Murphy

Life's better in the great outdoors, or at least that's what Murphy thinks! This beautiful brindle boy is not really about that busy city lifestyle, with all the hustle and bustle, not when there's creeks to paddle and mountains to climb. He would absolutely love a forever home who prefer to get out for walks in nature, as he struggles to walk around busy streets (he will freeze when something has made him feel anxious). His current foster take him along the trails at Merri Creek where he enjoys a swim on hot days. He feels much more confident walking with two humans, and although his freezing is improving, it's important that his new family has the patience and time to help build his confidence. Due to this, Murphy will need a home with a yard to take the pressure off walks as he gets used to his new neighbourhood and human handlers.

Murphy would like you to know that 'lap dog' is an attitude, not a size, and he will need a home where he will be welcomed onto the couch for a snuggle (and any other surface you may have chosen to sit when the need for a cuddle strikes him). However he has recently developed some startle response to humans moving around while he is sleeping, so a patient home who will guide him back to his bed in a quiet out of the way spot after a cuddle is finished is important. His big 'hey you scared me!' bark can be a bit jarring the first time you are on the receiving end, but once he has time to build confidence and get to know his new family, he'll show you that he's just a soft old scaredy cat who is looking for someone to make him feel safe.

Murphy is working on his resource guarding, and will absolutely counter surf to help himself to delicious treasures (like a whole loaf of sourdough once!). While he is making great progress with trade up games, it is important a new home invests in building trust so he feels comfortable and confident in handing over his delightful finds. Murphy is not suited to a home with children who might be tempted to approach him when he has a high value item, or not read his body language when he is feeling uncomfortable.

Murphy enjoys saying hello to other humans on walks but can bark at other dogs, especially if they are excitable. Murphy's new family will continue working on slow socialisation with him. Murphy is currently an only dog. He may enjoy living with a large canine sibling who is friendly and calm, but this would need to be carefully managed with his resource guarding.

As part of his adoption package, Amazing Greys will cover the costs of 3 x behavioural consultations with a trainer to help Murphy settle in and his new home learn about his management needs.

If you think you have the perfect home for Murphy, please contact us at adopt@amazinggreys.com.au.

Before enquiring please consider:
• The time and financial commitments of adopting a forever hound
• What your work/social commitments will look like as restrictions continue to ease

Please no applications from:
(1) Homes with small dogs or other small/pocket pets (example: rabbits, cats, birds)
(2) Homes with children
(3) Homes without yards