Bandit

** IN FOSTER CARE IN MARRICKVILLE**

Bandit, the Lovable Meat Head

Bandit is a 14 month old American staffy x with a personality to match his size. Whilst we jokingly call him the loveable meat head, he is extremely malleable and very eager to please his humans (subject to treats of course). Bandit has a heart of gold, and his goofy personality is bound to bring endless joy and laughter to his forever family. He incredibly affectionate and can be an absolute cuddle monster demanding head scratches and belly rubs on the couch.

Bandit had to adjust to some household rules when he first came into foster care with Maggie’s which he has picked up quickly, including being fully housetrained, and loose lead walking. He is still working on his play-biting tendencies but continues to improve and is becoming more consistent with redirecting his nibbles to bones and toys.

It's important to note that Bandit has hyperarousal anxiety which he has been working on while in foster care. He has shown vast improvements in his behaviour with the assistance of a trainer and daily medication. He is highly food driven which makes training him a total breeze. He consistently shows he has endless potential, and will make fantastic companion for a family who is willing to continue to put in the work. Bandit has no separation anxiety and is very content being left alone to get his snooze time in.

MY IDEAL HOME: My ideal home would be with a couple or a family that have some understanding of living with bigger dogs, and preferably have some bully breed experience. Bandit’s forever home will need to be dedicated to ongoing training to help him become the best boy he can be. He has huge potential and is likely to really mellow out into a bit of a couch potato as he matures and settles in. He would thrive in a more suburban location where there aren’t too many stimuli on walks.

MY ENERGY LEVEL: As Bandit is still young, he requires at least one long daily walk to keep his energy needs satisfied – he currently has one long walk in the morning, and a short walk after work. He has adjusted well to a typical working day, and will snooze for most of the day or keep himself occupied with a horn or something else to chew. Bandit does require mental stimulation through lots of sniffing on his walks (possibly his favourite pastime), food puzzles, snuffle mats, kongs, and training. He is likely to be a bit of a couch potato once he matures.

MY SUITABILITY TO CHILDREN: While Bandit is a very friendly guy, he is often unaware of his size and strength and is not suited for a household with young children. He would be a great fit for families with older children 15+.

MY SUITABILITY TO CATS AND DOGS: Whilst Bandit loves other dogs he can get a bit over excited and play too rough. Bandit would do best in a home where he can be the centre of attention and enjoy his human companionship without the distraction of other animals. Bandit is untested with cats but likely to be unsuitable.