It dawned on me that I haven’t created an “About Page” for my Companion Jagger. So here it is, a recap of our trials adapting to the RV lifestyle up to this point of our adventures. It will also be available on the Menu above under About Jagger
Prologue: There was a time I wasn’t sure Jagger would work out, due to the aggression issues with other dogs. He seems to be doing better each day. It’s still a struggle for me due to his size, but I think we can get past it, only time will tell. He is a puppy stuck in an adult dog body.
Meeting my Sidekick – 6 months old
Jagger is an Australian Shepherd born on October 14, 2013 in West Virginia. He is black with white markings and tan points, and light blue eyes.
As a very young puppy he was transported to a breeder via a crate (kennel) by ground to Arizona. There to become a Stud for a hobby breeder.
In February 2014 after inquiring about owning an Australian Shepherd for my lifestyle, the breeder thought one would be a match for me.
Jagger 8 Months Old
The breeder planned a litter for the spring, but it didn’t materialize and they wouldn’t have any puppies available before I headed north after picking up my coach.
After continuing contacts over the next several months, they told me they had a young six month old puppy that regretfully they were going to return to West Virginia for personal reasons. They asked me if I would be interested in taking him. Well after a few visits and consulting with my son, I picked him up in late April 2014.
I have grown close to Jagger over the past few months. We are together 24/7, and he has learned all the basic commands and leash training. We are still working on “heal command” and his “dog/leash aggression”. We have traveled over 3,000 miles together so and seen untold sights and still going.
It hasn’t all been fun. Discouraging times were his endless bout of stomach issues lasting over two months before finding the right food for him after the giardia infection. Nursing him after his neutering surgery. Socializing him at an older age has been tiring and still ongoing. First noticed was his dislike of some people and still his leash aggression with other dogs. What training and discouragement I missed as a very small puppy, I more then have made up since. We finished a “basic training” class together this summer, spending most of the classes in the “dunce” corner (side yard). We also spent many hours after class and during the weeks with our trainer Jewel and eventually her puppy Shasta (The Joy Animal). Still we have issues with other dogs, but he is improving and between the two of us we will conquer this aggression.
Jagger has finally made some friends at home in Montana.
In all Jagger is a perfect companion for me. Together we will conquer his dog aggression and experience traveling full time in our fifth wheel, seeing the country we live in.
Safe Travels until next time…Gary
Categories: Jagger
Retired Vagabond 