Smudge - 8yom Mini Poodle, male (On trial 18/4/25)

Hello, future best friend! My name is Smudge, and I’m an 8-year-old, male, mini poodle looking for a calm, loving home where I can be the centre of attention. I have a big heart, a quirky personality, and plenty of love to give to the right person.

What Makes Me Special
I’m a devoted and affectionate companion who loves nothing more than snuggling up on the couch. My signature move is slowly melting into your legs and ending up on the floor for belly rubs! Belly rubs are my absolute favorite, and I’ll also happily curl up in your lap or next to you for some quiet time together. I thrive in a peaceful home, making me a great match for active retirees or remote workers. I love a slow, sniffy walk or a brisker trot when other doggos aren’t around!

A Few Things to Consider
I was a lost dog (or as I prefer to call it, a man of mystery) so not much was known about me, but we’ve found that I prefer to be the only pet in the home. Other dogs can sometimes overwhelm me, and I find cats a little too fascinating. My foster carer would love to keep me but they sadly have a cat! While I can be friendly with some dogs, I can also be reactive without warning, so it’s best to avoid unfamiliar dogs during walks or use high-value treats to work on reducing reactivity.

Like many poodles, when I fall, I fall hard. I do experience separation anxiety and will need a patient owner to help me feel more secure when left alone, including building up gradually to being left alone for longer periods. A trainer could be helpful in building my confidence and managing my reactivity.

I have a habit of hiding treats and enjoy playing with my toys on my own. To be honest it’s more of a cute quirk and I will let my precious items be handled and am learning to play interactively (I am very good at independent play with all my favourite toys).

When it comes to food, I have a refined palate. I’m currently transitioning to a fresh food diet, but I prefer Royal Canin poodle kibble and fresh food from Scratch, Lyka etc. I love treats and attention and play, and am very trainable.

My Ideal Home
🐾 A patient carer with experience with anxious/reactive dogs who can understand my behaviours and training needs, and is willing to work through my separation anxiety and dog reactivity
🐾 A calm household where I am the only pet, soaking up all the belly rubs
🐾 Preferably a couple or a quiet, calm family home where someone is home most of the time and 2 or more caregivers can tag-team to manage my separation anxiety
🐾 As an inside dog, I need to be allowed inside when my people are home, and to sleep inside - I sleep through the night in my little dog bed!
🐾 Ongoing positive reinforcement (and cheese) to help me by the best dog I can be and manage dog reactivity and separation anxiety
🐾 Regular brushing and grooming of my lovely, curly, non/low-shedding coat
🐾 Backyard or private grassy area for decompression and sniffing time away from other dogs

I may have a few quirks, but I have so much love to give to the right person. If you think we’re a great match, I’d love to meet you! Submit an adoption application today and let’s start our journey together.

Smudge is in foster care in Ashfield, NSW. He is not available for adoption interstate. His adoption fee is $500 and he is desexed, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, and microchipped.

To apply to meet Smudge, please fill out our Adoption Questionnaire https://tinyurl.com/drnadopt

If you have any questions you can email alextaylor33@gmail.com

You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au