QuestionI recently adopted a 3 year old Australian cattle dog. Along with the dog came many strange habits. The car ride home he growled at passing semi trucks and then attempted to attack any overpasses that we drove under. I have tried everything that I can think of to stop this behavior but nothing seems to work. It makes our rides dangerous and trips very difficult.
Also, he doesn't seem to understand the concept of multiple stories in a home, and chases and barks at footsteps above him.
I was hoping you might have some insight into either of these problems.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
AnswerHi Jeremiah,When evaluating canine behavior it is important to establish what type of work the breed was developed to do. In the reference to Cattle Dogs, they were developed to drive cattle across the barren plains of Australia...a hard task indeed! Your dog has some exaggerated behaviors tracing back to the origins of his breed. He needs a job to do.....and structured obedience training. He desperately wants to herd something.But herding alone will not help...he needs direction and dominance from you too.Try to get involved with an activity fun for both of you...maybe Rally...or herding...let this dog do what he was bred to do(in some shape or form) and don't forget about the obedience...as it is half the solution.Hope this helps!
