Gus ~ Cocker Spaniel x Poodle (on trial 19/2/2018)

Gus, 3 year old, male, cocker spaniel x poodle (aka "spoodle"), medium size. Gus is a lady's man. He loves people, especially women. Gus loves to get out and stretch his legs. His foster mum takes him for a 40-minute run in the morning and this keeps him happy all day long. He runs perfectly on lead.

After his exercise, Gus is a cuddle bug. He sits on the office chair with his foster mum while she works from home. Gus is totally house trained and goes out the doggy door as he pleases. He sleeps perfectly at night in his own bed beside his foster mum's bed. He is a total inside dog and always has been so this will need to continue. He is great in the car.

Gus is learning to play a little more each day as he feels more comfortable in his surroundings. He has some anxiety issues and is on anti-anxiety medication. He is very scared and timid around men. He can learn to trust men that he lives with or sees often as long as they are gentle and patient enough to wait for Gus to take the time he needs to feel safe.

Gus is frightened of other dogs that he sees when out on walks. He tells the other dogs to go away by putting on an aggressive display. This is something that can be improved by working with a positive reinforcement trainer. Our volunteer trainers will be happy to help you with this. In the meantime, Gus can be managed on walks by keeping him on lead and avoiding other dogs. He is not the dog for you if you want to stop and meet all the other dogs or hang around the dog park. But he's perfect for you if you enjoy a brisk morning walk or jog around your neighbourhood and want an adoring companion.

Gus can learn to live with other dogs. He is currently living with four other small dogs. It took him 48 hours to accept that they were friendly and now he is fine with them. Gus could live with a placid and friendly adult dog. He would also be very happy as an only dog. I am not sure how he would be around small children as he is a medium size dog and jumps when he greets people (something else that can be addressed with training). He is not good with cats or pocket pets.

Gus isn't suited to full time workers. We are looking for a loving home for Gus with a person, couple or family where there is someone who is home a lot, willing commit to exercising him daily, and who will be patient and understanding and not punish him when he is anxious. In return, you will get the most gorgeous, affectionate, and sweet little companion that anyone could wish for. Gus has so much potential. He just needs the right home for him to thrive.

Gus 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) to keep him looking as adorable as he is now.

Please only apply if are physically active and prepared to continue working with his issues, and loving him completely as he should be.

For more information or to meet Gus, please contact his foster carer Carolyn by sending a text to 0404 874 136 or email to Carolyn@tradeserv.com.au. Gus is in foster care in Belmont, NSW (Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle). He is not available for adoption interstate.

Gus's adoption fee is $500 and he is desexed, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, microchipped, and lifetime registered.

You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au