Jarrah (BnD213)

Meet the eccentric Jarrah - known to his foster family as "The Jazzman"!

If you are looking for a companion who will bond closely with you and show you reward for effort - this is the partner for you! Here is a dog who will keep you amused and make you laugh at his funny personality - he's a real people pleaser. Jarrah loves going for a run anywhere at any time (that's the Kelpie side of his personality). He also loves to play with a ball and collect things around the house you might have dropped, but he never chews them (that's the Lab side of his personality!). He hasn't quite got a split personality but he's certainly been on a journey to find himself. Jarrah has been in an intensive training program with his foster family.

When Jarrah was first assessed at the pound, he displayed a nervous mindset and body language. He was not a fearful dog but he was unsure and uneducated with a lack of ability to cope with situations he was unfamiliar with. Jarrah needed to learn to be a dog again!

Jarrah was obese for a dog of his breed (39.1 kgs) and under vet advice was placed on a strict diet and exercise regime. He now weighs 35.2 kgs! Jarrah will need daily exercise to continue to become healthier and enjoy his new lifestyle to the fullest.

Jarrah is an affectionate dog and loves to spend time with his people. He does also like quiet time where he can relax on his bed and reflect on the events of the day. He would enjoy the company of another dog or would be able to live in a one dog home if there was a family member present for several hours a day. Jarrah's new family will ideally be people who can spend quality time with him building and gaining a good relationship and have time to exercise him and take him to training.

When Jarrah came to SAFE he was a "blank canvas" with very basic commands but no follow through so the commands meant nothing to him. Since coming into foster care he has become responsive and well behaved on and off the lead. He will sit on command, has good recall, shows respect and care to people in social situations and has been well socialised with other dogs. He has been attending dog training on a regular basis and has advanced well in lead manners and basic agility.

Jarrah gets on well with other dogs and also with children so SAFE would consider a home with children no younger than 6 years. He loves going for walks (especially to the beach) and swimming in the ocean. To support Jarrah to be more confident in new and overwhelming situations, the foster carers have been using "clicker training" as part of his positive reinforcement and confidence building training and education area that will need to contiune for Jarrah to succeed. Jarrah can get excited at times and he will need a human companion who understands how to manage this.

Jarrah is happy to sleep inside or outside. He is toilet trained and if he does need to go outside during the night he will let you know with a snuffle in the ear! He is untested with other small pets and has been inclined to want to chase cats when out walking on the street, but he has had a brief interaction with horses which was uneventful and with the right training should be able to co habit with them.

Jarrah is a happy dog and will require a strong leader to help him cope with situations he is unsure of. He has come such a long way in a short amount of time and with the right people who understand his journey and are ready to join him on it the only way is up!

Jarrah's foster carer is happy to pass the knowledge and skills to assist Jarrah's new family to settle him into their home.