Rigolo - French for Dopey

Please fill in an application using the below link.

http://www.startingoverdogrescue.org.au/adoption--expression-of-interest-form.html

Only completed applications will be responded to.

Rigolo is a very lovely 7-8 month old Dogue-de-Bordeaux X. What he lacks in intelligence he clearly makes up for in looks and companionship. He is most at home following you everywhere you go and will sometimes get a little upset (but for a short time) when you leave him (or close a door with him on the other side of it. Because of this he has remained outside most of the time.
I believe he is house trained. There were no surprises on the nights following his neutering, but the back door was left open for him, just in case. Only once have I seen him urinate or defecate anywhere except the back yard – he certainly hasn’t gone on the streets when being walked. And when he pees he squats, rather than cocking his leg. This is a bit of a plus as he doesn’t have that male dog trait of marking everything on a walk although he is happy to find out what other dogs have been doing so.
He loves tugging and chasing a rope toy, chewing sticks (and whatever he can find). Balls are new to him, but he’s picking up the concept. He will take the cushion off his chair for a chew but neglect to return it before sleeping on the wooden frame.
He sleeps a lot but is always happy to be woken up to spend some time together.
He loves to play with dogs and to hang around with people. At the moment this can be an issue when walking him as he really wants to get closer to each and every one of them which manifests as bordering on leash aggression. He can be apprehensive about people on the streets and people who visit, but warms to them very quickly upon contact. Except older ladies who frighten him from the word go (the more cotton-wool-like the hair the greater his concern).
Walking him is generally pretty easy, he’s not a puller, preferring to be close. He has discovered that footpaths are an almost inexhaustible source of (what a dog may consider) food.
He loves his food. So much so that he will sit patiently whilst it is prepared although what he really wants to do is jump around and express himself. He still needs a little reminding about how well he should behave to get fed.
Although not the brightest dog, he does learn with your patience, persistence, kindness and treats. I believe any of his questionable behaviours could easily be modified as some easily have in the past couple of weeks.
He doesn’t really bark (except when you leave him – which could be modified).
He doesn’t mind digging though, and would prefer to uproot a bunch of tomato plants in lush soil to access the compost layer below than to dig a hole in the clay soil. And doesn’t mind pulling his chair cushions apart.
Desexed, 1st vaccine administered (next due Jan 9, 2018), tick/flea – from 13 Dec.
The ideal home?
A determined, methodical and calm carer is absolutely essential to continue his behaviour modification. Someone who will be reasonably active with him, giving him the time and mental stimulation he needs, remembering that he is a 25kg pup with the need to learn and play.
Another dog in the household would be ideal so that he can continue his socialisation development and use up his puppy energy which will hopefully address his leash behaviour and boredom when left alone.
As he has a tendency to move from play(/chilling out) to biting (/mouthing) some care must be taken with him around children, although he didn’t experience any in the time he’s been with me so I can’t be 100% sure. The way that he is with people makes me think that he would be pretty good around children, but naturally should be supervised around smaller kids.

Located in Preston - please apply at www.startingoverdogrecue.org.au