Austin

Austin — A Happy, Affectionate Young Pup

DOB: 14 February 2026 - Valentine's Day!!
Breed: Border Collie x Terrier (best estimate)
Weight: 12 kgs (as at 24 July)
Desexing: Deferred Desexing Program applies

Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/

Meet Austin, a cheerful and affectionate young pup who loves people, dogs, toys and life in general.

Austin has a lovely, friendly temperament and approaches the world with all the enthusiasm you would expect from a happy puppy. He enjoys being part of family life, adores playing with his toys and is especially fond of racing around the house carrying them proudly.

He gets along well with other dogs and would be very happy sharing his home with a friendly canine companion who could help show him the ropes. He is not dependent on having another dog, however, and could also settle well as an only dog with plenty of companionship, interaction and enrichment from his people.

Austin is a medium-energy pup. He enjoys play and activity but is not as intensely energetic as some dogs of similar breeding. A home prepared to provide daily exercise, games, training and plenty of involvement in family life would suit him beautifully.

He is highly food motivated and is proving to be a quick learner. His foster carer is currently working with him on basic obedience and lead manners, and he is making good progress. Like all young dogs, Austin will benefit from patient, consistent training as he continues to mature.

Austin currently guards food around other dogs, so he must be fed separately and allowed to finish his meals without interruption. This is good practice in any multi-dog household and will help ensure that mealtimes remain calm and safe.

His toilet training is approximately 80 per cent complete, and he is continuing to improve. He is quiet and settled in a crate, respects baby gates and does not attempt to push through boundaries that have been established for him. He has also shown no signs of separation anxiety.

Austin loves children, although his puppy enthusiasm means he sometimes forgets about personal space. A family with primary-school-aged children or older would likely suit him best, particularly children who are comfortable around an affectionate and occasionally bouncy young dog.

He is on the smaller side for his breed mix and is not especially tall. More importantly, he is a genuinely lovely pup with a happy nature, a willing attitude and enormous potential to become a wonderful family companion.

Austin’s ideal home

Austin is looking for a home that will continue his training, include him as part of the family and give him the exercise, stimulation and affection every young dog needs. He could live happily with another compatible dog or as the only dog in the household.

Deferred Desexing Program

Austin is available under ARK’s Deferred Desexing Program, which means the cost of desexing is included in his adoption fee, subject to the terms and conditions of the adoption contract. His desexing must be completed when age appropriate.