Sorry for your loss. I know how "empty" time feels after loosing a dog.

 Cattledogs can be trained to ignore livestock. Heelers are my favorite. Kelpies are good too. Biggest thing with any working breed is to establish an activity routine. I have several excersize tools for Oso. The "chuck it" is a valuable tool for that purpose. Leave one sitting anywhere you  might have a few minutes with the dog and use it.

 Heelers are generally a thinking dog, so they will devise ways to get what they want. They can also devise ways to get "where" they want. Oso climbs ladders on equipment like the combine and basically he has mastered entry onto every piece of equipment on the farm. When at the dealerships picking up parts, he stays in the pu and it is funny to watch folks walk up tot he counter and comment "I bet no-one's going to steal anything out of that pickup".

 Heelers can be headstrong and must, I mean must be taught who is alpha.

 Heelers can also be quite possessive and will/can bite when protecting their "family". All dogs can bite, there is no non biting breed.

 All in all, a heeler is a very durable dog. Most are built like a brick. I prefer mixes after having both purebreed and mix. I also suppor the adopt a dog programs. My current dog, Oso, was found wondering the streets of a big city. Likely someone thought heelers are cute and did not realize the breeds characteristics dont blend well for city life. He was scheduled to be euthanized but a special lady at the shelter pleeded for a second chance. He's doing well now on the farm.

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