Clayton ~ Kelpie x puppy (on trial 6/08/16)

Clayton – Kelpie x puppy, 16 weeks old. Clayton is an energetic and quirky puppy. He is easily amused and is quite happy to run around playing with his toys or a piece of bark orwood from the wood pile – he’ll steal whilst you chop.

Whilst he is energetic, he is not destructive – doesn’t dig holes and is no more of a chewer than the average pup. He won’t go looking for things to chew, nor will he chew things if they are left out. He does however have an affinity for wood and natural fibre materials like sea grass/hyacinth baskets and even charcoal. Clayton is not a fence jumper and will happily just chill, even if he hasn’t been out for a day or two. Soft, squeaky toys are a favourite for this happy character.

Clayton does enjoy a walk and it is recommended that he continue with proper lead training as he will pull; especially to keep up with his foster brother and sister. A good run on the beach or in the bush will certainly wear him out. He also likes the tennis ball.

He is currently living with two older dogs and they have certainly helped keep him in check. He doesn’t annoy them when they aren’t in the mood for playing, making him suitable to be with another dog. Out and about he is fine with other dogs, but prefers to hang with his humans and doggy pals. He seems to like humans more and will choose them for a pat over a sniff.

He loves kids (currently living with a 6yr old) and will go up to them for a pat, play and a cuddle, but like all puppies can be a little bit jumpy with excitement.

Clayton is an indoor/outdoor dog, meaning he’s inside mostly at night whilst we are awake and partly during the day when we are home. On nice days he spends more time outside than in and on nice nights he sleeps outside with no whinging. When the weather is bad or cold he will sleep inside on his bed on the floor beside our bed. He loves the comfort of his bed and it is his go to spot, especially when inside.

In terms of training, Clayton has good name recall, but can get caught up with a new environment. He has learnt to sit on command and has even started putting his paw up for a shake. Toilet training is progressing and he will go when taken outside but sometimes forgets to go to the door to let us know he wants to go out and sometimes needs to be encouraged to go outside.

Clayton does like treats, but isn’t necessarily treat driven when it comes to training. A pat and lots of “Good boy’s” will do the trick. He’s quite easy to train and learns quite quickly.

All in all, Clayton is a real treat; full of fun, love and character. He has a good balance of wanting to be with you/ his doggy pals and being happy to be by himself.

He would make a great companion for anyone – family, couple or single. I think Clayton would love to have another doggy pal, but would adapt as an only dog. Exercise, attention and inclusion are essential and important and with continued training, Clayton will be an even better dog.

For more info on Clayton, contact Olivia on 0488 749 720 or email horvat13@gmail.com. Clayton is currently living in Aberdare (near Cessnock). He is available for adoption interstate.

Clayton's adoption fee is $450 and includes his desexing, vaccinations, microchipping, lifetime registration and he's been treated for fleas and worms. You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au