I have a Border collie blue healer MIX dog. His name is...

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Answer by Doreen
Submitted on 4/13/2004
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I have a 2 year old Border Collie Blue Healer myself and he is a wonderful boy. He was nippy at first and still has tons of energy. As far as curbing his nipping we got this product called Bitter Apple from the pet store. When he would nip at someone all we did is spray it in his mouth, and say NO Bite. The taste is bitter and they associate biting with bitterness then and don't do it anymore. When ever Brewster goes to nip at someone all we have to do is show him the bottle of Bitter Apple and he stops. As far as getting along with other dogs, socalization is the key. Brewster goes to daycare and the dog park quite often and loves it. These kind of dogs need a job to do. If you put three milk cartons in the back yard at different places chances are they will all end up in the same place herded together. Feeding we give him 2 cups of food in the morning and in the evening, he is so active that he works it off.

Answer by Debbie
Submitted on 5/27/2004
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We lost our blue healer/border collie mix last September. She was 7 years old and is still mourned by our family. She was the "best dog in the west", I used to say. She was the most loving, sensitive, intelligent and easiest to train dog we have ever had. We got her when she was 7 weeks old. She would nip and try to herd our heals...but after a short time of saying no and being firm and consistent she stopped. She loved the water, playing with balls and frisbees and had lots of energy. She also knew when it wasn't playtime and could lay down and relax with us all at night. She understood so many words and was eager to please and be a part of our family. Her name was BAILEY. We are now ready for another pup and are looking for the same breed. We want a female and to be able to pick from the litter of pups.

Answer by michelle
Submitted on 6/26/2004
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I have a Red Healer/Border Collie mix. He's seven and his name is Red! I has been the best dog I've ever had. He is very loyal and protective of me and my husband. You can't give this dog enough kisses or hugs. He is also very sensitive and even though he doesn't know alot of tricks, he was very easy to train. His best trick to give kisses on demand! We have a one year old, and Red is not really crazy about him. I think he is jealous. He's not an aggressive dog, but I worry he might be with our son. We are currently trying to find another home for Red because we are trying to have another child and I don't know that he'll take to another little one. He did nip at my three old neice, and I am taking that as a warning sign. I love Red very much and would like to find a loving home for him. He is best with adults, especially women, but he does like big kids, seven and up.

Answer by Elmo
Submitted on 8/13/2004
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We have a blue healer border collie cross we recently adopted from the humane society. Apparently she was left tied to a fence on the grounds one cold winter night. But she's got a terrible habit of peeing on the floor and cannot be left at home without being put in her kennel. The other problem is that she does not listen. If you tell her no she will just put her head in your lap on on your chest and go back to doing exactly what your telling her not to do. We also have a larger dog who is rottie, st Bernard, German Shepherd and Akita cross. Fanny will pick fights with this larger dog and bug her to the point where the large dog fights with her and puts her back in her place. It can be quite frustrating. Any help?

Answer by Melissa
Submitted on 9/19/2004
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We just received a Border Collie/Blue Heeler cross a few days ago, and have noticed that she does have this tendency to nip. I'm a little concerned because I've heard this can lead to other problems, but many people have told me it's very simple to train out of her. I've noticed that she will listen to me most of the time, but does have the attention span of a gnat--She has days where she will listen to everything you tell her, and others where she looks at you like she'd never heard the command before. I've been told to scold for nipping to 'muzzle' her snout with your hands, look her in the eyes and firmly say NO. It's only been a couple a couple of days, but I'll be sure to come back and let you know if this works.

Answer by George
Submitted on 6/3/2005
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We have border/blue mix whose name is Skip, 4 years old. He is a running machine who is a beautiful all-creme color, with only a handful of chestnut brown spots. We would like to try to find a female partner for Skip. I run him while I drive the car and he trots along, in front of, or behind the car. He stops SOOO fast on command when a mom in a stroller is coming, or another car is coming. We also do "goose drivebys", where he leaps out of my SUV window to chase Canada geese. He also loves to nip at my bike wheels when we go for a ride and I try to clock him in the cheek (sort of!) This is all one big game. At the dog park, he herd all the other dogs while they chase their balls and frisbees. If you have a nice female you'd like to offer up to us, please contact me at gstalle@aol.com

Answer by kim
Submitted on 6/9/2006
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I have a 6 yr blue heeler/border collie mix, his name is Kodi and we think he is the best dog in the world. He was hyper his first 3 years and ran a trench in our back yard and as a result now has arthritis. He is very mild mannered now and very obedient, although as a herd dog he is very protective of our (his) 4 young children! He follows them around the house and yard and even paces in front of the tub while they are taking a bath. He warns off adults he does not know but loves every child he has ever met. He loves to play catch-and still nips at the heels of a running person. Be patient with your young boy-he will grow into a fine dog-but dont be afraid to let him know you are the leader of the pack-use a very deep and loud voice and tell him "no" when he is misbehaving!

Answer by Megan
Submitted on 6/28/2006
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My response is to the questions about "dude." I have a blue heeler and a border collie (two different dogs not mixed)and the heeler is more hyperactive than the border collie. The border collie is a lot more vocal than the blue heeler, but the heeler has a very instinctive manner that drives him to herd. Also the border collie and the blue heeler are equally wary of new people. So, mixing the two breeds is bound to be an experience. You sort of get the worst of both worlds. I would suggest putting your dog into obedience training, but if you are an experienced dog owner you can get by with training Dude yourself. Although I must say I have owned dogs as an adult on my own for fifteen years and those two breeds were a definite challenge. So I suggest obedience training from an attributable trainer. As far as feeding I feed my heeler two cups morning and night, and the border collie around 1 and a half cups morning and night. I hope that helped, GOOD LUCK!

Answer by Ingrid
Submitted on 2/27/2007
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I had a border collie mix for 17 years, his name was muskie. He was awesome!They are a very busy breed. Muskie used to walk me to school and then return home. His favorite thing was to steel rubber boots from peoples garages around the neighborhood. He never bit. This was over 40 years ago. Today I have just added a new addition to our family, Sophie.. she's about 10 weeks and mixed I think with blue heeler, although the people we got her from say Border collie and lab mix. She is all black and fluffy with the beautiful gray black white on her chest and tummy and her feet are the same..ome thing though thats confusing my husband and myself is that her tail curls up. lol She is amazing, I urge you to socialize Dude, I would enroll in some training classes with him.. the nipping, well my muskie did it to and she does it also, infact we have two 8 month old brother kitties and Sophie is herding them all day, They love her already. We all do. I would also set up challenges for him..let him be who he was bred to be. Muskies favorite game was Hide and go seek, I would hide and my dad would hold him. Usually my friends were with me, and then I would call him, it was awesome to watch him sniff and find me, and he always did. As they age they just get better. But thats my opinion.

Answer by Katie...:)
Submitted on 4/13/2007
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Hey. my name is Katelyn but people call me Katie or Bondie but yeah i have allot of Blondie moments but enough about me. Yes i have 2 blue healers one is a pure breed the other is mixed with a beagle. The mix is almost 5 and my baby puppy is 11 weeks old. she always nips at my ankle {i never actually knew why until i read everyone else's pieces ha-ha} but saying NO and pushing her away seems to prevent her from doing it she hasn't stopped yet [she's still learning] but shes slowed it down i guess.:) they learn so fast both of them at first i was like oh my goodness will she ever listen with my mix. then now that she's older i can take her on a walk and leave her outside and tell her to stay and she does! the puppy is still learning but she knows sit and come! shes only 11 weeks old! there names are Jasmin 11 weeks Roxanne is 4 years. We feed them um i think its 1 1/2 cups for Jasmin 2 times a day and 2 cups for Roxanne 2 times a day they both get many treats! give Dude love and don't smack him! and he will treat you like a true born mother. good luck! and e-mail me at oxblondenbrains@aim.com to tell me how its going. thanks.

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Question by Dog names Dude
Submitted on 12/4/2003
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I have a Border collie blue healer MIX dog. His name is Dude, as as you can see Dude is a Male. But Dude is ALWAYS Hyper....as the collie in him. And he LOVES Frisbee'. But he gets these nippy moments where he'll nip at people and other dogs. Dude doesn't'get a long with NEW dogs....just the nab-or dogs around this house. I was wondering how we can break these BAD habits and welcome him to the hey lets not nip and lets go meet that dog. Oh and Dude is 2 years old and like i said hes hyper 24-7....but....how much should you feed him in one day?. thanks for your time. CristiCream04@hotmail.com

Answer by elizabeth
Submitted on 2/25/2004
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We had the exact same mix of a border collie and blue heeler who we had to put to sleep this past Friday. Your dog sounds exactly like ours! she always remained shy and nippy with new dogs, we could never break her of that. As far as food we fed her one and a half cups of dry food in the morning and one and a half cups at night.

Answer by Dan and Gen
Submitted on 4/3/2004
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We have the same breed of dog. His name is 'Dog'. He is almost 3 years old. He is extremely hyperactive. Runs around all day. We feed him one big (I mean BIG) can of wet food a day, and he gets other treats, as well. Often leftovers at meal times. As for teaching an old dog new tricks it might be a bit hard, but when he does it, tell him 'no'. If you keep doing it, it will work. 'Dog' is very well behaved and this is how Dan has taught him. After about 2 years they get out of the puppy stage!

Answer by Chelsea
Submitted on 4/28/2004
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Well, I have to say first, you are very lucky to have "Dude!" Socialization will really help him. Obedience training as well, if he is always active take him for a night walk like i have to do with myn! Or if you're worrying about taking him to classes with other dogs all you do is every time he nipps say "No Biting" and clap your hands and make a loud noise!Or spray him with water on his head, my dog, Jess, a male border collie also did this to start with! Remember what "Dude" was bred for so try keeping him occupied with a buster cube or just a few balls to play with. Also remember that when training him NEVER smack your dog!

Answer by nina
Submitted on 5/7/2004
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I now currently have a blue healer also. He is two years old and we call him Billy. Billy always nips at everyone also and almost ate our cat. The reason, I found out, he nips everyone is because he is a herding dog. He usually nips my ankles when I would try to run with him. He's trying "to do his job". I know it is a pain! At Billy's previous house, he would always run to the neighbors house and herd the goats there. In herding, if the animal wanders of from the group the blue healer (or any herding dog) would simply nip and the ankle and get it back into the group.

Answer by valorie
Submitted on 5/8/2004
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I was looking up blue healer/collie mixes because I just helped rescue 6 blue healer/collie pups- they are awesome, and very mellow. They have been penned all of their 8 months and are a little shy- but are friendly. One named Blue is so mellow- he just lays with his head on your lap and wants you to pet him. If you are interested in these pups- please let me know- they need homes so very badly- and are wonderful dogs. We moved them to a shelter, but I can get the information for anyone who is interested.

Answer by Perne
Submitted on 5/20/2004
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I have a blue healer/collie mix an his name is Marvin. but last night he had a hearatack and just about died

Answer by sherrie
Submitted on 6/9/2004
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I'd like for Valorie to contact me at sdodds@martinsprocket.com My son is recently divorced and misses his kids terribly. He would devote lots of attention to one of those puppies. My granddaughter and I would love to give him one of those puppies for Father's day. Thanks, Sherrie

Answer by kelly
Submitted on 6/17/2004
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It's not just the collie in Dude. I have a pure bred blue heeler who is extremely nippy and EXTREMELY playful and hyper. The dog just requires love and exercise and some strong discipline. Blue heelers are lovers and need lots of attention. They are also very smart which is why disciplining can become a problem because they are like kids, they will do it even if it gets them in trouble.

Answer by Mandi
Submitted on 7/5/2004
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hey, I have a Blue healer/collie, his name is Happy, he's almost 2 in one month. I don't know what I would do with out him. He's was so hyper but i took some advise from another blue healer owner, who suggested to buy Tri-Cal dry dog food and wait for a couple months and see if he calms down. HE DID!! He still gets crazy when i have company for the first few minutes but he is a changed dog. And for the nipping at the heals he has stopped, unless he's chasing me in the park.....but i guess thats just what he was breed to do. GOOD LUCK!

Answer by Brad
Submitted on 7/11/2004
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Could valorie get in touch with me as well. Very interested in getting one of your healer pups. Great web info here!! Thanks. Brad. thompson@pac-mpo.gc.ca

Answer by Keira
Submitted on 8/17/2004
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I have a red healer/ German Shepard mix .. but hes Hyper as you guys have said but we also have a blue healer.. we think is a pure bred but We don't really know. Shes about a 1 yr old and is very timid around people and if you raise your voice she gets easily scared. The male is about 2 yrs and hes very sweet to people and cats.. but he licks why too much he-he. I'm sorry for thoughs who's dogs have died.. my condolences to you.

Answer by Grizzlyjrt
Submitted on 9/12/2004
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I have not had a blue healer, but I have had two Australian Shepard's and have been around many others. I think the article about the bitter apple spray is pretty good...one thing to remember is that these dogs are herd dogs. They are bread to nip at the hocks of cattle to move them. My experience is that these types of dogs are often nippy with people and other dogs due to this instinct. I know the last Australian Sheppard we had would try to "herd" children and other dogs too.

Answer by noxes
Submitted on 10/4/2004
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Just a question for you Blue Healer/Border Collie owners, How big do they get, my land lord thinks my pup will get to the size of a German Shepard, and so we are not allowed to keep her.

Answer by evans
Submitted on 10/9/2004
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we also have a blue heeler border collie and she is about 3 and a half she also has to be kept busy or shell keep jumping at our other dogs ears i herd that blue heelers have to have a job to do or they well make their own eg bella jumping at bules ears constally you can get in contact with us at jodeaneevans@yahoo.com

Answer by RYAN
Submitted on 1/7/2005
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ID LIKE SOME INFO ON GERMAN SHEPPARD/BLUE HEALERS.... ANYTHING WOULD HELP IM ABOUT TO ADOPT ONE-- 4 MONTHS OLD... I ALSO HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD SON

Answer by hank
Submitted on 7/10/2005
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I HAVE A RED HEALER BORDER COLLIE AND GOLDEN LAB MIX AND HE IS THE MOST SENSITIVE, PLAYFUL AND EASY TO TRAIN DOG i HAVE EVER HAD. a WONDERFUL MIX!

Answer by Lizi
Submitted on 12/8/2004
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I just adopted a red healer/border collie mix female pup and she's always asking to go outside to play with my siberian huskie. Her name is Maya and very intelligent, she's 3 1/2 months old and training very well!! She talks back to me when I do not pay attention to her, always wants to play. But I would like to see a picture of how she will look like when she gets older, can you help me ?? I love her very much and I can tell already that she will demand a lot of me!!

Answer by Stevo
Submitted on 12/15/2004
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You should feel lucky to get a great dog such as Dude. My brother and I just got two pure-bread blue healers. A boy and a girl. The boys name is Duke and the Females name is Dutches. Dutches not too long ago had Parvo. She almost died. The doc said she would die in four days, but she survived and is as hyper as ever. You know thats got to mean something. All you have to do is give Dude your affection and love and he'll love you forever.

Answer by margi
Submitted on 12/20/2004
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i have a blue/healer, aussie shep cross and he has the exact same problem. TAY nipps other dogs on a regular basis. he mainly plays well but on the aggressive side. we spent the last two summers tree planting in the bush so he was a bit of a wild dog and when he was really little, three months he would try to herd and nip but i made the mistake of not stopping him because i thought it was a puppy stage. he is fairly well behaved these days but sooooooo hyper, he hasn't even turned two yet but i have been told he will calm down a bit after he turns two. can't wait.

Answer by Penny and Virgil
Submitted on 12/23/2004
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We lost our best friend, Blue, a 9 year old blue healer, border collie mix this past summer. His headstone will read "Blue, a good and faithful servant". Would love to have the same breed mix spring to begin the loving and training process. Please advise of any possibilities. We live on approx. 8 acres and have a great place for him to grow up. Imgracd@wmconnect.com

Answer by KARL
Submitted on 12/30/2004
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We are interested in a border collie cross with a blue heeler for our daughters birthday she is 8 we also have two other kids 2 and 3 and would like any advice people have on this breed. We are aware they need a lot of attention and exercise, as I had a border collie myself at the same age but are a little nervous of the nipping mentioned on your page.

Answer by countykids
Submitted on 1/9/2005
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I have a border Collie Blue healer x 3 yr old female, spade, she is an awesome dog but ver defensive with her family. She is easily jealous and we quit often have to be careful around other dogs and them getting in between her and our kids as she really gets upset then and instigates a fight at that point with the other dogs. As well she reacts the same with her food or toys. I do find outside of her territory she is not as defensive however is very worried about the kids and her family. Tess is extremely smart and can easily be taught not to do something by just showing our disapproval.

Answer by Ellie
Submitted on 2/9/2005
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Hello, I am looking for a blue heeler/border collie mix. I have a 10 yr old blue heeler (my 3rd one) and looking for another dog with him. My email is twinartmik@aol.com Thanks Ellie

Answer by Orchid
Submitted on 2/12/2005
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Would a border collie mix do well in an apartment setting?

Answer by Annie
Submitted on 3/10/2005
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I 've had a rat terrier for three months and just got a yellow lab mix. Albert,the terrier, pesters Leo,the lab, and I'm afraid he will make Leo into a dog that nips . Any suggestions? Alone with me Leo is an angel.

Answer by answer by rachel
Submitted on 3/31/2005
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hi my name is rachel and i was just reading some of the answers. um.. i'monly 11 years old but, it seems funny, i research on dogs! i'vebeen doing it for the past 2 years because my mom does not like dogs so she told me to find a good breed. i ended up with a red healer! they are GREAT dogs! they do some times get very territorial. they are bred to be in open areas such as a ranch or farm, hey i live in TEXAS! the helar breed is highly inteligent but hard headed, phisicaly and stubornly. they might be hard to break in some areas.

Answer by Jacqui
Submitted on 5/28/2005
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Wondering where to find the Tri-Cal food that Mandi refers to. Have the same breed and the same problems. Thanks!!!

Answer by cassie
Submitted on 6/1/2005
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hi! i just got my border collie/blue heeler and i think she might be deaf besides taking her to the vet how can i be able to tell for sure. i also need help on training her. she is 8wks old and the most precious thing in the world i just don't know how to get her trained

Answer by karie
Submitted on 6/25/2005
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my dog name is rockey he is 7 weeks old he likes our other dog but we cant leave a room with out him barking he doesnt like to chew his toys he likes to chew me what someone gave me advise to say in a firm voice no and it is kinda working

Answer by cowgirldrj@aol.com
Submitted on 7/12/2005
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hey i love blue heelers! i think the mix puppies are cery smart. we have three heelers and they are the best!we just had puppies so if u have an idea for a name email me at cowgirldrj@aol. thanks

Answer by jeff
Submitted on 7/14/2005
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I also have a blue healer her name is Mandy and she is white with some black spots. I feed her two scoops of dry food a day. I'm not sure how to stop the from nipping at peoples heals, but i now mandy is really she around dogs that are larger then her but not so much around smaller dogs. I don't now if other blue healers do this to but whenever i take out the lawn more she bites the weeles and i can never figure out why.

Answer by Jamie
Submitted on 7/24/2005
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The dog i have is great and his name is Sandy. He is the coolest dog.

Answer by Danielle
Submitted on 8/2/2005
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I've been told buy a vet that you should feed a dog 1 cup to every twenty pounds once a day.Or you can split the amount into two feedings.As for the nipping,take him out and socialize him as much as possible with other people and dogs. For instance, when you go to a friends house for a bar-b-que take the the with you.Let him experience other people and other dogs away from his house.Good Luck!

Answer by Person.
Submitted on 8/10/2005
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I had a border collie, blue heeler and German shepherd. His name was Aussie. He died last year, but he was 17. We never expected him to live that long. First he was hyper and would nip your heels, but as he grew older, he was a wonderful dog to have. So, I say you let your dogs run around in the park, let them have their exercise. Soon they'll be so dog tired, an they might forget about nipping your heels, if you run fast enough. Just kidding.

Answer by Alisha
Submitted on 8/18/2005
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I have a blue healer i just got it and i don't know what he mixed with. He is very calm. We named him scrappy. He follows me and my husband around the house. If we leave he will whine. If i put him out side he will bark until we let him in. He has niped at our daughter who is 21 months and i dont know how to stop that. If some one can help me train that dog and help with some stuff that would be great. Email me at alisha_r_02@yahoo.com

Answer by leah
Submitted on 9/16/2005
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i also have a border collier/blue heeler and she is the most loving dog and very loyal... she used to nip when she was pup but after us walking funny with moving our heels almost to her mouth and the saying no she doesn't do it anymore, she is 1 and 3 months she is not hyper tho, only when we get visitors, and is usually pretty good with other animals, she mothers my kitten to pieces!! her name is Millie and she was very easy to train and i love her greatly!! hopefully she will be having puppies with my best friends blue heeler/border collie male dog!!