Benji

PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO FLY OUR ANIMALS EITHER WITHIN WA OR INTERSTATE, HOWEVER WE CAN ON OCCASION ARRANGE TRANSPORT BY ROAD TO THE PERTH AREA.

NAME: Benji

BEFORE RESCUE: Came to SAFE Esperance from the pound

BREED: Chihuahua x Jack Russell

BREED TRAITS: Chihuahuas love to be with their people and are definitely companion dogs that do not like to be left alone, They are sensitive, and can be aloof or wary of strangers and other dogs so early socialisation is very important. Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold or hot weather so a warm coat in the winter and care re overheating in the summer is needed - they are not outside dogs. They are bright and willful but will learn if you make it fun and although small, have big personalities.
Jack Russells are lively, independent and clever. They are trainable but have a mind of their own and if bored can dig and chew. Terriers are devoted to their people, affectionate and love being with them so cannot be left for long periods. Jack Russells can exhibit 'small dog syndrome' unless well socialised so may be reactive to larger dogs which can get them into trouble if not monitored. Careful and sensitive socialisation from a young age is a must.
****************************************************************************
ASSETS: Benji is extremely shy with new people but once he’s settled and is comfortable he’s affectionate and very sweet.

FAVOURITE THINGS: He gets on great with other dogs in his foster home and loves to do zoomies in the yard with them. He enjoys chasing balls and is happy to sit next to you getting pats and belly rubs once he’s confident around you.

ENDEARING FEATURES: Benji has a ton of love to give but will need time, love and patience from his new owner.

OTHER ANIMALS: Benji gets on well with other friendly dogs and loves their company, particularly small dogs. He has been in care with a cat for about a month and was curious but gentle around her. The cat was also unsure so Benji tended to avoid her. We think in time they could have been friends.

GENERAL INFO: Benji walks well on his lead and is house trained. He rarely barks and would benefit from some ongoing command training in his new home. Benji tends to be more wary of men, we think he has had a difficult relationship with a male in the past, but in his current foster home has learned to trust the kind gentlemen that live there.

ESSENTIALS for Benji:

** A quieter, loving adult home with someone who will take the time to make Benji feel comfortable and build up his confidence by gently showing him that the world isn’t the scary place that he’s experienced so far. We would prefer a home where someone is there more often than not or can take him with them when out.

** He has lived with other dogs so would be suited as either an only dog or as a companion to another dog. If an only dog he would enjoy regular interaction and playdates with other small dogs.

** Benji needs a fenced, secure yard with grass and interesting things for him to sniff and explore.

**Gentle classes would be wonderful for Benji to broaden his exposure and build his confidence.

** Benji needs to be allowed inside the home as he requires and to sleep inside at night.

Due to Benji’s timid nature we would prefer an adult only home with a limited amount of exposure to children.

If Benji sounds like the perfect fit for your family, please send an enquiry and we’ll be in touch soon.