have had several heelers red & blue the temperament is the big thing, if they are hard headed u have to get there attention letting them know whos boss!penning them up sothat they learn that u r the boss! also they dont start working livestock on their own, with out they're master present ! general obedience is very good start start as soon as possible! sit, stay,heel & down are the first things i teach! put them on a leach when u start working with them!even when working livestock , actually the best livestock 2 train them on is ducks or geese!they learn to herd & move them with out getting to rough, or getting roughed up them self , Even though those ganders can be mean. get them kicked or stomped by cattle or horses can ruin them ! horses have ruined more good dogs,takes a really good dog to handle them with some grit !