Dexie (On Trial 16/4/13)

Dexie is a 7yo, male, Shih Zhu X Maltese. He wants cuddles and affection and loves to snuggle on a lap but can also be active and playful. I think he will bond strongly with whoever adopts him. He has blended beautifully with the other small dogs here. He loves to run with the rest of them. He is not a barker but joins in if all the gang are barking. He sometimes grabs a cloth or a toy for a game. He has a happy growl when playing. He loves raw bones and kanga mince. He is housetrained and gives a soft bark to request in or out. He has begun to use the doggy door. He doesn't seem to like stairs but is happy to be carried up and down them. He doesn't react to storms, which is great. He travels well in the car and is enthusiastic when a drive is on offer.

Poor Dexie was surrendered due to escaping and aggressive behaviour when he is frightened. But he has been rehabilitated by training by an experienced dog trainer who is offering a free lesson to whoever adopts Dexie. Dexie now walks well on lead, responds to requests to come, sit, heel, stay and down. He still shows occasional fear aggression when in new situations but it becomes less and less as he becomes more comfortable with his surroundings. He may growl if startled (snap if really \ scared), so he isn't suitable to a home with children.

Dexie is a little sweetie. He likes his own bed and puts himself to bed at night. He was perfect having his nails trimmed at the groomers. He enthusiastically runs and plays in shallow, natural water, as you can see in his video. It's heaps of fun watching him romp and run and play! His big smile and joyfulness will make your day.
*** You can see a short video of Dexie by copying and pasting this link to your web browser: http://youtu.be/Z2mGzgkhiAk

Dexie has a low shedding coat which needs regular brushing (every few days depending on length), bathing (every few weeks) and clipping (every 4 to 8 weeks). He is an inside dog and needs to be allowed inside, at least when people are home, and to sleep inside. Dexie will work his way into your heart easily and his gorgeousness outweighs his occasional stress reaction.

For more information or to meet Dexie please phone foster carer Michelle on 0400-891-647 or email chookmother@optusnet.com.au . Dexie is in foster care in Clarence Town, NSW (Port Stephens/Dungong, 45 minutes north of Newcastle).

Dexie's $250 adoption fee includes his desexing, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, and lifetime registration. You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au