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Australian Cattle Dog
Temperament
Like many herding dogs, Cattle Dogs have high energy levels and
active minds. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do, such
as participating in dog sports, learning tricks, or other
activities that engage their minds. Some individuals find
repetitive training frustrating and dull, so owners should aim
to make training sessions varied and more exciting in order to
keep their dog interested. Cattle Dogs who do not receive the
appropriate exercise and entertainment will invent their own,
often destructive, activities. These dogs are, by nature, timid
or wary. They are naturally cautious, and grow more so as they
age. Their cautious nature towards strangers make them perfect
guard dogs, when trained for this task. Cattle Dogs drive cattle
by nipping at their heels, but they have also been known to herd
other animals, such as ducks or chickens without instruction
when left to their own devices. When around people, their
instinct to herd is sometimes hard to suppress and they can nip
at people to herd them. If these dogs will be around children,
they and their owners must have sufficient training to know how
to manage or avoid such situations.
