Kai

My name is Kai (shy-guy-kai). At first when I am meeting new people I can come across as a little nervous and going to new locations can be a little scary, but I am still happy to say hello to people or fellow doggies. When I was first introduced to my foster home, they made me feel welcome and safe by playing fetch with a small soft teddy and a tennis ball. This helped to ease my nerves.
I'm well behaved during the day. Whilst my foster owners work, I enjoy sleeping in my bed beside them. I go for a couple of small walks with them around the neighborhood each day… I’m only little so I don't need long walks.
Whilst out and about, I am happy to walk up and say hello to passers by, and potentially get to say hello to fellow furry friends if they are calm in nature. I don't mind a pat and a cuddle, although loud sounds or sudden movements may frighten me.
At night time when my owners finish work.. This is the best time.. They sit on the sofa under a nice warm blanket and I can snuggle in and get comfortable next to them (I can do this for hours) My foster mum calls me her snuggle buddy
It may take me a little while to come out of my shell. I dont show a lot of affection at first, although as time passes by, I have started to show signs of love to my foster parents.
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My favorite things are
Sleeping
Tennis Ball / Soft Teddy
Snuggling. Loves his cuddles, and will sit next to you when chilling on the sofa.
Doesn't mind being outside (when not cold / rainy)
Enjoys walks around the neighborhood
Human Interaction
Is initially shy around people. Will walk up to them and if they try to pat him, he will accept and slowly approach (no aggression / growls)
Has not had much exposure yet to large crowds. Has had no issues with small groups of people outside of shops etc. Is curious and wants to say hi to most people that walk past.
We haven’t had a lot of exposure to small children, doesn't seem to mind the attention as long as they are gentle and calm
Obedience
Walking on a lead is improving. He can get startled by loud noises and won't want to walk. (Eg. Loud trucks) After some reassurance he continues on his way.
He is ok in the car, can become a bit anxious, although does settle eventually. He loves sitting with people in the back seat with him.
Is very friendly to other dogs, letting them walk up to him and say hello. Has been exposed to a variety of dogs. Some large, some small, and a mixture of male and female dogs that were all calm in nature
Understands what his harness is for and happily puts his head into it ready to go
Very rarely barks, even when left alone. When he hears the dog next door or someone rings the doorbell he may bark
Does have a little bit of separation anxiety - Does seem to settle and has found his place to chill when outside
He doesn’t really chew on toys/bones
Have to be careful with the front door/car door as he does show signs of trying to sneak out - will need to make sure that yard is well secured and he can jump pretty high for his size
Will need to work on his recall, we are unsure of his original name, so he is starting to adapt to Kai
Animal Social Skills
Have met other dogs at the dog park and around the neighborhood.
Have not seen any signs of aggression. Appears very playful and wants to interact.
During initial interactions with dogs, it is highly recommended to be kept on the lead and controlled to ensure that he is comfortable with his surroundings.
He has not met any cats, so am unsure how he would be with them. Does not appear to like the possums - so may not be great with cats as well.
Food
Is quite a picky eater. We have tried a number of techniques which have helped. Does not appear to like dog food much. Although we have started to blend Dog Roll (Prime Chicken) with boiled chicken.
He likes to just pick at his food and loves to scour the backyard for food. Have placed dry dog food (Savour Life Fish) around the back yard to keep him entertained.
Doesn't really like treats
Independance
When alone, has spent his time in the backyard under cover. Settles after a little bit of whimpering but has no issues being outside.
Has toys, a bowl of dry food and a bowl of water to keep busy
Has not destroyed any plants, has not chewed any furniture or toys
Prefers to be near his family
Bathing & Hygiene
Doesn’t really enjoy his baths, we have taken him to the dog bath booth at Pet Barn - Has accepted that he was getting a bath, but not happy about it. Haha
Fur is medium length and does shed quite a bit - Brush / Wash regularly to minimize the amount of loose fur. Enjoys being brushed.
Sleeping
Sleeps in a crate with a dog bed inside with a warm blanket
Some nights may take 10 mins or so to settle (he just whimpers because he wants to be with his foster parents) He does self-soothe
Sleeps all the way through the night from 10pm - 7am (no toilet breaks required)
Doesn't cry/bark during the night
Is ok to pat whilst sleeping, does not react

Exercise
Enjoys his walks outside. A couple of walks a day at around 15 to 30 mins each.
Does enjoy a little bit of fetch in the back yard with the tennis ball
Inside the home
Is toilet trained
Does jump onto the sofa
Enjoys chilling on the sofa
Does not like loud noises, hair dryer - can be startled by loud sudden noises
He may go upstairs, as he has shown interest and confidence during his exploration
We haven’t let him up on or sleep on beds
Ideal Home
For the first week or so, was quite scared and would need his new family to be calm, have patience and reassure him with lots of cuddles and kisses
Playing fetch helped ease him in the first few days
Preferably with someone who is around home / working from home most of the time for company
Could see Kai enjoying time with a wide variety of home environments. We could see him sitting on someone's lap during the day whilst they work, or out and about with the kids playing in the backyard.
Would likely be ok with another small calm dog as a companion in the same home as well
Needs shelter outside for weather / sun protection and is happy to let him inside and spend time with the family
Children with dog experience and/or over 12 years old - just due to his little size may become frightened by younger children or rougher play
No cats in the home
If another dog in residence we seek a very loving and gentle small breed female who is well socialized with others