| Blue heelers, also known as Australian heelers and | | | | where dogs are allowed. Put a leash onto your puppy |
| Queensland heelers, are energetic, active dogs, 17-20 | | | | early and take him or for a run in the park or beach. |
| inches high at the shoulder, and weighing about 44 to | | | | When you are both tired, sit down where there are |
| 62 pounds. They were bred in Australia to herd cattle, | | | | people around and encourage them to pet your pup. |
| with an instinct to nip the cattle to keep them in the | | | | When the puppy discovers that strangers are friendly |
| herd. Although they make good, intelligent pets, they | | | | and bring good feelings with them, he or she will be |
| can be suspicious of strangers, and a suspicious, | | | | less likely to fear strangers in general. If there is a dog |
| fearful dog, can be apt to bite. The best way to | | | | park nearby you can take your pup off the leash and |
| prevent biting is to socialize a dog early so that he or | | | | let him or her socialize with other dogs as well as with |
| she does not think of strangers as something to be | | | | people. People who go to dog parks are bound to like |
| feared. | | | | dogs, so your pup stands a good chance of meeting |
| Socialization should begin when your puppy is 8 to 16 | | | | some friendly people who love to pet puppies. |
| weeks old. By the time he or she reaches 4 months, | | | | If there are no large parks available, simply walking |
| the pup should be able to accept strangers calmly. | | | | your Blue heeler around the neighborhood will do you |
| This does not mean that an older dog cannot be | | | | both good and allow you to encounter other strollers. If |
| socialized, but it might take more patience if the dog | | | | you take different routes and walk at different times |
| already has behavioral problems, and you might need | | | | of the day, you are likely to encounter different people |
| the help of a good trainer or veterinarian for your Blue | | | | and dogs, so your dog will have a continually changing |
| Heeler training. | | | | source of new acquaintances. |
| Blue heelers love to go outdoors and run, so good | | | | Puppy training classes, or |
| places to socialize them include parks and beaches | | | | |