Pickle

Introducing the adorable Pickle (currently weighs in at 33kg)

Pickle is a beautiful, big, loveable goofball. He loves couches, beds, cuddles and sleeping elegantly with his lanky legs up in the air.
He is a lovable lad who can be a little timid and anxious in new situations and when meeting new people but after he has had a few minutes to assess the situation, he is happy to get lots of belly scratches. He is gaining lots of confidence as he matures.

Pickle's foster mum says he loves company! He gets quite anxious and does not like to be left alone. She says he is fine when he is with the resident dog so having a canine companion will be an absolute MUST for Pickle so that he never feels alone.
Other Dogs: He loves them! Submissive nature and very friendly. He is currently living with 2 medium size dogs - a 2.5 yr old female Bull Arab and a 8 yr old male Kelpie. Loves playing with the 2.5 yr old foster sister and they can play quite rough & tumble without any aggression. He has also been amazingly well behaved and never aggressive around the grumpy older foster brother. Has met another medium size dog at someone else’s home and was immediately friendly and playful.
He plays with another dog outside in a large yard ~20 min for 2 or 3 times a day and then he is happy to sleep for the rest of the day. He is not a high energy dog - needs mental stimulation rather than large amounts of physical exercise. Does not have much interest in playing with toys or balls. Loves walks where he can sniff and investigate sounds and smells.
Typical of a young dog, Pickle will still sometimes chew when bored. Mental stimulation and enrichment toys can help with keeping his occupied while his family are busy.
Not a big barker – will bark mostly when scared (I.e. strange people or cars turn up at home). Odd yap when playing and whines when anxious, but otherwise a pretty quiet dog.

Pickle has met young children and is quite happy being around them and having them in his personal space. He still is a young dog and not completely aware of how large he is, so could knock small kids over. For this reason, he will be best suited to a home with children 10+ years of age.

Still getting used to walking past other dogs when out on walks. He is slowly getting used to walking on lead in town and he tends to stop and stare as other dogs goes past. Does not lunge, bark or growl, but he just needs someone who is willing to work with him on getting used to walks and seeing other dogs.

Pickle has met sheep, chooks and a pig. Will chase if the animals run (tries to play with them rather than chase them down) but otherwise he mostly ignores them. Not tested on cats or small animals.

When Pickle first arrived, he was very reserved and anxious. He needs someone with time and patience to let him experience new things and build up his confidence.
Since he arrived, Pickle has learnt how to play. He now loves peanut butter in a Kong and toys he can chew! Loves chewing on big bones.

He has learnt to sit, drop/lay down and to wait to eat dinner. Has learnt when dinner time is and whines when it is a minute late!

Walks well on the lead – he doesn’t pull and is pretty good at walking on a loose lead. Has not yet got the hang of walking at your side. But he still getting used to walking in new and strange places so some work to do in this area.

Travels well in the car - watches out the window for a few minutes then doses off.

Toilet trained. He is starting to learn to whine at the door if he needs to go outside.
Not crate trained.

When Pickle arrived at his foster home, he was very stiff in his hind legs. He was assessed by the vets and hip dysplasia & other such large breed issues were ruled out. His movement improved over a period of about 8-12 weeks and he moves much better and without pain. The vets have determined that the cause is likely that he has very straight legs for a large dog and this means that he has a stiffer gait than usual. As a result, he does not jump high (the highest is onto the couch!) and tends to lay down rather than sit. There are no ongoing issues but due to his conformation, he is more at risk of joint issues and should not be encouraged to play higher energy sports (i.e. ball sports involving leaping, high intensity running or long runs). He is also more prone to arthritis and joint issues later in life. A good diet, healthy weight and gentle to moderate exercise will be key to maintaining good mobility.

If you are looking for a sweet big boy who loves kisses and can knock you over with his super happy tail and have lots of room for Pickles to spread his long, lanky legs please send us a message telling about the wonderful life you can offer this adorable boy.

*Please only apply if you are ready to meet and adopt this pet now, and if all family members are in support of the adoption.*