Dirk

Dirk has just finished his impound period and available for adoption. He is a thoughtful, handsome middle-aged man with brains to boot.

HOUSEHOLD- Dirk is looking for a more mature household due to his somewhat aloof mannerisms but has been super tolerate in the presence of a 6yr old child here at the facility. He can be quiet and cautious in new surrounds but is not easily phased by loud noises, or sudden movements. He does prefer his own space when it comes to excess handling or affection and would best suit a home with children 12yrs and above due to these reasons.

ON-GOING TRAINING- Whilst he is very intelligent Dirk does not appear to have had a lot of previous training. He would benefit greatly from further basic obedience, recall, lead and even trick training to challenge him mentally and help bring him out of his shell further. Toilet training is an unknown and would need to be monitored in his new home.

ON LEAD- Dirk loves to walk, sniff and explore any area you allow him to go. He does pulls moderately on lead and will require on-going lead training to help improve his manners. He is very much a manly man when it comes to scent marking any new found territories and he will require observation when taken into pet friendly establishments (watch those corners!).

PLAY/TOYS- Dirk has shown minimal interest in toy play here at the facility. He prefers to stand and watch the world go by, sniff explore or interact with a handler. This does not mean that he is not interested in toys but he may need further time or a less distracting environment to show us his true playful self.
He does show interest in chasing anyone who will run with him but is easily distracted by a good scent going back to doing his own thing quite quickly.

OTHER DOGS- Dirk has shown himself to be very tolerant of other dogs and whilst he is always keen to meet them he is not always keen for a rough and tumble play session. He is still being introduced to dogs of all shapes and sizes and we will continue to monitor him at the facility. From the behaviours displayed thus far, he could be suitable to live with another canine companion or by himself.

CATS/OTHER ANIMALS- Dirk entered our cattery with hesitation. He was only willing to venture part way into the cat area with the support of a handler before he found it too overwhelming and wanted to leave. He showed no signs of aggression towards the cats but does appear to enjoy the chase in other aspects of life so he may be best suited to a household with no small pocket pets or feline friends. At this stage it would be a discussion to be had at the time of application to decide if Dirk could share a home with a feline companion.

CAR RIDES- Dirk was confident entering and riding in the car. He enjoyed access to the window embracing the wind in his hair and was accepting of a car safety harness.

CARE/GROOMING- Dirks longer coat will require regular maintenance. Brushing twice a week at a minimum would be best to help prevent knots, ticks, grass seeds and other minor issues becoming a real problem. He does not love excess handling but has shown no aggression towards us and could benefit from some co-operative care training to help improve his positive associations with grooming and care.

EXERCISE- Like any working breed Dirk has a moderate to high energy level. In saying this, he is calm here at the shelter even when the rain has prevented a run for the day. He would require a daily walk and really does enjoy using his nose to explore his surrounds so a patient owner who is willing to dawdle at times while he sniffs would be great!

NUTRITION- Unfortunately Dirk came to us underweight and is in the process of being fed smaller meals more regularly to help him gain weight. He appears to be a fussy eater in general and will require an owner who is aware of this and able to spend the time required to help him love his food again.

BREED - Border Collie

Dirk is located at our Charmhaven Shelter and his $500 adoption fee covers: desexing, lifetime registration, microchipping, current vaccination, flea & worming treatments.

If you tick all of Dirk's boxes and live an active lifestyle please lodge for adoption interest online for beautiful Dirk.