Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

How to stop my anxious blue heeler puppy from pacing indoors?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | spayed | 32 lbs

I have a 9 month old blue heeler puppy, Daisy. Shes always been a very anxious dog. She is constantly pacing, but only inside. It's driving me insane. I'm so upset about this and I am to the point where I'm considering rehoming her. What should I do?? How can I help her??

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 4th, 2017

First of all, Daisy is adorable! Daisy may be pacing as a result of her anxiety, or as a result of boredom. Australian Cattle Dogs are a fairly high energy breed and need a good bit of exercise every day to burn off this energy. Without this, they can become more anxious, bored, and even destructive. You can try taking Daisy out for more walks, to parks, play fetch, or even hire a dog walker if your schedule does not permit for this extra time. If the pacing continues in the house despite an increase in her exercise routine, consider using a calming pheromone collar or diffuser ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33000 ) in an attempt to mediate her anxiety. You can also discuss anti-anxiety medications with her vet if all else fails. I hope that all goes well!

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    Daisy is very cute! I'm sorry she seems to be having anxiety issues. Blue Heelers tend to be high energy dogs and do require significant training and exercise. They are dogs that enjoy having a job (which is why they make great cattle/ranch dogs) but they can also get bored easily. The pacing she is doing could be related to boredom or anxiety. A good trainer or puppy class may be able to help you with activities. I'd suggest even thinking about participating in training that would give her a specific job (agility or even teaching her to heel and herd appropriately). At minimum, please set aside 30 mins to an hour a day for playing and training sessions - teaching simple commands and tricks). Crate training and having a settle location may also help. Adaptil collars may be useful too. Doing some learn to earn training may be helpful in this case as well: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/the-learn-to-earn-program-implementing-the-program/ If the anxious behavior persists I strongly suggest seeing a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. They can help prescribe medication or offer other training solutions.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored