Last X-mas, we adopted a 6 weeks old Australian cattle pup. Cattle dogs are used in rounding up (droving or marshalling) cattle, sheep and even chickens and ducks in the field. Cattle dogs are quite intelligent and independent -- they need to be otherwise they cannot round up cattle on their own.

We can see how our pup learn to anticipate what we will do without being told. He is training us to be clear and precise in what we are about to do. We have to consider our next move carefully before we get down to do it.  The pup is proud to guess (anticipate) correctly, and we are proud to start acting correctly for the pup to finish the job.

The pup teaches us a great deal while we say we are teaching it. It is really learning for both of us to interact mutually. ;-)