Dexter
Reference Number: 36271
Background: Stray
Breed: Kelpie
Gender: Male
DOB: 4/4/2024
Size: Medium
Weight: 22kg
Desexed: Yes
Adoption Fee: $401
Requirements:
Experienced owners preferred
Must meet all family members
Kids (14yrs+)
Best as only dog in the home (for now)
Commands I know:
Sit
Down
Meet Dexter,
If you're looking for a dog that brings energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of love, then Dexter is your guy! This boy is bursting with personality and is best suited to an experienced owner or someone familiar with Kelpies. He thrives in a lively, busy household and would love to be part of an active family that keeps him engaged.
Dexter is smart (though he likes to play it down) and has a big, confident personality with a playful, excitable streak. He can be boisterous at times, but that just means he’s ready to have fun and learn alongside you! He truly enjoys being involved and will make an incredible companion for someone willing to invest in his training.
Sadly, Dexter’s previous owner didn’t see his potential, but we do. With the right guidance, he has the ability to become a highly skilled, well-trained dog. A little dedication now means a lifetime of loyalty, adventure, and unconditional love.
Ideal Home: Dexter is suitable to live in a standalone home or on a farm/acerage, with a medium to large yard & high, secure fencing or a fully fenced enclosure.
Family: Dexter is open to meet kids from 14 years & up. Dexter is an energetic dog who loves to play & run around. He may on occasion jump up during play time and/or knock smaller kids over unintentionally.
Dexter is fine to spend time in the yard on his own, but he does need supervision when he is by himself. Dexter is best to live with people who work part-time, or are home more often than not. He has an active mind & loves to engage in play time or training sessions to keep that kelpie brain engaged.
Furry Friends: Dexter is best to be the only dog in the home - for now. During his dog assessment Dexter was a little too eager to meet the other dog which then lead to the other dog not wanting to be his friend which then saw Dexter get frustrated. He has loads of potential though, he just needs to be settled into his new home and some training with socialisation with other dogs before he's expected to go out & make friends.
Dexter is not suitable to live with cats/pocket pets.
Training & Development: Dexter would benefit from post-adoption training such as training at home to cover basic commands/obedience. Group classes would also be good too, to ensure that he learns proper manners when it comes to meeting other dogs. When Dexter gets excited or is playing, he is known to jump up to say hello, but he is smart enough to learn how to correct this behaviour. One on one training with a pro may also be good for this smart pooch.
Dexter is still learning his name, but he knows commands such as: sit & down. We have been working on his impulse control. He is smart & is very trainable. He is food motivated and is known to be gentle when taking treats from you - so having treats on you during training to mark good behaviour would be an excellent idea.
We always recommend post-adoption training whether it be at home or with a professional. Training doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be a fun experience for you both, it doesn’t have to take long & is a great way for you to bond with your new pal.
Play: Dexter has high-range energy needs & would benefit from exercise, play, or walks from 60mins+ a day to keep him healthy & satisfied. Dexter shows interest in playing with toys - he likes soft toys. He also really personal play with his handlers & training sessions.
We will be honest, Dexter isn't the best to walk - he does need some training - however he has come a long way from where he was to where he is now when it comes to his walking. He is best to be walked on a harness & would need ongoing training with walking on a lead.
Staff Comments: Dexter is suitable for experienced owners who love to get out & move their body. Dexter thrives on having an active lifestyle. He'd be a great dog on a farm where he can stretch his legs. He loves to play & train and is eager to make you proud.
Post Adoption Life: With all animals it’s important to understand that going into a new environment with new people may not be as seamless as we want it to be. It’s important to know that these animals have unknown histories - most are left in the shelter by their owners. The information we have is from observing the animal’s behaviours & reactions to certain stimuli whilst in our care. Adopted animals can take up to 3 months to properly decompress from post-shelter life & a lot of behaviours & quirks may surface during this time. All that we ask is that their new owners have an open mind & are patient.
