Hello my friends, I’m Barqs a young Australian Cattle Dog (commonly called a Red Heeler) and I live in suburban New Orleans, Louisiana. I was born in Robeline, Louisiana at Ammons Cowdogs my cattle dog dad is Boyd and my mom is Melody. I had one brother born with me, his name is Henry and through the power of social media I have located him.  Henry lives in Shreveport, LA with a very nice family.

When my Momma & Daddy where trying to come up with a uniquely New Orleans name and were trying to think of things that were red since I’m a red heeler. At first Daddy thought of red velvet cake but thankfully that didn’t happen. Then Daddy came up with Barq’s Red Cream Soda and after a little convincing Momma agreed that I could be named Barqs. Many people think I’m named Barks, but even though I’m not a huge barker the double entendre of that sound a dog makes and my name keeps it interesting.  I am an American Kennel Club member and my official legal name is Barqs Red Cream Soda.

Since moving to New Orleans, I have a new human Momma, Daddy and a cattle dog sister, Roxie. I’m now party of a large multi-species family that includes us dogs, two birds a cockatiel & an African grey, a guinea pig, a flemish giant rabbit, lots of fish, a couple axolotls and even a couple of poison dart frogs.  Sadly, our family lost my big sister Roxie on March 14, 2019,  Meet my entire family below.

Never Stop Learning

Puppy University

I love to learn!  At 9-months old I had already graduated from THREE classes at Puppy University (you might know it as PetSmart, but I call it Puppy U.).  First, I had a 6-week “puppy class” which I call my freshman class.  It was pretty easy and I moved though that one pretty quickly.  My second 6-week class was my “intermediate class” and it was a little more challenging.  My sophomore class we worked on things like HEEL, LEAVE IT and the really hard one was COMING WHEN CALLED WITH DISTRACTIONS like a toy or treat between my starting and finishing point.  It’s hard to pass up a toy or treat!  Most recently I graduated from the Advanced Class at Puppy U..  This class was to prepare me to take the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.  I’m currently doing a little extra work before I sign up for to take the CGC test.  You can learn all about the CGC here: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/  

When I pass the CGC I will earn the CGC suffix which I can add to the end of my official name.  The AKC offers lots of titles you can earn.  You can see all of the titles here:AKC Titles

My teacher at Puppy U, is Katie but I call her Professor Katie.  I like to work with her, she is very nice. She was my teacher for all three of my classes,  I hope after I finish my classes that I might learn to run an agility course or other sports the AKC offers.  Being a cattle dog, I’m very athletic and I think it would be fun.  Being so young I’m not supposed to run or jump until I grow up more so for now my humans are limiting me to classes and learning a lot of commands.  I look forward to more athletic pursuits (and running and jumping!).