Rupert

Rupert - A very special young man
*Experienced Owner Required* Rupert started out as a dearly loved family dog, however, the busy home environment with young children wasn’t an ideal fit. He came into foster care with a dog-experienced couple in their early thirties (no children) and this structured environment with firm rules and boundaries suited him much better. This is the kind of forever home that Rupert now seeks. Please note – applicants must be experienced dog owners – Rupert is not suitable for inexperienced handlers. The family who adopts him will receive a complimentary private session with the Farmdogz Rescue dog behaviourist for added support.
The environment and family Rupert requires:
• Experienced dog owners who are willing and able to commit to a ‘high-needs’’ dog
• Structured, consistent and predictable
• Firm rules and boundaries delivered in a calm and assertive manner
• Lots of patience and positive reward for good behaviour. Must be force-free training
• To be an ‘only child’. He is not safe to be around livestock or other animals whom he could chase
• Adult-only household to support the predictable and calm environment he needs. A home that is not going to have children come along in the future
• New owners who are willing to work closely with Rupert’s foster carers
• Plenty of physical and mental stimulation daily (minimum two hours of exercise)
Rupert’s Strengths
• Responds extremely well to having firm boundaries and expectations of his behaviour
• Hilarious – Rupert is a big character with lots of silly antics. He loves to play and loves to ‘talk’ to you
• Very affectionate. Believes 25kg is easily small enough to make a good lap dog
• Earnest. He strongly desires being shown what the ‘right’ thing to do is
• Content to be home alone for 6-8 hours during the day so long as his routine is maintained (this involves proper exercise, interactive toys, food dispensers and maintaining a strict routine). Has proved non-destructive to the backyard if these needs are met
• Non-destructive when left inside the lounge room alone for several hours at a time. Routine must be followed and this amount of time built up gradually to avoid separation anxiety
• Is crate trained and sleeps in crate at night
• Travels quietly in the car
Areas of improvement for Rupert to work on with his new owners
• Meeting other dogs. Rupert was not appropriately socialised as a puppy or young dog. He lacks manners and etiquette and is too intense with play. His new family MUST understand he is not suitable to be off-lead at the dog park or dog-friendly beach etc.
• Anxiety. Rupert is prone to become anxious when things happen unexpectedly or when significant change is introduced. To overcome this his new people need to build a strong and trusting relationship with him and provide him with clear leadership. Rupert needs to not ‘over think’ things and instead be told what to do and how to be. This makes him feel reassured
• Meeting new people. Rupert requires guidance navigating this. When he is very excited he tends to nip for attention
• Confidence outside the home environment. (Rupert’s exposure to the outside world has been limited)
Rupert is a sweet and highly intelligent young dog who has had some difficultly finding his place in the world. We have every confidence that in the right home he will make the most fantastic, loyal companion. If you are an experienced handler and can provide Rupert the commitment, love and guidance he deserves, please get in touch.