Rufus

**Please only apply if you have experience with reactivity in dogs**

"Hello my name is Rufus and I am looking for my special forever home!"

Rufus is a 4 year old Pomeranian/German Spitz who has been rescued from his previous owner where he experienced severe neglect. As cute and cuddly as Rufus looks, because of his previous life experiences he is not tolerant of being touched unless it is on his own terms. Rufus loves to play fetch, once he has formed a bond with his carer he will seek your attention and pats or cuddles. Rufus still has a trauma response of biting if he feels unsafe or triggered so it is very important that his new forever carer will need to work slowly with Rufus to gain his trust before they dive into pats. Experience with biting and aggression training would be ideal in addressing these issues, however because of his age these behavioural issues may be fairly set in and difficult to change.

Rufus began his foster life wearing a lead inside at all times, due to his bite risk, however he has progressed over time to letting his foster carer put a harness on and off him for walks so he can run free at home. He loves walks and currently has at least one 30min or 1hour walk a day but he would walk/run all day if it was up to him, always up for an adventure! He is reactive towards other dogs and bicycles on lead, training to help calm this would be recommended. He can be a very good boy at responding to 'sit', 'wait' and 'come here' on walks and at home, he's a clever dog.

Rufus currently sleeps inside at night, either on his bed in the living room or on his designated blanket on the couch. He isn't fully toilet trained but has improved during his time in foster care. He can mostly hold on during the day when his foster carer is out at work and when his foster carer is at home he will use the doggy door to go outside for business. Rufus hasn't shown any signs of separation anxiety and only barks like a watchdog would at the regular dog barking noises: postie, bins, back fence dogs etc.

Because of Rufus' aggressive behaviour, he will need to go to an adult only home or a home with older teenagers that can respect his boundaries. Rufus needs to be the only pet in his home as he had not had any socialisation with other animals when he came in to care.

Rufus is currently on medication for his anxiety. His beautiful coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and reduce shedding.

Rufus is such a loving dog at heart and deserves a special new forever home that can help bring out the best in him and give him the life he deserves!