Intense?

Oh yes! Cattle dogs can be VERY intense!
Here's Stumpy staring, intently, at absolutely nothing, that I can figure...


The focus and intensity of the Australian Cattle Dog is amazing to watch.


Intensity works for Australian Cattle dogs. And it can work for you, as an owner. These dogs WANT to work for you! They WANT to learn! As owners it is our responsibility to teach them. I find heelers, like all dogs, learn best by keeping lessons fun and positive. ACDs don't take corrections well, in my experience. Stumpy and I blow right by "her" mistakes (which in truth are more likely handler error, on my part.) The legendary stamina, intensity and focus of the ACD allow them to excel in whatever direction you wish to take. It doesn't matter whether it's a driven herding dog, a hard working search and rescue dog, an amazing agility competitor, a running or walking partner or a flying frisbee fetcher! Australian Cattle Dogs do it all, do it well and do it happily, as long as their best friend (you) are doing it with them. And the best part? At the end of the day, they are content to lay next to you, waiting for your next move. I have a theory, that works with any dog, but is especially true for Heelers: a tired heeler is a happy heeler!

New Hope Cattle Dog Rescue has a couple of dogs whose intensity and energy level will make them good candidates for someone with an active lifestyle or that is interested in agility, flyball or any in which activity requiring speed, stamina and tenacity.

Lucas and is a happy go lucky little guy, weighing 25 lbs and is about 1 year old.

He's the product of a hoarding-type of environment. Lucas was found running loose in a big yard with 20 dogs. The previous owners used two garbage can lids to feed the dogs and would dump the food in and the dogs had to fend for themselves. In spite of his beginnings Lucas is a happy and well adjusted boy (a testament to the adaptability of the breed.)
Lucas came into the NHCD Rescue program in November of this year. In a weeks time, with his new foster mom, Lucas has learned to wear a collar, walk on a loose leash, come when he is called and sit in a near perfect recall position.
Lucas does well with two daily walks and enjoys playing with his foster mom's other dog. He's been heartworm and fecal tested, neutered and current is current with all shots.


Hunter is the sweetest, goofiest dog you might ever meet! He's a rompin' and rollin' 1.5 year old neutered male cattle dog. He has lots of energy and enjoys playing with other dogs, playing fetch and running with his foster mom.

Hunter is trained on a gentle leader He's house trained and crate trained, too! He's good with Kids, good with some other dogs and possibly cats.

Please contact the Adoption Coordinator now at adopt@newhopecattledogs.com to ADOPT US!...

Please make sure to read the Adoption Policies and Procedures at the top of this page. And don't forget to fill out the Adoption Application.
NHCDogs are not free, an adoption fee is assessed.

Perhaps, like me, you are unable to bring a heeler into your home at this time. The next best thing would be bringingNorwood, Gus, Callie and Louie (AKA Three Happy Heelers), Velcro, Charlie Daniels, Wyatt Twirp and Ruger and Neve and Stumpyhome, in the form of The Dogs That Blog, ACD Edition, 2010 Calendar. As an added benefit you will be helping to support New Hope Catte Dog Rescue in their effort to provide forever homes for Cattle Dogs in need. Available soon! All proceeds from the Dogs That Blog, ACD Edition, 2010 Calendar will go directly to NHCD Rescue.

We'll keep you posted on it's availability!