable to a gentle leader, which will control but not train him. Hope this helps, Wendy
