Coal is in Maryland but I'm willing to drive for the right placement. He's extremely smart and trainable. He has literally learned a new command after a single repetition with a lure. He's also reactive with a low frustration threshold.

He's made huge improvements recently in a board and train that used balanced methods. The board and train trainer could dress him in his kennel with a slip lead, prong, and/or e collar, and got him to accept a muzzle also. The muzzle is really necessary for vet and grooming and previously not being able to muzzle has been an obstacle to nail trims and vet care, but he is up to date. I've been able to maintain the training since getting him back, though I'm not very skillful with it. He learns new commands easily with positive reinforcement of food and his reactivity can be trained away with the negative corrections if necessary for those who use the "balanced" training methods.

He will be safe and happy in a setting that can treat him as a working line dog who only comes out of his kennel to be actively engaged in tasking that earns him food/reward, at least for awhile until he mellows out and builds trust. He is fearful of other dogs, but hasn't become aggressive with even new dogs at a dog park. He and my other dog play outside only. That said, I think he'd do best as an only dog who occasionally is around other dogs in neutral territory if necessary, territorial behavior towards the other dog inside the home has been an issue.

 

He has forward aggression when frustrated or territorial, using his paws. His nails, which are often too long because so far we only could get them trimmed with sedation at the vet, leave scratches. Now that he's muzzle trained, it may be possible to get his nails groomed more regularly. He gets mouthy like a cattle dog sometimes when frustrated but has never broken skin. Heeler nipping has occurred when frustrated/territorial to dogs and people. He also nips playfully. When aggressive, the bigger issue is that he lunges

I'm providing an extremely honest description because the only way he'll have a chance is with someone who has the skill and time necessary for a dog like him. He doesn't do well with mere access to a fenced yard. He needs to work and needs someone who can work him.

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Email gwenlmerlen@gmail.com