An Active Cattle Dog is a Happy Cattle Dog

The American Kennel Club describes the Australian Cattle Dog as, "Happiest in wide open spaces, ACDs are very high-energy dogs and extremely intelligent, so they need a job - such as herding, obedience or agility - to keep them happy. While wary of strangers, the breed bonds closely to its family, though the owner must establish themselves as the pack leader."

The following exercise activities for cattle dogs offer work for the mind and body. Have fun with your dog while letting him work off pent up energy.

Jumping

Exercise your cattle dog at home by setting up a few jumps in the back yard. Make four or five agility jumps from inexpensive PVC piping sold at your local hardware store. You can also make jumps from items you probably have in the basement. A couple of paint cans with a broom handle placed across the tops also work for cattle dog jumping.

Rev up your cattle dog by using one of his favorite toys, sending him over the jumps as you toss the dog toy. Your dog will leap over the jumps, working his hind legs and chest as he chases the toy.

If you want to work on socializing your cattle dog, as well as exercising him, sign up for a local agility class. The popularity of agility competitions and classes is growing by leaps and bounds and most dog training schools offer agility classes. Agility not only challenges dogs physically but also keeps them focused and thinking, racing the dogthrough a series of obstacles including jumps, teeters, elevated dog walks, weave poles, and A-frames.

Treibball

This Australian Cattle Dog is a perfect match for treibball, theGerman herding dog sport. The AKC Standard says that, "Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day." Many treibball associations hold competitions following the official rules of treibball but it is not necessary to enter competitions to have fun with your cattle dog. Your cattle dog can play treibball right in the back yard or in a park. All you need are a few large exercise balls and a soccer net to get your Australian Cattle dog in the herding mode, developing innate herding skills and physical strength.

Dancing

Freestyle dancing with your Australian Cattle dog requires your dog to follow cues and signals for different dance moves, working his brain and body. Training your cattle dog in freestyle dancing develops a bond between you and your dog, keeping him active while following your body movements. Dog Story.net lists a number of freesyle moves your dog needs to learn to get the two of you dancing together.

Many canine freestylers appear at local elderly housing complexes, schools, and community centers to perform their dances.

American Kennel Club: Australian Cattle Dog

North American Treibball Association

Dog Story: Freestyle Moves