Love them dogs

[arbol]

I don't know, it is my brother's dog.

[arbol]

He certainly does not act like he is trained.

[Bailey Guns]

Sounds like a typical Heeler. They're high energy, highly intelligent, extremely driven and they need CONSTANT and CONSISTENT reinforcement until they're "trained". Most people don't have the patience or inclination for a Heeler but have them because they're really "cool" dogs. They also need constant stimulation.

The ex had one. That dog pretty much dominated her. Her idea of training was screaming at him. It was great fun for him because there was never any negative consequences to his behavior. With me, I could just look at him and he'd become submissive and calm...because he knew negative consequences were real.

They're really good dogs for someone who likes dogs a lot and for someone who doesn't mind working with them a bit. It doesn't take a lot of effort...just consistency. They really respond well to positive reinforcement because they're so driven. And they're extremely loyal...pretty much a one person dog from what I've seen.

The nipping thing is very common to that breed...they're a herding dog and that's just what they do until they know they shouldn't.

[Bailey Guns]

Hairy and Izzy...definitely beastie besties. 4 years ago...both just pups.

[arbol]

Very cool, Bailey Guns.

Do you have any suggestions on what I might do when dog sitting a blue heeler, for a few days, in a limited space apartment?

Thanks!

[arbol]

I'm thinking that I need to set absolute boundaries, and to me, that means a leash, and a hook into a stud in a wall. I'm thinking that it should be close to his crate, so he can go there if he wants to, but also see me.

I will use this as my ultimate form of punishment, when he realizes that I am unhappy with him, but he still won't stop.

In the evening, I will get a door jammer for my bedroom door, and give him the rest of the apartment. Hopefully this will result in him spreading his crying against multiple neighbors, instead of whomever is unucky enough to be next to his crate.

[Bailey Guns]

Not really. But from your first post it sounds like the crate thing is a bit of an issue. That needs to be a happy place for him...not somewhere he goes when he gets punished or you get tired of him. It's gonna be really hard when you only have the dog for a limited time, but I'd keep the crate in the bedroom and keep him in there during bedtime. Try positive reinforcement as often as possible.

[arbol]

That's a great suggestion and one I would never have thought of. I have a waterbed, and the first time he came up on it, he didn't like it. If he can retire to his crate and still be near me, that might work.

Thanks.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Dog might be wanting for attention or a familiar chew or toy. Your description of attitude suggests to me that you're lucky he doesn't tear your apartment up while you're away.

At times our Cur gets adamant about restricted toys and has outbursts over it. They are restricted because she starts eating them.

Not being the dogs owner with better knowledge of the animal, I'd stick with not sitting for him until he's more manageable. It's cool that you're willing to do it, but sometimes trouble borrowed just isn't worth it unless you want to start taking on the time needed for training. I know kennels are expensive, but it is part of inviting an animal to be a member of the family. It is your brothers responsibility after all.

Good on you though.

[arbol]

He did chew up a bit of my couch last time he was here, and I find the reason he doesn't have a favorite chew toy, is because he destroys them all within minutes, or it seems.

I'm curious about the training you all are referencing. Do you think that would stop this behavior? My brother is currently unemployed, so I could ask him to take the dog for training. I work 8x5, and could take the dog to training, after that. My dog sitting starts October 7th, so I have almost 3 weeks. Could I/we, make a difference in 3 weeks with proper training?

Re: the kennel. I do have one very close by, and am tempted to turn around and take the dog there, instead of trying to deal with him. But, I would rather try and figure this out, like a puzzle.

Thanks