Gertie

PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO FLY OUR ANIMALS EITHER WITHIN WA OR INTERSTATE

**Before applying to adopt Gertie, please remember that adopting a puppy into your home is a huge commitment, and very demanding of your time. Puppies require daily exercise, positive socialisation with other people/dogs/puppies, grooming, training and playtime. When applying, please consider the extent of your work hours, holidays, and how busy your personal life is as puppies will need someone who is home for most of the day with regular focused input, especially in those first six months after adoption **

NAME: Gertie

BEFORE SAFE ESPERANCE: Came to us from the local pound.

BREED: Chihuahua X Terrier

General breed traits: Chihuahua - love to be with their people and are definitely companion dogs that do not like to be left alone, They are sensitive, but are dogs, and can be problematic if overindulged. Can be aloof or wary of strangers and other dogs so early socialisation is very important. Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold or hot weather so a warm coat in the winter and care re overheating in the summer is needed - they are not outside dogs. They are bright and wilful but will learn if you make it fun and although small, have big personalities that can get them into trouble. Quick learners, they can compete in agility and obedience trials so don't dismiss a Chihuahua just because it is cute!

Terrier - they come in all shapes and sizes and were bred for different reasons but many were for farm work or ratting. Today they are mainly companions. Terriers are generally high energy, very bright and quick to learn but can be stubborn. They have strong personalities and a sense of fun and want to be included in everything you do. Don't take on a terrier unless you really do want a companion

ASSETS: She's very nearly perfect! Easygoing, affectionate, devoted, eager to please, friendly, obedient, confident, protective (of her teddies!) submissive, sweet and playful! She's an absolute sweetheart and is friendly and calm around adults and children that she meets.

FAVOURITE THINGS: Teddies! As long as she has a teddy to play with she's a happy girl! She also loves cuddle time with her human.

OTHER ANIMALS: She gets on well with other friendly dogs after gentle introduction. She hasn't been tested with cats or small animals but may be fine with gentle, supervised introductions.

GENERAL INFO: Gertie is still learning how to walk nicely on the lead and tugs at present because she's a bit unsure of it. A harness will be better suited to her. She is housetrained and will bark when someone is at the door. She will need some training with her commands as she's still in the process of learning them.

HOME ESSENTIALS:
*Stability: A home where someone is there for most of the day on a permanent basis (not just through Covid 19) or can take her with them when they go out.
*Training: Gertie has missed out on early puppy school and training so will need an owner willing to take her to training classes where she can socialize and learn new things in a safe and controlled environment. Gertie has loads of potential to be the perfect companion if the effort is put in by her new owner. She might be small and cute but she deserves commitment to give her the best start that she has lacked.
*Time: Gertie is medium to high energy so as she matures will need daily exercise/walks at least twice a day to keep her happy and healthy.
*Space: Gertie needs a well fenced, secure yard with some grass and interesting things for her to sniff.
*Love: Gertie needs to be allowed to be inside or out as she chooses, to sleep inside at night and to be included as part of the family - she loves nothing more than being with her human. She would go well with dog-savvy, gentle children over 10 years old and could live with a small doggy friend, after gentle introduction.

If Gertie sounds like the perfect girl for you, please send an enquiry and we'll be in touch soon.