I got a new puppy yesterday, and I'm beginning to wonder about how incredibly independent he seems to be. He is an Australian Cattle Dog, and according to the breeder just about 6 weeks old (but he wasn't sure). He is a gorgeous little guy. I picked him because he was the first one of the litter to run to me and lick my hand, so he seemed pretty well socialized and affectionate. Now, at home, of course he still sleeps a lot, but also he has times when he is very very playful and energetic. But what I'm not used to from my previous puppies is that he seems totally happy exploring things on his own, and then curling up on the floor somewhere to go to sleep. If I happen to be closeby, he'll come and sleep in my lap or so, but he doesn't really seem to care either way. Also, he barely whines at all.
Of course all of this may be good things. I was just used to my two previous puppies (both Pitbulls) that would follow me around everywhere and in the first days start whining as soon as I'm out of sight. I just figure he will be hard to train if he doesn't first bond to me at least a little more.
Any suggestions how I can get him to care more about me and bond to me without spoiling his independence?

I know that it hurts a bit when you show all this love and affection and he does not seem to show it but look at the typ of breed you got.

Cattle dog just that alone says "Tottaly independant" There bred for farms to herd cattle.There a very energetic smart breed and have alot of independancy.

You bond with him every day you cannot compare that breed with another he may not show the affection that you see from your pits but he is showing it in his own way.

You cannot force him to show you more affection all you can do is keep loveing him show your affection and hey he is only 6 weeks! Give him some time he hardily understands things.

I used to own an ACD, they are wonderful dogs, very smart, very trainable & very loyal. They are bred to work so he will need lots of stimulation, just laying around is not what an ACD enjoys or he will become a destuctive little fellow. Just give him time & I'm sure he'll be a wonderful friend for many years to come. :-D

Originally Posted by maluma

He is an Australian Cattle Dog, and according to the breeder just about 6 weeks old (but he wasn't sure).

The Breeder wasn't sure how old the dog is????

Anyway, as has been said, ACDs are working dogs bred to be independent cattle herders. They do not just toss love around to anyone--one must earn their love and dedication. A bored cattledog is a destructive cattledog. Exercise, mental stimulation, and a job are important to this breed. You will need to stay one step ahead of your dog which can be challenging at times--it was for me anyway! Because cattle dogs are instinctively aloof, this can go to the extreme and turn into shyness/fear if their early developmental days are not handled correctly. Encourage your dog to explore it's world and praise him for checking out new stuff.

I love cattle dogs. They have hearts of gold which they will share with you once the bond has been made.

Is he a blue or red heeler?

[Corky/Max]

If you just got him a day or two ago---He probably hasn't had enough time and he's also too busy exploring (which might also be wearing him out some) and then he might be ready for a nap! Takes some time maybe for him to get attached to you more. And not whining sounds like a very good thing to me! Why would you want him to do that? Don't know if you are trying too hard or not but I wouldn't push too much---see if he warms up to you in the coming days.

Thanks to everyone. The little guy has indeed started to warm up to me a lot by now.
Just to clarify, I didn't mean that no whining is a bad thing, I just wasn't used to it. We started playing some puppy games and some elemental subtle training, which all helped for us to bond more. He is doing great and I just love him to death! He is a blue heeler and absolutely gorgeous.
I guess I just wasn't used to how different he was from my other puppies, but then that's part of the fun of discovering a new breed.
I'll just make sure to spend as much time with him as I can and give him the training and exercise he needs to grow up to be a great dog.

Originally Posted by maluma

Thanks to everyone. The little guy has indeed started to warm up to me a lot by now.
Just to clarify, I didn't mean that no whining is a bad thing, I just wasn't used to it. We started playing some puppy games and some elemental subtle training, which all helped for us to bond more. He is doing great and I just love him to death! He is a blue heeler and absolutely gorgeous.
I guess I just wasn't used to how different he was from my other puppies, but then that's part of the fun of discovering a new breed.
I'll just make sure to spend as much time with him as I can and give him the training and exercise he needs to grow up to be a great dog.

Sounds great! You will love your heeler....I've had a number of really great dogs but my cattle dog was THE BEST dog ever--even considering her fear issues (she was an adoption) she was the best friend a girl could want. She kept me on my toes!