Australian Cattle Dogs bark when they feel threatened by the sight or sound of approaching danger. But, they do not normally bark a lot except when playing chase or fetch.
Are Australian cattle dogs barkers?
No! Australian Cattle Dogs are NOT barkers.
Some Australian Cattle Dogs almost never bark. Nothing ever bothers them, they spend their day just quietly hanging out.
Others are extremely aware of everything around them, from the cat in the next room to the squirrel in the neighbor’s yard! They hear everything, they see everything, they stare at everything. They are intense!
Still, they don’t bark that much.
But, let someone knock on the door, or drive in the driveway, and that ultra high pitched warning bark can rattle the windows!
When Australian Cattle Dogs are young, the sounds that they react to can be numerous and almost imperceptible to you, but a real sign of danger to them.
This goes back to one of the characteristics that they were selected and bred for in the early years of the breed’s development.
An important job that they had was to be able to protect their owner. That loud, ear-piercing bark is the sign that he is feeling that danger might be approaching.
They really do outgrow this in time as they become more socialized and as their training advances.
Image Credit: Eva Holderegger Walser
Australian Cattle Dogs Bark When They Play!
Australian Cattle Dogs bark while chasing a ball, a Frisbee, or simply playing chase. Barking during play is a sign, as well as a release, of excitement.
Why Else Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark?
Barking is a dog’s natural means of communication. If your dog is barking, he is trying to communicate something.
If your Australian Cattle Dog seems to be barking on and on for no reason, it could be from frustration. If not dealt with immediately, this can quickly become a habit.
Frustration and excitement, with no other outlet, can cause incessant barking. This is a dog that needs something to do. He needs a job, something to change his mind. Some intensive playtime will help burn off some of that energy.
Ten or twenty minutes of fetch, a long walk or jog can be helpful.
Also, some very structured training that requires a good deal of mental concentration can be good in addition to exercise.
Training exercises that involve self-control like holding an extended down-stay, sit, or place command can be as mentally draining as a long walk.
Ten to fifteen minutes of holding himself in place when he really wants to get up and play can be more tiring than running a couple of miles.
Also, don’t rule out the possibility of correcting the bad behavior if necessary. A good, experienced trainer can do this in a very short time.
What about Barking From Fear?
Australian Cattle Dogs, as well as other dogs in the Herding Group, have been selected and bred for having those qualities necessary for guarding and protecting the flock or herd.
These same qualities go hand in hand with being cautious, standoffish and suspicious, as well as courageous and bold. Remember that fear invokes the fight or flight response, they are different sides of the same coin.
Fear can lead to boldness, indeed. In this case, don’t think of fear as meaning he is scared to death and shaking in his shoes, but, that he is simply feeling the need to be protective.
Before his suspiciousness leads to fear and overreacting, he needs his human to take control.
Remember, when Australian Cattle Dogs bark they are trying to communicate.
Let him know that you have control of the situation and there is nothing to worry about.
(Here is a link to our article all about the Australian Cattle Dog)
Are Blue Heeler dogs aggressive?
NO, Owners agree, Blue Heelers are not aggressive. But, they are courageous, and will stand their ground when necessary.
