Jasper Australian Shepherd Elkton, VA

Jasper is a handsome, high-energy boy that loves to play with every dog he meets. He came to ARMA as an owner surrender from KY. He is friendly with new people and is getting more comfortable being around a group of people and their dogs.

He knows some basic commands, sit, down and shake, is good in his crate and rides great in the car. For a young pup we have been amazed how well-mannered he is in the house, and with adequate exercise, he has an “off-button.” He likes to be brushed and you can handle him all over.

He loves his food and is gentle when taking treats from your hand. He is getting better at reading dog language, especially with dogs that do not want to partake in his antics. Jasper played very gently when a friend brought her 16-wk. old puppy to the farm. We have not seen a ball drive; he would rather herd the other dogs and will sometimes nip at their back legs. If he picks up a ball, he takes off to play by himself or to chew on it, and yes, he can be destructive with toys. He does well with chew bones and greenies, and he likes toys that squeak.

He appears to have small prey drive, but we cannot cat test him since we don’t have any felines. We also do not know how he will respond to children; I would suggest no kids under 12 unless the family has experience with herding dogs. The shelter told us he was a submissive peer, we have only seen this twice since he has been here. We introduced him to the pool by coaxing him onto the sundeck. He did OK for his first time and willingly came back on the sundeck by himself.

Jasper is UTD on vaccinations and preventatives. He would benefit from a basic obedience class, as his leash walking and recall both need work. If you are interested in adopting this handsome young man, please fill out an application on our website.

https://aussierescueofthemidatlantic.org/apply/