Although training Cattle Dogs is hard off-leash it does depend on the dog. It takes a huge time commitment, patience, and clear consistent communication to have any dog off-leash. Based on the intelligence of this breed, research, and personal experience I can say it is a journey but fun and well-earned one if your goal is to have them off-leash. Depending on the dog and temperament it can be hard to train your Cattle Off Leash. Are Cattle Dogs hard to train off-leash?
Cattle Dog Breed Background
Related to Dingos, ACD’s are compact but muscular dogs are intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners. In reality, they stand between 17-20 inches at the shoulder and are sturdy, hard muscles of strength and agility. While ACD’s are born with a white coat it turns blue-grey or red. For one thing, they have an immense work drive and excel at hunting, chasing, and moving livestock. They easily get bored and will get into mischief so it is recommended ACD owners participate in some kind of work, sport, or regular exercise to keep them both mentally and physically fit. Want help training your ACD or Dog off-leash? Contact us today!
Cattle Dog Training Traits
Early socialization and obedience training is required for ACD’s. They are highly intelligent, energetic and are really happy when on the job. Boredom leads to destructive behaviors. Continuing education and participation in obedience and sports (agility, herding) is highly recommended. This time commitment to training builds a great bond between you and your dog.
Are Cattle Dogs Hard to Train Off-Leash?
Recommended Tools
Long Line (15-30ft)
Front Clip Harness (Easy Walk)
Flat Buckle Collar for ID
Consider the Risks
Are there leash laws in your town or state you need to consider?
Distractions are everywhere and no training is 100% bulletproof
Safety of your dog (hit by a car, hurt by another off-leash animal, damage to another’s property, ingest toxins, etc)
Some people are afraid of dogs
Dog Bites
Train Basic Cues (link to blog posts or youtube with how to teach)
Loose Leash Walking
Reliable Recall
Emergency Recall (different cue word)
Leave it
Drop It
Look/ Watch me
Stay
Add value to staying close
Use praise, high value treats, or even a favorite toy to encourage positive reinforcement when your dog is near you
Practice “look”
You need to be more valuable than any other distraction
Teach your dog to “look” at you when on a leash, in the house, and with low to no distractions to start and build from there
Keep challenging your dog
Using a long line before total off-leash practice going to open fields and areas with natural boundaries and practice recalls and looks often. High reward and praise when they follow cues
Problems and Proofing Behavior
Do not push your dog’s limits or become too trusting or comfortable with your dog off-leash
Work up to more challenging environments and use long lines to ensure proofing is done and not backtrack your training
Understand your dog’s tendencies as well (prey drive – bunnies and squirrels, Car chaser, noise phobia, reactive or hyperactive around other dogs)
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you would help spread it by email to a friend, on social media, or even word of mouth!
PIN THIS!
