Rex doesn’t have cattle to herd or a ranch to manage, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting his brain to work. He’s a Queensland Heeler mix, and one of the first things I’ve learned about him is just how quickly he picks things up. I generally only need to tell him something twice before he understands what I’m asking.
Take his ball, for example. I can tell him, “Find your ball,” and he knows exactly what to look for and where to find it. We can be in a completely different location, surrounded by unfamiliar things, and the instruction still makes sense to him.
It’s fascinating watching how quickly he learns, especially when our surroundings change as often as they do.
Always Paying Attention
I suspect Rex spent much of his earlier life in a backyard, although I don’t know much about his history. These days, his world includes forests, mountain trails, unfamiliar campsites, and whatever happens to be outside the 4Runner. When I’m working around camp, he often watches the trees and keeps an eye on what’s happening around us.
On hikes, he’s interested in every scent along the trail, but he also checks back on me. One afternoon at camp, his leash became tangled around a rock. Rather than pulling harder or getting frustrated, he stopped and patiently waited for me to untangle it. For a dog with that much energy and curiosity, he has a surprisingly patient side.
Same Schedule, Different Surroundings
Rex has a fairly consistent daily schedule, even though the scenery outside our windows keeps changing. Our mornings start early. His first order of business is getting outside to observe the surroundings, take care of his personal business, and enjoy a little morning sunshine.
Then it’s back inside for quiet time, followed by a nap. This is usually when I get my first stretch of work done.
Once he’s rested, it’s time to get moving. That might mean exploring trails, walking around camp, or spending a travel day making stops to investigate an unfamiliar town. There’s plenty for him to see, smell, and figure out along the way.
After a few hours of activity, we return to some downtime. Rex gets a chance to decompress from everything happening outside, and I get another opportunity to work.
The locations change, but the basic rhythm stays familiar. He knows when it’s time to explore and when it’s time to settle down, which makes sharing a small living space much easier.
A Job of His Own
Australian Cattle Dogs were developed for demanding work, and Rex certainly has the intelligence and energy that make the breed interesting. His life looks a little different, though.
Instead of moving livestock, he’s learning commands, exploring new territory, and adapting to a home that can be parked in a forest one week and somewhere entirely different the next.
I haven’t written him a job description. But if I ever do, I suspect I’ll only need to read it to him twice.
More Adventures With Rex
Rex is still finding his place in our little traveling operation, and there’s more to his story. From his first days in the 4Runner to the lessons we’re learning along the way, follow his journey as we explore life on the road together.
Fueled by coffee, road miles, and Roy’s questionable assistance. Enjoyed the read? Help keep it rolling. Buy Me a Coffee →
