Today, Tuesday, we had Walter, an Australian Shepherd stay with us for two days. I always do research on the dog’s breed that stay with me to better understand the dog and to be honest Walter is a typical Australian Shepherd.

Alex, Walter and Sienna (from left to right)
This is what I found out about Walter’s breed: highly energetic, but sometimes can be easy-going, may show guarding behaviors, intelligent, learns quickly, enjoys working, often called velcro-dogs for their intense desire to be close to their owners, barks mostly as a warning, but not inclined to obsessive barking.

Handsome Walter
Now the description of Walter is very accurate, but you also have to remember that training and patience also make his traits shine. His mom took him for a few courses in obedience and even one to learn tricks. In other words, she took the time to train Walter and I could tell he was trained by the way he behaved on our first meeting. He was a little excited, which is normal, but he listened to his mom.

Walter, posing for this picture.
Regardless of your dog’s breed, at the very least, either take an Obedience Class with your dog or hire a dog trainer to help you bring out the best in your dog. I took 3 classes with Casey, my first dog, Obedience I, Obedience II, and Canine Good Citizen. And one class with Alex, Obedience I. Now if money is a little tight, you can always go to the library and get books about dog training that may be helpful to you and your dog. Look at it this way, and I am saying this from experience, living with a dog that at a minimum has basic obedience is a pleasure rather than living with one unruly dog that in the end might end up in a shelter. Enjoy your dog and you can start training him with treats. They all love treats.