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Australian Cattle Dogs/My red heeler and a goat

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Question
I just recently took in a 2 yr old pygmee goat today.  I have a red heeler (4 yrs old) that we've had since she was 6 weeks.  I know my heeler instinctively chases goats, but is there any way I can train her to just be friends with her and teach her to not herd the poor goat?  Thanx, your friend.

Answer
Hi Julie, As you mentioned there is a strong instinct for the Heeler to chase the goat. Have you done any formal obedience with this dog? That would be my recommendation....once she learns to come to you no matter what the situation, you can control her in that matter.I would not let her in close proximity to the goat until she is perfectly trained, and even then, only when you are supervising. Wendy

Australian Cattle Dogs

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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)

Education/Credentials
B.A. degree

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