Nate

Meet Nate the handsome little Jack Russell Terrier x who is a handsome 3-year-old little fella who weighs in at 4.5 kilos with beautiful coloring, smooth fur, sparkling eyes, and a big grin. He came into his foster home very nervous and jumpy and scared of the world. He needed space to decompress and chill out. He has now developed into a beautiful boy who loves to be with his foster mum. He likes to follow his foster mum everywhere, he’s a little shadow.
INTERACTION WITH HUMANS:
Nate is nervous at the start until he gets to know you. He might initially have a little bark when he first sees you, but a gentle slow approach and a sniff of the back of your hand will help him settle and his tail will start to wag furiously, and he’ll be wanting some cuddles. Like many dogs he’ll react differently to different people. This could be the result of his initial upbringing of which we have no information on.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM AND JUNK FOLDERS FOR YOUR APPLICATION FORM TO COMPLETE ONCE YOU HAVE SENT YOUR ENQUIRY FORM
INTERACTION WITH HUMANS:
OBEDIENCE/TRAINING:
Since being in foster care, Nate has been a quick learner with obedience training. He has learnt to sit, come, wait, up, down; he stops at kerbs when we are walking with the command “wait” and then “ok” to go. He has truly been fun to train, and he seems to love it as well. He just wants to be with you everywhere you go. Nate has not played with toys until recently, however, he still isn’t sure about them yet. I have been showing him new soft toys for him to see if he likes them. A couple of them he has played with.
SOCIAL SKILLS:
Nate is progressing with his social skills and with more exposure he will hopefully become less nervous. He seems to be great with some people and not others. He doesn't like loud noises or cars driving past him. He’s not keen on his head being touched as he’s been bitten by another dog and possibly hit by humans which could make him wary of people and dogs approaching at times.
CAR RIDES
He likes to go for car rides and seems very comfortable – he has a harness and seat belt on and a dog hammock on the back seat. I have also put his round dog bed with a blanket with him and he goes to sleep in it. Nate also likes to stand up near the window and watch the world go by.
FOOD:
At the start of his foster care, Nate was unsure he was allowed to eat. With a little encouragement and some hand feeding – he has become amazing and now knows that the food is his to eat. He is currently eating Savour Life small breed adult food (alternating each day) with wet food, Greek yoghurt and sardines in water. He has also tried pineapple which seems to be a winner, and salmon. He has also tried Greenies – dental treats and dehydrated pork and apples. He is currently being fed twice a day.
BATHING HYGIENE:
Nate has a smooth soft coat and will need a brush and bath to keep him nice and clean. He is a little nervous having a bath, however once he feels the warm water he starts to relax and enjoy it.
SLEEPING:
Nate was put in his carrier on the first night but managed to cuddle up to his foster mum and has stayed there ever since. He likes to stay there all night and you wouldn’t even know he was there. If you move during the night, he will re-adjust to snuggle up to you. During the day, Nate has snoozed in his warm fluffy bed with a blanket which he likes to rearrange to his liking. He will then curl up and go to sleep. He has some funny sleeping positions including on his back like a like a pretzel.
EXERCISE:
Nate requires a walk every day to see and explore the big wild world. He loves to sniff and smell and look at his environment. He is much better on a lead – he does tend to pull a little bit but with more training he will improve. When he sees his lead – he gets very excited and sometimes makes cute little noises and even a WOOO. He can be a bit nervous when a car drives past but with gentle reassurance, he continues with his walk. He is still unsure of other humans and dogs; he can be a bit reactive and may bark at them due to fear. I tend to stop him, move to the other side of the road, and talk to him to calm him. He will need more socialisation to get him used to the big wide world. At home, he loves to run around and explore the backyard. Nate would not suite going to a dog park. When there is no one at home, Nate has free access to his crate with a few blankets in there for him to rearrange to his liking.
INSIDE THE HOME:
Nate has become good inside the house. He may take a little bit to get used to his new environment and being a male dog – show him where he can go to do his business from the beginning. He loves to snuggle next to his foster mum on the couch and go to sleep on my lap in a ball. He gives lots of kisses and loves to belly rubs. He would stay with you all day if that was an option. There are dog beds in the kitchen/dining area which he runs to and jumps in, another one in the lounge room however he tends to jump on the couch where you are going to sit and bedroom. When you hold Nate – he likes to be held like a baby – he puts his head backwards and watches whatever is happening behind him.
MEDICAL
Nate has had a dental while in care
Nate has grade 2 luxating patellas which cause him no issues and are not foreseen too
To ensure they cause no issues long term as with all small dogs jumping onto beds etc will mitigate any risk of it requiring surgery down the track
IDEAL HOME:
Nate will need a gentle, loving family to allow him to be inside and enjoy his company. As he was previously attacked and bitten on the head by the other dog in his previous household, he needs to be an only dog. He’s not been tested with other animals. He may be ok with older children who won’t pester him, but definitely not young children. He can be left on his own with enrichment to keep him occupied until you come home. He will meet you with a smile on his cute face standing on his back legs – like a meerkat, wagging his tail. He gets called “Mr Wiggles” when does this as his whole-body wriggles. He will need to sleep inside and have a day bed outside for him when you are not home. As Nate is like a teenager, he sometimes finds little things around the home like lip balm, he may chew. I found to just put things like that away from him. As Nate likes to explore outside in the backyard, he will need secure fencing with no gaps for him to get through.
We seek a nice quiet gentle home with no children
Nate is a very loving boy who needs love and will give lots of love back. He will make a fantastic addition to your family and be included in your family activities. 😊