Prologue: There was a time I wasn’t sure Jagger would work out, due to our aggression issues. 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 as I learn what he can tolerate. He is a puppy stuck in an adult dog body.
Jagger
The Meeting
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 he was 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.
The breeder had 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 in Arizona.
Jagger 8 Months Old
We continued our contacts over several months as I prepared for living Full Time in my new fifth wheel home. When arriving in Arizona with my new home, after contacting the breeder again, she told me they had a six month old puppy that regretfully they were going to return to West Virginia. They asked me if I would be interested in taking him. After a few visits and consulting with my son who used to raise seeing eye dogs, I picked him up in April 2014.
Today
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 10,000 miles together so far, 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 fear of some people and still his leash aggression with other dogs.
Training
What training and discouragement I missed as a very small puppy, I more than 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.
Jagger at Lost Dutchman State Park – 3 years old
Retired Vagabond 
Hi this is Riley Aiden & Seth’s Friend i just wanted to tell you that your blog is great,so keep up the good work!
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Hi Riley, Thanks for the compliment.
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I also have an Aussie, Feather Blu. She does not have aggression issues, but she does get overly excited when she meets new people. She loves everyone and thinks everyone loves her. LOL Funny though, most folks do enjoy her and want to pet her. Seems people love Aussies, a lot. We are still working on her stay command. Not good when she thinks she can run to anyone she sees. Getting out amongst people is good for her and agility has taught her to focus and self discipline. I am happy that Jagger is your perfect companion. He is a beautiful boy. Yep! They are extremely smart and loving. The best of the best.
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Hi Jeannie, Funny Jagger has similar problems with getting over excited. It’s an ongoing process. When he was younger people would say when he gets older, maybe three, he will mellow out a little. Well he’s three now and although he listens much better, we are still working on our manners. Maybe four will be the magic number. Thanks for chiming in about your Feather Blu (I’ve seen pics on FB) she’s one cute puppy!
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We have an Aussie, too. Our Jake is more of a tri-color than Jagger, but otherwise, they look very much alike. We kennel Luke quite a lot when we travel, because he also is canine aggressive, and several of our relatives have tiny dogs, which must look like tasty morsels to him. He’s also very prey-focused and will yank our arms out of socket when he sees a squirrel. But, beyond that, we are convinced there’s not a better breed anywhere. So loving. So dedicated to us. So smart. Such a sweetheart. Luke is work, for sure. But worth every minute of effort. I can sense that you feel the same about Jagger.
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Thanks for sharing Suzette. I have heard from many here, on Facebook and in person who have encouraged me in the process this last year and a half. Other than the fear aggression, Jagger is the perfect companion. We are together almost constantly and like you mention they are very smart. I can almost talk to him and he understands. Another trait I have seen is he “talks with his eyes”, almost pointing out what he is wanting me to do. I’m I nuts?
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love jagger once he was at my house
talking to popa g
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That’s right Aiden. He really misses you and Seth….and we will be back for the winter months sooner than you think.
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