As I noted in my previous post, Lancashire Heelers are now fully recognized by the AKC and have joined the herding group as the 201st recognized breed. People everywhere are suddenly aware of them. When people ask me what breed my dog is, and I say, “Lancashire Heeler,” now most reply with something like, “Oh! I just learned about them from the AKC.”
I am proud of my dogs, their breed, and their accomplishments. I also worry that people who are unfamiliar with the breed will see a cute, cuddly companion and miss the determined, energetic, hard-working dog.
Working Breed
It’s important to realize that, although small, a Lancashire Heeler is not a lap dog. These dogs need a job and are quite versatile about what jobs they can do. If you don’t assign your Lancashire Heeler a job and train briefly every day, these dogs will create their own jobs. These self-appointed jobs may not be what you want. Be ready to give this breed enough exercise as well as training.
By working with your dog to train skills, you are building a relationship, which is key for dogs that have historically worked in partnership with their people.
Challenge Their Minds
What jobs are suitable for a Lancashire Heeler? Bear in mind that they were developed to move livestock, some over 100 times their size. As a result, they tend to be bold, and independent. Put these attributes to use by training them to do things that require some thinking on their part. This could include things as simple as making choices. Routinely ask your dog things like, “Do you want to play with this (hold up toy) or that (hold up another toy)?” or “Do you want to be quiet now or go to your room?” The extent of your imagination is the only practical limit to the choices you hold and can offer to your dog. Just be sure to offer only real choices (it should be equally fine with you no matter your dog’s choice) and safe choices.
Learning the basic skills of being a civilized dog living in harmony in your household can provide appropriate mental and physical stimulation. Add in a few clever tricks to keep things interesting. The AKC (American Kennel Club) offers videos to teach novice tricks and offers the Family Dog Program. If you are interested in doing more with your dog, you can foster a love for more complex tasks, such as various dog sports like trailing, herding, or nose work, to name a few.
Opportunities to Hunt
Taking advantage of the other set of skills at which these dogs have been bred to excel, you can teach them to do things that play into their natural talent for hunting and finding vermin around the farm. You can play hide and seek with your dog at home by hiding a treat or yourself. Sports that play into this skill set include Barn Hunt, shed antler hunting and lost item recovery, container, interior and exterior building, and vehicle searches, and lure coursing.
Build a Partnership
Unlike some herding breeds, Lancashire Heelers were developed to work in partnership with the humans on the farm. Relationships are important. Obedience, Rally, and Heelwork to Music are all dog sports that focus on you and your dog working together as partners. The AKC offers several sports with a dog-human relationship at the core. The UKC also offers sports with depend on a strong relationship.
Of course, if you are one of the lucky ones to live on a farm, your dog is likely to be a natural helpmate to you. With guidance and training, you will have a dependable and happy assistant.
Prestige Lancashire Heelers 