Personality
Like many herding dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs have high energy and active minds. Due to their personality, it is important for an owner to quickly establish a hierarchy in which they are the dog's pack leader. Otherwise, the young Australian Cattle Dog may bond to another, rather than to its owner.
ACDs are very organized animals. If the owner has established a "toy box," or some other type of holding area for the dog's possessions, it is not unlikely for an ACD to return whatever it has taken back to this area. Hence the numerous claims of the ACD putting away its toys, or picking up after itself. It is not unusual for an ACD to put away bones or items that have been taken out of the area by other dogs as well. Hence the many claims that the ACD picks up after others.
Activity Requirements
ACDs need plenty of exercise and tasks, such as participating in dog sports, learning tricks, or other activities that engage their minds. Cattle Dogs who do not receive the appropriate exercise and entertainment will invent their own, often destructive activities. These dogs are cautious by nature, and grow more so as they age. Their cautious nature towards strangers make them perfect guard dogs when trained for this task. Cattle Dogs drive cattle by nipping at their heels or tails, but they have also been known to herd other animals, such as ducks, chickens, pigeons, humans, and even cars when left to their own devices.