Crunch

Crunch the amazing Heeler x What can we say about Crunch except that he is absolute heeler perfection for all the heeler lovers out there! He is a fun, fit and fuss-free dog - an all round “top bloke” who will fit in easily to a wide range of families provided they love exercising in the great outdoors and snoozing in front of the TV in equal measure, just as he does.  A smart and independent free thinker, he is a friend to all - kids, dogs, cats and strangers - but true to his breed, he does attach himself to one person and will be their devoted follower, always keeping them within sight. He loves human company but is not in your face and does not demand constant attention. He would much rather sit at your feet while you scratch his ears than have big smoochy kisses bestowed on him. He is happy to just hang out near his people all day. Despite his uncertain past (a permanent bony lump on his eye socket hints at a rough start to his life), this guy simply cannot be faulted and his new owners will no doubt fall in love with him as quickly as his foster carer has.  SOCIALISATIONCrunch has been fostered with three large boisterous and energetic resident dogs.  When he first arrived, he waltzed into the backyard as if he owned the place, peed on the fence post and then immediately instigated a wild game of chase with all three of the resident dogs without so much as a raised hackle between them. And this guy may be a heavy-boned heeler - but boy, is he is FAST! To see Crunch in full flight is to see pure joy in motion - he actually runs with a smile on his face! And he is agile as well - he can (and frequently does!) leap his Great Dane foster sister in a single bound, without her even realising where he has disappeared to.  Crunch is brilliant with other dogs - he has a very calming energy which appears to put other dogs at ease. He is happy to stop and have a sniff when approached by another dog but he’s also just as happy to move on without any fuss. His best buddy has been the resident blue heeler and they have spent many hours chasing, wrestling, adventuring and then snoozing together.   Crunch has also been to the dog park where he showed fantastic manners and got along with all dogs there. Crunch would love a friendly female doggy companion in his new home - she would need to be of a similar size and with a similar energy level. He would also thrive as a single dog in his new home, where he can enjoy all the attention of his special person, provided he is given adequate physical and mental stimulation. Crunch does not seem to be much of a barker and has barely barked whilst in foster care, even when the other dogs are barking.Crunch has been fostered with three resident cats and has behaved beautifully around them. He is aware of their presence and acknowledges when they’re nearby but he is clearly not a cat chaser and often sleeps on the couch beside the cat. He could live happily with a confident cat or two in his new home. Crunch’s foster home has four children aged above 10 years and he enjoys their company however he does seem to gravitate more towards the adults in the home and this should be taken into consideration for anyone looking to adopt a dog primarily as a child’s pet. Crunch has been exposed to sheep, horses, cows, alpacas and kangaroos whilst in his foster home. True to his breed, he has shown signs of wanting to chase the livestock along the fence line but has no desire to hurt them and only wants to get them moving around, after which he will return straight back to his carer. He will require secure fencing and more desensitisation training if his new home has, or is surrounded by livestock.  Birds are Crunch’s favourite thing to watch and chase - he is absolutely fascinated by any and all birds when he sees them in a lake or paddock while out walking, and loves running at them at top speed to get them to fly off. For this reason a home with backyard chickens will not be considered. EXERCISE AND ENRICHMENTCrunch is a fit and athletic boy who will require a walk every single day regardless of the weather. He has been walked each day whilst in care, mostly off lead in the back paddocks near his foster home.  He loves his walks but as an independent dog, he will happily run off out of sight, chasing interesting smells, which can be a bit disconcerting for his foster carer. Just when you think he might have gone and gotten himself truly lost this time, a rustle in the bushes tells you he knows exactly where you are and he’ll come running back at full pelt with that beautiful smile on his face.  On the lead, Crunch walks at a brisk pace but does not drag you down the street (although he can become fixated on any livestock in paddocks next to the road so he needs to be encouraged to get a move on to get past them). Crunch would make a great hiking companion, running buddy or farm helper - he is always up for an adventure and won’t let you down. SLEEPING AND EATING During the day, Crunch is happy to sleep on a dog bed in the lounge room, although if his foster mum is sitting on the couch, he will be straight up there to sleep next to her with his head in her lap. At night he sleeps on a rocking chair in his foster mum’s bedroom. He sleeps soundly (and quietly - no snoring!) all night without needing to go to the toilet. Crunch currently eats one meal a day of Prime roll and dry food. He enjoys raw bones and treats such as cooked chicken and sausages when doing any training. He is a great eater and has shown no sign of food allergies.  The pound notes indicated that Crunch was possessive around food and as a precaution, he has always been fed his meal separately to the other dogs in his foster home. However, after a few days of settling in, Crunch has shown no signs of food possessiveness and will sit quietly inside the house next to the other dogs, waiting his turn for a hand-fed treat. He is always reminded to be “gentle” and he takes food very delicately and gently from your hand without snatching.OBEDIENCECrunch has a very active mind and is a quick learner.  As heeler owners will appreciate, he knows exactly when you’re calling his name, and he is definitely happy to come to you - however he will come in his own good time, just after he’s had “one more sniff”.  He’ll then return to his carer at full speed, smiling all the way and proud of himself for making her happy. CAR TRAVELCrunch loves going in the car and will jump in happily, trusting that he is heading somewhere fun. True to his outdoor-loving nature, he loves cruising around with his head sticking out of the back window, smelling all the smells of the great outdoors. He will then settle onto the back seat and go to sleep for the duration of the trip.TOILET TRAINING Crunch is fully toilet trained however as a heeler, he does love everyone else to know he owns the place - so he and his blue heeler buddy did have a “wall marking” competition in his first 24 hours in foster care. Since that first day, he has not toileted inside and can hold on all night without needing to go outside. IDEAL HOMECrunch is a cool and unflappable character who will make the very best companion for a special person.  Breed experience with heelers or working dogs is preferred so that his independence and resilience can be celebrated, whilst boundaries and discipline are maintained. Once he has had a chance to bond with his new owner, he will love going on AAALLLLL the adventures with them. He would love the opportunity to regularly run wild and free in open spaces so he can continue to indulge in his great love of bird chasing. Crunch would suit a home where any children are aged 10 years or older and are respectful of his personal space. Crunch would love a female canine companion, but she would need to be friendly and not boss him around as he is quite happy to be just who he is. He would also relish having all the attention as a single dog.