Training....Training...Training

Cattle dogs are smart...and stubborn. Benji loves to pull on the leash and basically nothing I do stops him from pulling! The much-praised book I have "The Art of Raising a Puppy" tells me to turn around and walk the other. Not only do I look ridiculous in public doing this, but it doesn't work! I find that book a load of bullshit anyways. Sometimes I just stand still and make him do "Sit." I also do this when he jumps at me in the park. But...he doesn't do "sit" outside, only inside. 

Of course, this infuriates me. As does his biting. He likes to jump up and bite the hand. We got him a muzzle but he only wears it in the house to prohibit barking (probably for 30 minutes at the most). It's a soft, mesh muzzle. I hate it when he bites and jumps. I think it is dangerous and his WORST behaviour. I immediately left the dog park and went home. He has not had a good day by any means.


We have been working on so many things with him like leaving him in the house alone (successful with muzzle) and "stay" but I haven't found a measure that works when it comes to 'no jumping" and "no biting". He also barks and nothing helps. So, we need a muzzle. I'm looking forward to his obedience classes he is starting in April. I think the trainer can help correct a lot of these behaviours since he obviously has a lot more experience than me with dogs. I just hope he can correct his biting, jumping, barking and leash-pulling and teach him recall! If he does that--I can handle the rest!


Benji was switched on Orijen Puppy Food (from Royal Canin) and it's said to be a MUCH more superior food. The #1 dog food in Canada, apparently. I'm glad it's more nutritious for Benji. But the kibble is WAY too hard and he's been very gassy. His gas is enough to kill a large cow, I'm sure. It stinks! And his poop stinks too. He is still getting used to Orijen so I hope after a month or two, he isn't as gassy and his fur will shine and look great!
 

Cattle Dogs are Just Different

A lot of online websites with ACD dog owners telling me their tales helps me realize my Australian cattle dog is normal and his behaviour is the regular behaviour of a ACD puppy. It is a HUGE relief to find out I'm on the right track and I'm not a hopeless dog owner. My dog breed is known for biting, barking and jumping and there isn't much I can do about it except give him commands. He is going to do it, and I just have to deter him.
Is there such thing as a well-behaved ACD dog? I don't know....I know if you work them hard enough and their exhausted their good for a time...:)
But I'm not giving up on Benji just because of his dog breed. It's going to take a lot more than that! I am glad to find that reading herding dog specific training helps me find methods to deal with him, train him and spend money on things that keep him stimulated mentally and physically.

A Tired Dog is a Good Dog

BENJI TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING TO PUT IN HIS MOUTH, AS USUAL.

BENJI RED FUR GETTING LIGHTER

Daily walks has helped calm Benji down. Less barking, less biting and more puppyful playing. Walks include socializing with neighbours, dogs and playing fetch in the parks. 10-15 minutes of training "sit, down, paw, roll over" and in-house fetch also help tire out my pooch.

And strangely enough, he's getting cuter as he gets older. His fur has lightened to white and red. When he was 7 weeks old, he had dark brown, red and white fur. Well most of the brown has disappeared and his fur is getting longer and silkier! 

With 2 daily 20-40 minute walks every day, managing my 10 week old cattle dog has been easier. MUCH easier. Now with sunshine and warmer weather, it's actually become pleasant! I have yet to work on his separation anxiety and my annoying neighbours are very rigid about his barking...sending me text messages instantaneously....but I like to look at it from the positive: I have a house trained, cute puppy!

BENJI IN THE BACKYARD, EXPLORING. 10 WEEKS OLD.

Cattle dog in the City

I take it into offense when websites say cattle dogs should not live in the city. It means all city people cannot adequately provide a proper lifestyle for the busy, intelligent breed which I think is incorrect. You don't need to live in the suburbs or in a rural part of town for working breed, high-energy dogs. There are large scores of these dogs living in the city happily. 

Why? Because perhaps these websites don't realize people in the city aren't all couch potatoes. They go jogging in the morning and or at night, they live near expansive parks with lots of green space and a ravine or a nice path. They like to spend their time hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, snowboarding--and can bring their dog along. Sure, their might not be a large hill to run up on in the farm but the city offers a lot of wonderful green space for dogs and active dog owners. 

In my city alone, there is the largest park High Park (with free parking!) and I'm only about 10 minutes away by car, and a whopping 399 acres. There is the beautiful West Ravine nature trail with hilly paths and trees and dirt galore (and a nice river!). Plus, it's off the beaten path so it's quiet and serene. The Rouge Valley Park has a lot of scenic wildlife that is rare to see in an urban setting and is one of the largest parks in North America. They have rare birds, foxes, coyotes, geese and swan and hiking trails. There is dozens more but these are some of Toronto's great green spaces that honestly, feel like you're in a jungle--not a city. 

And furthermore, just because somebody lives in a city doesn't mean they do not leave the city. What about winter skiing and snowboarding? And summer camping? From May 24 (Victoria Day) onward, we are camping! We have our equipment and I know Benji is going to love up North where he can run around, swim and be free. So with regular trips up North and in humungous city green spots which a dog can access every DAY....why wouldn't a dog be suited for city life? Not to mention I live near 5 smaller parks, two of them dog parks with fenced in dog areas and live in a quiet residential area in the city---not a loud area with lots of people and cars. I think Benji loves being here and is suitable to life here, and that websites should taken into consideration the fact many cities have tons of green space, hiking trails and if you live near one, your dog should be well-exercised and happy! So when he returns home, he's ready to rest at his owner's feet and play fetch!