Frankie

**Please remember the huge commitment when adopting a puppy Puppies require daily exercise, positive socialisation with other people/dogs/puppies, grooming, training and playtime. Please consider your work hours, holidays, personal commitments - even though Frankie is an older puppy, he requires as much commitment and investment of time as a younger puppy, and human company for most of the day **

NAME: Frankie

BEFORE SAFE ESPERANCE: Came to us from the pound.

BREED: Rhodesian Ridgeback X Australian Cattle Dog
General Breed Traits: Rhodesian Ridgeback: smart but stubborn with a dignified aloofness to strangers, Mischievous and strong willed, needs an experienced owner. Sensitive, they do not do well when left alone for long periods. Affectionate and gentle with family and will defend their home. Their high prey drive precludes other animals unless raised together. If bored and lonely can be destructive or wander so strong, high fencing is needed. Not for novice owners.
Australian Cattle Dog: Affectionate, devoted and protective of family but can be wary of strangers. Often attaches to one person and loves to be close. Very high energy and highly intelligent - they love to have a job - if not mentally and physically worked enough they will be destructive. Bred to herd by nipping so is mouthy and will nip children, pets, cars, anything that moves. Also has strong prey drive with other small animals. Not for novice owners.

ASSETS: Easy-going, affectionate, devoted, eager to please, friendly, outgoing, obedient, active, playful and very sweet! He's friendly to every adult he meets with no sign of fear at all and adores cuddles. He loves to try and get on your lap so prepare to be squished!

FAVOURITE THINGS: Frankie loves to play with the other dogs in his foster home and enjoys getting out and about for walks. He also loves his fluffy toys and will chase and chew tennis balls.

ENDEARING FEATURES: He has a lovely sweet nature and does whatever he's asked to do. He's really keen to learn so training should be a breeze.

OTHER ANIMALS: He gets on well with other friendly dogs after gentle introduction and enjoys playing with them. He has shown chasing behaviour towards cats but not with malice so could possibly go to a home with a dog-savvy cat that will stand its ground - closely supervised introductions essential.

GENERAL INFO: Frankie walks well on his lead and only barks when he sees strangers or other animals. He does need a little housetraining still as he has the odd accident inside, but routine and consistency in his new home should sort this out. His command training is coming along nicely but will need some more work from his new owner. Training classes are a must for Frankie to make up for the lack of foundation and structured early learning which is so vital to a young pup. He doesn't like to be left alone and will howl for attention when left for any length of time without doggy or human company, we would therefore recommend that Frankie be adopted to a home with another youngish dog for play and companionship.

ESSENTIALS:
Stability: A home where someone is there for most of the day on a permanent basis or can take him out, as he really doesn't like to be left alone. Training classes are essential for Frankie to socialize and learn in a safe and controlled environment, giving him the confidence that he lacks.
Time: Frankie has a medium energy level and will need good daily exercise. A walk/run twice a day will keep him happy.
Space: Frankie needs a good sized, secure yard with some grass and interesting things for him to sniff.
Love: Frankie needs to be allowed to be inside or out as he chooses, to sleep inside at night and to be included as part of the family. He would go well with dog-savvy, gentle children over 8 years old, and would love a youngish dog to play and interact with in his new home
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If Frankie sounds like the perfect boy for you, please send an enquiry and we'll be in touch soon.