Strika

Strika - Affectionate Teddy Bear 🐻

Have you ever wanted to live with an alive teddy bear? A 37kg, amber eyed, brown, fluffy yet coarse, barking teddy bear? Strika, a Kelpie X Akita dog has had many comments about his bear-like appearance, turning many heads and is a great conversation starter. Unlike teddy bears, where people can grow up and grow out of them - Strika is looking for his forever home who will keep him and cherish him forever.

Strika is a very affectionate dog who loves pats and loves to squash and cuddle you on the couch. He always wants to be near you and will lounge by your feet if you’re cooking, eating or standing somewhere. If you enjoy dog-licks, Strika has a habit of licking hands to evoke a pat to his head, if you don’t enjoy a dog licking your hand, he will seek it out like a homing missile and turn it into his own game (this can be redirected onto a chew toy or treat). Despite his love of being around you, it would be described that he has none to very little separation anxiety and can be left home alone.

Home alone, after being walked and fed, he is non-destructive and will choose to lie and sleep somewhere in the house or in the backyard. Just do not leave food/tissues/other interesting items on counters or table tops as that is too much temptation for Strika and his bear-like tendencies of scavenging reveal itself (you will also learn to manage your habits when he sneaks eating something he shouldn't, and as a results has runny poops due to his sensitive stomach when not following the same diet). He is toilet trained (having access to a doggy door) and crate trained. His low to medium energy (leaning towards being a low energy dog) is perfect for those who can fulfil Strika with a daily walk ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the temperature and later a small session of play. He walks nicely on leash, understanding minimal leash pressure and doesn’t pull. Despite the Kelpie in him, do not expect athleticism or grace from him (picture him jumping into the car as an uncoordinated toddler climbing into the car by themself), but his enthusiasm for his walks, catching a ball or playing tug is entertaining.

His original home surrendered him as they ‘could no longer take care of him’. Being 4 years of age and coming into the Rescue with large permanent elbow calluses (the vet has said they should not be a problem if he sleeps on softer bedding) and from neglect it was evident he had minimal exposure to the outside world. However, in foster care he has quickly adjusted to the new world around him due to his resilience. Strika is still adjusting to other dogs and can exhibit some dominance, fear and curiosity, which is demonstrated by intense staring, barking/lunging and sniffing. His personality is introverted to other dogs and does not appear to enjoy the company of other dogs. So it would be best for Strika to be an only pet and not be expected to be a dog-social-dog, to attend dog-heavy events or to be a ‘cafe’ dog.

Strika is food motivated, making him easy to train - his short time in foster care he has learnt commands he was not trained on and he tolerates being groomed with treats. He would need a family who does not give into his ‘puppy eyes’ as he does demand-bark for your food when you are eating and sometimes at the vacuum because he wants your attention or when he throws a tantrum for being restrained when he doesn't want to be restrained. His possession of food and toys creates a small touch of resource-guarding in him, but it is easily managed. He travels wonderfully in the car, where you will find him enjoying your driving with his head out the window, peacefully watching the world whiz by or by relaxing and sleeping in the backseat. Even though he has only been exposed to children on playgrounds and parks, with Strika’s gentle nature to humans, it is believed Strika can live with a family with older children, (as he may not realize his weight and size of cuddling with smaller children) or other family dynamics. Striking the hearts of many, does Strika have room in your heart and home?