How to Get My Blue Heeler Puppy to Come to Me on Command

Puppies, regardless of their breed, have curious temperaments and minds of their own that often cause them to miss the cues and commands given by their owners. A blue heeler puppy is especially independent, due to the nature of the breed, and are known to be highly energetic pups. One thing to know about a blue heeler puppy is that blue heelers are working dogs, which means they enjoy taking commands and staying busy. If you want your blue heeler puppy to come to you on command, this level of obedience will come with practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Puppy treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Strap the collar around your puppy's neck and attach the leash to it. While you may not keep the collar on your blue heeler at home, any time you perform obedience training, you should put the collar on to signify to the dog that it's time to work.

    • 2

      Pick a command that you will use to get the blue heeler to come to you. The command might be "Come" or "Come here" or "Here."

    • 3

      Say the command to your puppy. As you say the command, pull the leash toward you so that the puppy physically goes to you. Release the leash and let the puppy wander away. Repeat the command and, once again, pull the puppy back to you. Repeating this movement with the command teaches the blue heeler to associate the command with going to you.

    • 4

      Take the leash off the collar, but leave the collar on. Give the same command. See whether the blue heeler goes to you on command. If it does, reward the puppy with a treat and some physical attention. If the puppy doesn't respond to the command to go to you, use physical cues to redirect the puppy over to you. For example, one type of physical cue may be to snap your fingers while pointing to the floor. Movements and motions must be abrupt and sharp to keep the puppy's attention.

    • 5

      Reward the blue heeler each time it follows the command to go to you. The blue heeler breed wants to bond with the family, so another important gesture is to give the puppy lots of positive verbal and physical praise. That is, say things like "Good boy" in a high voice while rubbing the heeler's head or belly.