mustang

by Debbie radmer
(Spokane, Wa, USA)

We were looking for a purebred Boston. What we got was a Boston Heeler. He is a very good dog. However, very stubborn and hard headed. Although he is suppose to be my son's (Alex) dog, he does seem to prefer me. It took alot to train this dog. Kindness does not seem to work. Neither do treats. It may seem cruel to most of you, however, this was the only way we could get him to realize right from wrong. We had to hit him with the leash. Now, I had talked to many Heeler owners and they had informed me that is what a heeler seems to respond to. Now he knows when I bring out the leash and show him the end that you put in your hand; he knows he has done wrong. I no longer need to whip him. He learns. We have also learned that if you pay him no lovin he knows you are upset with him. He has a room that we put him in now as well. We don't lock him in there or shut the door, just tell him to go in there. He is very loving to our children and other dog as well as the cats. He knows who he can play ruff with and who to just nudge with his nose to get them to play with him. He loves to play fetch.

I did have a Boston growing up who just loved water. Mustang, unfortunately doesn't. After having him for a year and going through a lot of growing together we would not trade him for the world. He is skittish with noises or when things move unexpectedly. Without him there would definitely be less joy in out house.