My blue heeler nips ankles. How to manage this herding instinct?

Question

My newly rescued blue heeler will not stop biting the ankles of my border collie. How can I get this to stop? She’s also started doing it to my kids ankles. Not harshly but I’m afraid it’s going to become more. Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 30 lbs

Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

For a while when she is with your other dog or your kids you may want to keep her on a leash so when she does this you can correct her. This is a natural “herding” instinct of the healer, and may be hard to end all together. Warn the kids not to run in the house because this will most definitely excite that response. I would also encourage you to consider a lot of activity and a “job” for this heeler. Have the kids play hide and seek with her, teach her to “find” treats you hide in the house, maybe agility classes with her. These guys need lots of brain use ! Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

My blue heeler nips ankles. How to manage this herding instinct?

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