Holt Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Waterbury, VT

Meet Holt. He’s a devoted, affectionate 2-ish year old Australian Cattle Dog. Holt is about 50 pounds, is neutered, and is up to date on all vetting, vaccinations, and preventatives.

Holt is fully housebroken and crate trained – just say “get in your crate” and he trots right in. Holt also knows his name and comes when called. He knows other basic commands as well. Holt has a moderate need for exercise in general, and certainly as compared to the typical young cattle dog. However, while he doesn’t necessarily need it, he certainly likes to hike and plays enthusiastically. His prey drive is also lower than normal. He’s fine with cats, seems to have no interest in chasing chickens…but loves chasing squirrels. Holt walks well on a leash. He’s food motivated, loves his training sessions, and thrives on positive reinforcement.

Holt has a friendly and affectionate demeanor. Basically, he’s big goofball who loves nothing more than pets and belly rubs. He’ll try to convince you that he’s a lap dog and a teddy bear at heart. I suspect he may have been a bit neglected in his previous life and he’s slightly affection starved as a result. He’s a Velcro dog to the extreme and can even tend to resource guard the people who provide and care for him. He needs a home with an owner who will provide him with affection and love, but also set the firm limits and boundaries that cattle dogs require. I suggest Holt go to a home with herding or working dog experience, or to an owner with experience training dogs who resource guard for affection. As such, Holt should not be adopted into a house with young children. But make no mistake, Holt is very smart, friendly, eager to please, and he’s a charming pal. I’m certain that he’ll continue to thrive with an owner who understands him and gives him a home with consistent limits that will inspire his confidence.

Holt tends to be fearful and reactive when meeting new dogs. This is improving noticeably as he is socialized and meets more dogs. He gets along well with dogs that he is familiar with, but introductions to new dogs need to be handled with care in a controlled manner for the time being. Holt will do fine as an only dog or with an owner who understands multi-dog dynamics well.

Holt has no known health considerations or problems. Where training is concerned, he will need continued training around resource guarding the people he cares about, socialization with other dogs, as well as basic obedience

Holt is located in Waterbury, VT. For questions, please contact dhorton79@gmail.com.

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