The Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is a tough and energetic working dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His hardy nature made him perfect for the role of driving cattle in the rugged terrains of Australia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as that, his alertness and cautiousness makes him a great guard dog. The Blue Heeler is an incredible herding dog who excels at his job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what about wanting to keep a Blue Heeler as a family dog? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does the Blue Heeler do as a pet?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article discusses the aspects of a Blue Heeler’s personality when he is together with his family. It will mainly focus on the question ‘do Blue Heelers like to cuddle?’. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, it will give advice on how to get your Blue Heeler to cuddle, and how to bond with your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Do Blue Heelers Like To Cuddle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Whether Blue Heelers like to cuddle depends more on the individual itself than on anything else. Many Blue Heelers, however, are not mad about cuddling.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It is true that this breed is extremely affectionate and loyal to his family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like most herding dogs, he loves human interaction and working along with his human partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Blue Heeler does not always need as much cuddling as other breeds. He is an energetic dog that can become restless if he feels confined in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, the approach toward cuddling with owners or family varies from dog to dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Reasons Why Your Blue Heeler Might Not Like To Cuddle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Some Blue Heeler owners may find that their dog is exceptionally cuddly and loves to snuggle up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others find that their Blue Heeler cannot settle down to even cuddle for a short while. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some reasons why a Blue Heeler may not like to cuddle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due To Their Nature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blue Heelers are very hardy, sturdy, and independent working dogs. They were bred to do tough jobs in rough terrain and in an extremely hot climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to their nature, a Blue Heeler may not require or enjoy cuddling or physical touch like other breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, this dog may much rather prefer playing or exercising with his owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true if you have got your Blue Heeler from a working dog line. It may not be in his genes to be particularly fond of petting and cuddles. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, this would be different for a Blue Heeler bred as a show dog or family pet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this instance, your Blue Heeler may enjoy physical affection just as much as other breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restlessness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blue Heelers have exceptionally high energy levels, making them active and athletic dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This energy comes from the fact that their original purposes was to drive cattle for long distances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have great stamina and can work on for many hours without tiring out. For this reason, many Cattle Dogs can act very restless a lot of the time. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may not like to lay about not doing anything which they see as productive for long whiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may also not like to feel constrained, as this will make them grow restless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restlessness is also caused by not giving your Blue Heeler enough physical activity on a daily basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your Blue Heeler is not exercised properly, he will most likely not want to settle down for cuddles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not Enough Socialization Or Poor Upbringing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dog not socialized enough or at all during its puppyhood can result in a number of negative outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, they may grow to be rather shy toward humans. They may prefer their own company to that of their family, and could even act withdrawn toward others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor socialization can even lead to fear or, on the other hand, aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have got your Blue Heeler from a shelter or rescue center, there could be an even bigger likelihood of behavioral problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a chance that a Blue Heeler may have been abandoned or neglected as a puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He may have also been treated poorly, or even abused. Socialization may have been completely absent from his upbringing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, your Blue Heeler may have grown up to completely avoid cuddling and human affection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Get My Blue Heeler To Cuddle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Whatever the reason may be for your Blue Heeler not liking to cuddle, what can be done about it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get my Blue Heeler to cuddle? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there are many ways to get your Blue Heeler to be more open to cuddling with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are some I have included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Him Used To Receiving Affection From An Early Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When getting a puppy, it is important to show him plenty of affection and love on a daily basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will make him more likely to like cuddling even as an adult, and see human touch as normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Blue Heeler puppy raised without much physical touch may become rather distant from humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He may not be used to receiving cuddles, and will grow up not to be fond of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive Reinforcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B076M77QHC”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if your Blue Heeler has been cuddled from early on in his life and still doesn’t enjoy it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cuddling in your dog can be encouraged through positive reinforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever your Blue Heeler comes over for affection, or allows you to cuddle him, reward the behaviors you want to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rewarding a Blue Heeler simply for tolerance when cuddling can encourage him to repeat this behavior more often. He may even come to enjoy it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He may link cuddling with something positive, like receiving [amazon link=”B076M77QHC” title=”a treat” link_icon=”amazon” \/]. As well as that, a Blue Heeler is eager to please his owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resultingly, seeing you happy and praising him for cuddling and showing affection can move him to do it more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Him Enough Physical Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your Blue Heeler receives enough exercise on a daily basis, he will be happy and satisfied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For that reason, he may be more open to cuddling. In addition, he won’t be restless and have excess energy, so he will be more relaxed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He will also not try to escape or become uneasy when being cuddled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Bond With A Blue Heeler?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Exercise Together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the things that a Blue Heeler is most fond of is exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These highly energetic, active dogs need 1 to 2 hours of physical activity each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercising together is not only a great way to keep fit, but also a way to spend time with your Blue Heeler. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going for walks, jogs, runs, swimming<\/a>, or playing fun games builds a close bond and friendship with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, it will help your Blue Heeler associate your presence with positive things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playing Games Together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B0719Q89XH”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playing together can not only be a form of physical activity, but also mental stimulation for a Blue Heeler. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of regular mental stimulation can leave them extremely bored and prone to destructive behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This breed needs to be doing something entertaining, and enjoys a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can mentally stimulate your Blue Heeler in a number of ways. This includes through interactive toys, chewing, digging, or allowing your Cattle Dog to explore and find new scents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are also plenty of [amazon link=”B0719Q89XH” title=”mentally stimulating games” link_icon=”amazon” \/] you can take part in as well with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of these include games like fetch, tug of war, hide and seek, and treasure hunts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only will these provide entertainment, but also help you bond with your dog during the time spent together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep Or Rest In The Same Room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are social animals, and because of this enjoy sleeping or resting close to other pets and people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This behavior is inherited from wolves, which usually rest and sleep close together in their packs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleeping or resting in the same room with your Blue Heeler may promote a sense of comfort, reassurance, and security for him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, it will also likely strengthen the bond between you and your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obedience Practice And Teaching Him New Tricks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you dog knows everything revolved around obedience, it can still be a great way to bond with him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also teach him new skills, tricks or commands, which your Blue Heeler will be quick to learn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does obedience help you bond with your Blue Heeler?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, it is due to the fact that a Blue Heeler will feel like it’s completing a purpose or a job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Heelers are very eager to please their owner and are happy when they can do something for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, being praised and rewarded with a treat<\/a> will make it even better for them. In turn, this will make the friendship between both of you stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Cattle Dogs Good Pets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n