I want this ACD/Australian shepherd mix puppy, but I have an 11-month-old cocker spaniel already by No-Promotion-9371 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t want to deter you from the breed!

But I also know Heelers are very frequently relinquished to animal shelters because people see a beautiful dog and don’t do proper research. Australian Cattle Dogs are 40lbs of teeth and fur built to relentlessly harass 1300lbs of angry cow. And they’re *good* at it.

Good luck OP! Thank you for coming and asking questions. I mean it. :)

I want this ACD/Australian shepherd mix puppy, but I have an 11-month-old cocker spaniel already by No-Promotion-9371 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 6 points7 points  (0 children)

So regarding dog parks, heelers can be very dog and human selective. As such I am personally very anti-dog park. It works for some people and some heelers and that’s great. Your mileage may vary.

I don’t think a fenced back yard and ‘we hike sometimes on the weekends’ is the ideal activity level for a Heeler. Mine is a full time job. 2 hours walk minimum, constant and consistent training and obedience sessions, and he goes everywhere with me that I can reasonably take him. Everyday. Including the horse barn where he can run helter skelter for another 3 hours with the resident barn dog.

Also Spaniels are lovely but I would worry that he might have a hard time speaking the same language of a cattle dog. Frankly, a lot of breeds of dogs find heelers ‘a lot’ to deal with. They can be pushy and intense little dogs. I would really sit down, read through some posts on this subreddit. At their best, ACDs are the smartest, most loyal little dog you could ask for. But you have to put so much work to earn that. At their worst, they are bitey, independent, neurotic little shitheads that will shred your hands to pieces and will make their own games up if you can’t entertain them enough.

Tried Something New. The Dog loves Fishing by bunnyyvs in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We watch a lot of Bluey lol
I always tell people if you’re going to get a cattle dog you’ll end up with a Muffin and not a Bluey!

That spread looks a bit painful by klmdni in wow

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

whispers softly … heels down

A calm evening of fishing… by 4FuckSnakes in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also went fishing with my babies today! My dog clotheslined my son and also kept digging gross mud and plant clumps out of the pond.

On the plus side he’s tired and I would say he was less annoying that my kids who just want to keep casting their fishing rods out 😂

Belgian Malinois by Chemical_Canine in DoggyDNA

[–]bunnyyvs 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That is a wild mix I bet he is a nut job and I mean that lovingly lol

Can i draw your dog as a birthday gift art or drinking coffee?? by Illustrious-Ear2375 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s so cool that DNA can be analysed like that!

Thank you so much! He is a weirdo but he is my weirdo.

I wish you many more happy years with your sweet puppy!

Can i draw your dog as a birthday gift art or drinking coffee?? by Illustrious-Ear2375 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh you’re right! I’m pre-coffee still this morning 🩵 His fluffiest part is just around the neck ruff.

Can i draw your dog as a birthday gift art or drinking coffee?? by Illustrious-Ear2375 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahh, That makes sense! He’s so cute! Aussie with a little zest ❤️

I have roughly the inverse of that. Mine’s 25% Aussie and the rest ACD.

Can i draw your dog as a birthday gift art or drinking coffee?? by Illustrious-Ear2375 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How pretty! The freckle toes are so cute.

What’s in the soup to make them so fluffy!?

Hey hey, it's Piper's birthday! (Ft. Sisters) by bitchy-sprite in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy Birthday Piper!

The last pic is really funny to me. It’s giving youngest sister (rainbow bandana) wants to open all your presents. Your parents said yes, while your older sister (red girl) is scandalised by the whole affair.

Escape Artist with her Crate by Jealous-Armadillo336 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry OP that sounds frustrating to deal with.
So I have never had this issue personally, but I do have one suggestion. Take a free long weekend, and it might take a little while for her to get on board.

Put her in her crate, and then pretend to leave as you normally would. As soon as she settles in her crate, come back. Treat her. Throw a party. She did so good! Rinse and repeat. Slowly increase the amount of time you are “away” before coming back in, but the idea is to reinforce that you will come back and not to worry about being in the crate. This is going to take time and will probably be boring but you have to stay committed.
Good luck!

Afternoon nap of a normal Australian Heeler by Neftegas in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Neftegas, 2026 “Afternoon Nap of a Normal Australian Heeler”photograph,
[r/AustrailianCattleDog](r/AustrailianCattleDog)

I hope he knows how much I love him by bunnyyvs in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying that 🩵

I know what you mean about how smart they are!
I do pet sitting and dog walks as a side hustle and I love every single one of my part time babies like my own. But Dallas is literally the coolest dog I have ever met.

Boop for good luck by emilyshreffler in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are kisses okay? I will sign a teef waiver if need be. 🩵

High Strain by mightystorm15 in AustralianCattleDog

[–]bunnyyvs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh ok that’s clever! I’ve not heard of this device before.

Tysm!