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he takes all kind of things
Sent to Pet Experts January 14 01:28 AM

I have a 6 month old male blue heeler mix. He is constantly taking things from the house, through the <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=24&k=pet%20door" onmouseover="window.status='pet door'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">pet door</a> and into the backyard. I talking about things that he should have no use for. For example, one of the couch pillow, a <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=24&k=coffee%20mug" onmouseover="window.status='coffee mug'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">coffee mug</a>, the remote contral several times, an album cover, my car keys, towels, the kitchen rug and numerous socks. He also has started taking things from the entertiment center. My fourty year Mary Poppins album, <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=24&k=dvd%20s" onmouseover="window.status='dvd’s'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">dvd’s</a>,film canister which he opened and chewed on and last night while we were in bed he pulled out a cd and broke the cover and the cd. He’s a good dog most of the time. He’s housebroken and knows a few tricks. He sometimes brings what he took outside back into the house and has no problem giving us whatever item he has. What’s up with this kind of behavior and what are we to do?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
January 14 3:11 AM (1 hour and 43 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hello:


The blue heeler is a dominant yet, "highly intelligent" dog breed. They require much time and patience to be trained. However,*Early* training is the key to good behaviour.

*Generally, it's suggested that you take your blue heeler to obedience training if at all possible.

Because of blue heelers high level of intelligence and energy, they are known to get quickly get out of control.

Here's a few things to consider trying for him:

Always provide plenty of chewable toys for your blue heeler;(each room he enters should have a few).
This breed is commonly known to, and will chew "everything" in the house if it doesn't have a toy or bone to chew on at all times.

Repetitive reinforcement of what is "his toys" VS.what is "your belongings" may be needed at first.

This breed will generally respond well by positive remarks, and much praise for playing with their own things instead of yours. (Again, this might take time due to there drive & dominance).*NOTE*:Because of their agility, blue heelers are great at games such as catching Frisbees.

The old rule, if at first you don't succeed....
seems to apply when working with behaviour modifications in a blue heeler.

I hope this helps you some, and I wish you the best of luck.

God Bless...

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Cheryl -- Veterinary Assistant89% Positive Feedback on 59 Pet Accepts
Certified Vet Assistant/ Animal Health volunteer
Reply
January 14 4:06 PM (12 hours and 55 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
Reply to Cheryl's Post: Do you WHY he takes things that have no real play appeal? Like the coffee mug, the album cover, my keys, etc.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
January 14 4:13 PM (6 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
My guess would be this is an attention seeking method. They as I said are "highly intelligent", and depending on your reaction to this behaviour while doing this, he may think it is a game of sorts to see your reaction. As I said, the breed is known to chew or take anything along with them when in this "mode". To him, the actual item is basically irrelevant, what is more important is the fact that he has "something" to play with..

Take care..

Feel free to write again if you need anything further...
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Cheryl -- Veterinary Assistant89% Positive Feedback on 59 Pet Accepts
Certified Vet Assistant/ Animal Health volunteer
Reply
January 14 4:24 PM (11 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
Reply to Cheryl's Post: Thank you for your help.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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