Little Bilby

Bilby is an 9 month old Mini Dachshund - His color is mostly dark brown, with patches of light brown fur that is as soft as silk. Has short little stumpy legs, with big eyes, floppy long ears and is quite loooooong.
He is an energetic ball of fun who is a little shy and scared at first when meeting new people, but loves to show his affection by jumping up for cuddles and gives lots of smooches. He is happy to chill during the day whilst we work, either sleeping on the sofa, on his bed or near the front door watching the birds outside. Bilby loves his chew toys and can spend all day going between his toys to play.
Whilst he is miniature, what he does not lack is energy and personality. He loves to play with the toys and enjoys a game of chase. We have introduced him to a number of small dogs, and he absolutely loves to play and would be great to share a home with another fur baby.
Bilby has been amazing to his foster parents, keeping them company during the day and snuggling up watching tv at night time. He has been so easy to look after, fitting into the family environment so well and so quickly. We have enjoyed having him stay and he will make the perfect companion to a loving family.
Please be very mindful that Bilby does not enjoy the company of strangers and can take a long time to warm up. We strongly recommend before you apply you take note of his quirky characteristics and breed requirements.

My favorite things are
Loves chew toys and enjoys ripping the stuffing out of teddies, he will run around with his toys and bring them back most of the time, wanting you to chase him around.
Loves his cuddles, and will sit in your lap when chilling on the sofa.
Enjoys walks around the neighborhood and chilling at the cafes
Smelling all of the new scents during his walks

Human Interaction
A little shy at first when meeting new people, he may bark when approached. Will snap at people if they try to pat him. When he is ready, he will approach to say hello and will let them know when he is ready for a pat.
Will needs to be kept away from small children, as he does appear to be frightened around children and is likely to have little tolerance for small children wanting to play and pat.
Is fine with teenagers 14+
Has not had much exposure yet to large crowds. He has shown that he is a little scared during walks when there are loud noises/trucks or when people are walking towards him..

Obedience
Walking on a lead is good, although he can get distracted by smells.
Is friendly to other dogs and wants to run up and say hello
Loves riding in the car, just chills out during travel
Working on commands such Sit, Stay and Return
Can fetch and may return if he wants to continue to play

Animal Social Skills
Have met other dogs - is quite friendly and loves to play with little dog social dogs
More playful with small/medium size dogs
He has not met any cats, so am unsure how he would be with them
Does not like birds, barks at the bird in the cage and will chase the ones in the backyard who are trying to use his precious space

Food
Is not to picky, eats dry food (Blackhawk Puppy Rice and Chicken) and dog Roll (Prime Chicken)
Will eat the dog roll fresh and polish it off, although will graze on dry food when he is hungry
Doesn’t really like treats, other than fresh cooked chicken/dog roll

Independance
When alone, has spent his time in the backyard under cover
Has toys and a bowl of water to keep busy
Has not destroyed any plants or furniture and enjoys snoozing on the grass in the sun. Has attempted to pull the stuffing out of pillows - so may need to ensure that he has played with toys outside.
May bark at other noises/dogs whilst outside alone
Can display at times cries/scratching at the door to be let in. This just shows some separation anxiety / fear of missing out. Would need consideration and continuous work.
Bathing & Hygiene
Doesn’t mind the bath, have had a number of baths and has just stood there whilst the foster carers pampered him
he doesn’t like loud noises so wouldn't recommend a dryer on him
his fur does shed a little, so will need to brush regularly to remove loose hair
Sleeping
Sleeps on a doggie bed beside his foster owners bed at night with a blanket and a toy
Sleeps all the way through the night from 10pm - 7am (no toilet breaks required)
Settles really well, may take a few minutes to work out his comfy spot
Exercise
Enjoys his walks, or playing in the backyard. Currently enjoying 2 walks a day at around 15-30 mins each. Enjoys picking up the pace and speed walks (running with his little legs)
Does like to spend time socializing with other small dogs.

Inside the home
Is toilet trained, there were a few times during transition where he had an accident inside, this has settled down and has been really good since.
May walk between the door and owner consistently to get your attention
Does jump on and around the sofa, although is not destructive - has not chewed any furniture / shoes / clothes etc
Enjoys chilling on the sofa with his head in your lap whilst watching a movie etc
Due to his size we have not let him go up or down stairs. Stair use may cause back problems down the track.
We haven’t let him up on or sleep on beds
Does enjoy socks, so you may need to keep loose clothing up off the flood or else he may steal them for his own treasures

Ideal Home
Would recommend a family with a small backyard where owners have time to play and walk on a regular basis
Needs shelter outside for weather / sun protection and is more of an inside dog.
Would likely be friendly with other dogs in the home as long as they are small/medium and must be friendly and calm in nature
No young children in the home, suggest youngest of 14+
Children visitors should not approach unsupervised and need to be careful as he may snap.
No cats in the home
No Stairs or steps as this can be a problem for this breed with their backs
Due to his breed please be very mindful that jumping up on furniture can be a hazard to his back

LINK TO THE APPLICATION FORM TO COMPLETE
https://forms.gle/4xMyjsPosAggKu8D7