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Two canine breeds consistently rank in the top ten of the world's smartest dogs: Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Each breed possesses an intelligence that shines in my current canine companion.

Jasper was just four months old when I rescued him from a shelter. The shelter provided scant evidence on Jasper's past, so my first priority was to teach Jasper how to utilize Mother Nature as a restroom. To my utter amazement, Jasper already knew how to time his feeding and water nourishment to coincide with his trips outside.

I wondered why such a highly intelligent dog languished in a rescue shelter. I soon found out why when I caught Jasper chewing my compact discs and digging holes to China in the back yard. The previous owner did not have either the time or patience to train Jasper. As I soon found out, it did not take time or patience to rid Jasper of the destructive habits. He stopped both activities after I gave Jasper one simple admonishment and a little more time to burn his high-octane energy.

With the basic "Do not do that" instructional sessions a fleeting memory, I decided to see how much I could get Jasper to do by issuing simple verbal commands. The first test for him was walking without a leash. I have never been a fan of physically restraining a dog, unless the breed type mandates strict restraint. It was apparent that a Border Collie-Labrador Retriever mix did not require a physical restraint in order to adhere to the walking plan.

Since he was ten months old, Jasper has walked by my side without a leash. The unencumbered walks have taken place in quiet rural settings, as well as bustling urban environments. Jasper follows my short, inflective verbal commands. I rarely have to raise my voice in order to capture Jasper's attention. He even responds to rapid-fire claps as a sign that he needs to stop deviating from his current walking course.

The unleashed freedom initiated after I inadvertently left the backyard gate open. As I glanced out the window, I noticed Jasper leave the yard. My heart sank, as I ran down the stairs and out the back door. When I ran to the alley, I saw Jasper three houses away herding my neighbor's dog back into his yard. It seems Max once again broke free of his surroundings, and this time Jasper took it upon himself to usher Max to his loving family.

The verbal commands that I issue are more elaborate than "Sit" or "Give me your paw." When I say, "Give me five," Jasper raises his paw and slaps it into my outstretched

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