HOMED: Dexter - 5 yrs - Chihuahua - Dereham, Norfolk
Mar 10, 2014 23:13:59 GMT
ck and jill like this
Post by Girlytrude on Mar 10, 2014 23:13:59 GMT
Please read Dexter's details carefully before deciding to submit an application. Applications which do not meet the criteria will not be considered.
Dexter came to the rescue from a private home where he was living with two other dogs. Unfortunately one of these had taken a dislike to Dexter and he was being subjected to unprovoked attacks. As his owner was concerned both for his safety, and for the effect it may have on his temperament with other dogs she asked for our help to rehome him. He is quite a complex little character and we are looking for a home with previous Chi experience and knowledge of the breed's traits to ensure a happy match.
Dexter is an almost 5 year old Chihuahua who is currently sharing the foster home with several other dogs without issue. He does however show initial wariness when meeting dogs he does not know and can be a little snappy towards them if they are too invasive of his space. He is reasonably happy to see other dogs on walks, although he shows fairly typical 'little dog' behaviour and can be vocal having learned this from the resident dogs. He tends to follow the leader!
He has not mixed with any cats or small furries so we would prefer to home where there are none.
Dexter is definitely not comfortable around children, even young teenagers, so an adult only home is essential. He has a natural caution around anything new, including people, and this can display in a number of ways. With visitors to the home, he will bark, jump up at them and display 'warning' behaviour typical of a dog unsure of the intentions of new people. Once they are settled in and clearly not a threat he is more accepting and will usually allow a fuss. However he has been known to grab trousers legs or nip at hands or legs in this anxious state, and does appear to have a dislike for people wearing hats.
Fast movements towards him are also a trigger for Dexter, especially if made by people he has not yet built a trusting relationship with, and will result in him running to hide under a table or snapping reactively. However, given the time to build trust, and to bond with his person, and being sure to make your intentions clear, especially if leaning into his face or over his head he is far more tolerant and is happy to be touched and handled, even kissed - he just needs to know what's coming.
As children are however less predictable in their actions and Dexter is clearly very anxious around them and has snapped at even well behaved teens, there will be no negotiation regarding this point of his homing criteria. No resident or visiting children is essential to ensure a calm, anxiety free environment for him to thrive in.
Within the pack setting Dexter is fed in close proximity to another male dog and although he will grumble occasionally, he shows no guarding or possessive traits. In fact he will submit and walk away if the other dog decides to stick his nose in Dexter's dish, and they regularly swap dishes to and fro until all the food is gone. He has a healthy appetite and enjoys not just his meals, but treats and bones too. He loves playing with toys.
Dexter travels well in a car, crated for journeys up to 30 minutes or so, but has shown no signs of car sickness and would potentially travel further if needed. He walks well on lead although cannot as yet be let off lead as his recall is very unreliable. He behaves well when being groomed, again once he has trust in the person doing this.
This handsome little chap does still have an issue with scent marking and is not 100% house-trained. As anyone who knows Chihuahuas will know, their house-training can be a long process and it may never be perfect, but he has improved considerably during his time in the foster home. He does generally choose to use puppy pads or paper.
Dexter can be left for periods and is currently left with another little Chi for company. He is occasionally left in the kitchen of the foster home completely on his own whilst foster Mum is elsewhere in the house and does not seem to be distressed by this, simply takes himself to bed, so he could be left for 2-3 hours, but no longer.
Dexter's Foster Mum has this to add:
"Dexter is a comical little chap, very quiet, slightly nervy, will bark and jump up at new people, once he knows they are ok he relaxes, likes the company of people and other dogs, will bark at dogs when out on the lead, may not do this if not with other dogs that bark. Loves to be with you, all the time if possible! Will need patience and work to try to stop his scent marking. Previous Chihuahua experience may be of benefit. He is a typical Chi, loving, courageous, bold, proud, slightly nervy, loyal and full of character! He sits up on his back legs like a meercat and makes funny little 'speaking' noises, will keep you amused for hours! Loves to be outside, needs to go out for lots of wee wee's, so someone at home most of the time would suit him, definitely no children."
Dexter is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated.
Summary
Dexter could be homed with a compatible placid, not too boisterous but friendly Chihuahua type (or similar size).
No cats or small furries
An adult only home (No resident or visiting children)
No full time working homes (maximum left 3 hours with doggy company, less if a solo dog)
Prior Chi owning experience preferred, and an understanding of nervous dogs and taking time to gain their trust
A calm and quiet home, but active and committed to walks and ongoing training
If you are interested in adopting Dexter please complete our online adoption form here:
www.littledogrescue.co.uk/PreAdoption.html
and someone will give you a call as soon as possible.
Dexter came to the rescue from a private home where he was living with two other dogs. Unfortunately one of these had taken a dislike to Dexter and he was being subjected to unprovoked attacks. As his owner was concerned both for his safety, and for the effect it may have on his temperament with other dogs she asked for our help to rehome him. He is quite a complex little character and we are looking for a home with previous Chi experience and knowledge of the breed's traits to ensure a happy match.
Dexter is an almost 5 year old Chihuahua who is currently sharing the foster home with several other dogs without issue. He does however show initial wariness when meeting dogs he does not know and can be a little snappy towards them if they are too invasive of his space. He is reasonably happy to see other dogs on walks, although he shows fairly typical 'little dog' behaviour and can be vocal having learned this from the resident dogs. He tends to follow the leader!
He has not mixed with any cats or small furries so we would prefer to home where there are none.
Dexter is definitely not comfortable around children, even young teenagers, so an adult only home is essential. He has a natural caution around anything new, including people, and this can display in a number of ways. With visitors to the home, he will bark, jump up at them and display 'warning' behaviour typical of a dog unsure of the intentions of new people. Once they are settled in and clearly not a threat he is more accepting and will usually allow a fuss. However he has been known to grab trousers legs or nip at hands or legs in this anxious state, and does appear to have a dislike for people wearing hats.
Fast movements towards him are also a trigger for Dexter, especially if made by people he has not yet built a trusting relationship with, and will result in him running to hide under a table or snapping reactively. However, given the time to build trust, and to bond with his person, and being sure to make your intentions clear, especially if leaning into his face or over his head he is far more tolerant and is happy to be touched and handled, even kissed - he just needs to know what's coming.
As children are however less predictable in their actions and Dexter is clearly very anxious around them and has snapped at even well behaved teens, there will be no negotiation regarding this point of his homing criteria. No resident or visiting children is essential to ensure a calm, anxiety free environment for him to thrive in.
Within the pack setting Dexter is fed in close proximity to another male dog and although he will grumble occasionally, he shows no guarding or possessive traits. In fact he will submit and walk away if the other dog decides to stick his nose in Dexter's dish, and they regularly swap dishes to and fro until all the food is gone. He has a healthy appetite and enjoys not just his meals, but treats and bones too. He loves playing with toys.
Dexter travels well in a car, crated for journeys up to 30 minutes or so, but has shown no signs of car sickness and would potentially travel further if needed. He walks well on lead although cannot as yet be let off lead as his recall is very unreliable. He behaves well when being groomed, again once he has trust in the person doing this.
This handsome little chap does still have an issue with scent marking and is not 100% house-trained. As anyone who knows Chihuahuas will know, their house-training can be a long process and it may never be perfect, but he has improved considerably during his time in the foster home. He does generally choose to use puppy pads or paper.
Dexter can be left for periods and is currently left with another little Chi for company. He is occasionally left in the kitchen of the foster home completely on his own whilst foster Mum is elsewhere in the house and does not seem to be distressed by this, simply takes himself to bed, so he could be left for 2-3 hours, but no longer.
Dexter's Foster Mum has this to add:
"Dexter is a comical little chap, very quiet, slightly nervy, will bark and jump up at new people, once he knows they are ok he relaxes, likes the company of people and other dogs, will bark at dogs when out on the lead, may not do this if not with other dogs that bark. Loves to be with you, all the time if possible! Will need patience and work to try to stop his scent marking. Previous Chihuahua experience may be of benefit. He is a typical Chi, loving, courageous, bold, proud, slightly nervy, loyal and full of character! He sits up on his back legs like a meercat and makes funny little 'speaking' noises, will keep you amused for hours! Loves to be outside, needs to go out for lots of wee wee's, so someone at home most of the time would suit him, definitely no children."
Dexter is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated.
Summary
Dexter could be homed with a compatible placid, not too boisterous but friendly Chihuahua type (or similar size).
No cats or small furries
An adult only home (No resident or visiting children)
No full time working homes (maximum left 3 hours with doggy company, less if a solo dog)
Prior Chi owning experience preferred, and an understanding of nervous dogs and taking time to gain their trust
A calm and quiet home, but active and committed to walks and ongoing training
If you are interested in adopting Dexter please complete our online adoption form here:
www.littledogrescue.co.uk/PreAdoption.html
and someone will give you a call as soon as possible.
