The Australian Cattle Dog is not for everyone. USA and Australia have "Rescue" programs for people who thought they wanted an ACD but were not prepared for the time and effort required to properly look after one. These Rescue programs find homes for these unwanted Cattle Dogs.
An ACD has boundless energy which means they need exercising regularly and often. Destructive behaviour can result if this requirement is not met. ACD's were bred to have enough stamina to work hard all day every day.
The enormous natural energy this trait gives them must be channeled into walks and energetic games, such as throwing and retrieving a ball or frisbee. You can pretty much count on twenty minutes a day minimum of strenuous exercise,
but an hour a day (or more) is desireable. This requirement is even more important if you have a small back yard where the dog cannot syphon off some of this energy by running around.
The ACD is not suited to being left in the back yard. They are a friendly, gregarious animal that needs to be part of the family. Serious behavioural problems can result in ACD's who are locked out of family life, especially if there is not enough
mental stimulation, as they are as intelligent as they are energetic. In a best case scenario if they feel they are not part of the family they will find mischief to get up to, or in a worst case scenario may even become aggressive and dangerous.
Australian Cattle Dogs are very conscious of their social standing in their family. As with most intelligent dogs, the ACD may seek to elevate their position by seeking to be dominant over others. This may be shown by aggressive behaviour,
such as knocking over and standing over children, or even showing aggression to an adult or teen that it suspects is afraid of him. There are various behavioural techniques which can be used to overcome this behaviour.
As the ACD is protective and loyal, they will be suspicious of strangers and particularly other dogs. This may be nothing more than the usual growling, but may also translate into quite antisocial behaviour. This varies widely from dog to dog,
but as a breed it is better to keep your ACD under control in such situations where you suspect a problem may arise. Bear in mind the ACD is very strong and a child hanging on to the dog's lead would not inspire any confidence in anyone that this animal
is under control. They like to bond to a single person or couple, be friendly to others in the house and treat everyone and everything else with suspicion. If you have children, especially young children, it is a good idea to acquire your ACD as a puppy
rather than an adult dog.
Having given these rather dire warnings, it is important to understand that each dog is an individual, with their own personality and traits. They may exhibit all, some or none of the above behaviour, but they will always be a great dog who will be loyal,
friendly, protective but also a high maintenance pet.
One of the many tools that can be used to moderate undesireable behaviour is dog obedience classes. This activity is good for the dog's mental stimulation and for maturing his social skills with other dogs
and people. The ACD has a natural affinity for obedience training, so both dog and owner should enjoy the classes, and the techniques learnt should be used throughout the dog's life.
ACD's must be treated with respect, and they will give you the same. Like a strong willed child they require gentle discipline. If their needs are met the ACD is a loving, affectionate, playful pet that is willing to please.
For more specific information on the ACD click HERE.
Links
These links will give you more information about the ACD's personality, or repeat what has been said above in a different way:
