rules dont count, when Im gone

Question
I have a 4 year old purebred golden retriever, who is extremely well behaved. I recently adopted a 3 year old australian shepherd. He is very gentle and is eager to please but is working on some training. He behaves, follows the rules- except when I am not around. He leaves the catfood alone, until I'm gone. He stays in the yard, until I'm gone. He stays in the back of the suv, until I'm in the store. He leaves the shoes alone, until I'm sleeping. He's very bright. He will even see me coming out of the store, and jump to the back of the suv. I know he's eating catfood, I come out to catch him- and he has his face in his dogfood. I know some of these problems I could avoid all together. But, is it really necessary to put up the catfood? To buy a gate for the back of my vehicle? To fence all 5 acres? He's still pretty fresh to this enviroment. Thanks for any advice.

Answer
I'd manage him until he learns rules. That means a crate, a fenced area, maybe a 10'x10' kennel if you can't fence an area for him. Honestly, as a 30+ year owner of Australian Shepherds, I would not leave him loose in an unfenced area. If you are in town, he's likely to chase bikers, joggers and cars. If you are in the country, he's likely to get shot for bothering people's livestock. Because, unlike a Golden, he's bred to control movement. He's a herding dog. He has instincts and needs that a Golden simply doesn't. The thing is, you can't train when you are not there. Anything he can  do when you're not watching creates a habit. Your best tool is managing him and not allowing him to get into bad habits when you aren't watching him, and training him when you are available. Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com