Dusty

Dusty is a beautiful 15-month-old boy who was found as a stray in rural Victoria a few months ago, no-one has come forward to claim him, so Dusty now finds himself in a shelter confused and scared wondering if he will ever have a forever family.

Dusty is feeling very unsure in the shelter, it is clear that he hasn’t always been treated kindly by humans and he can be a little shy and wary at first when meeting new people. When given the space to come out of his shell, Dusty warms up quickly and then can be quite affectionate and leans in for a cuddle. Dusty can be head shy but is motivated by treats, he needs an understanding and patient person that can show him that humans can be trusted.

Dusty is just a big teenage pup, when he is feeling comfortable and silly he shows some typical puppy behaviours such as mouthing and jumping up, these behaviours also show when Dusty is stressed and seeking reassurance from his handler. Dusty will need a confident, breed experienced handler that can give him clear instructions and feedback, if he knows what is expected from him every time and has consistent training, he will thrive. Dusty is best suited to a home without children under the age of 12.

Dusty is very motivated by both toys and treats; he is keen to learn and engage with his handler and already knows some basic commands. Dusty doesn’t have the best manners on leash and pulls hard when out on walks, he will need ongoing training to learn impulse control. Walks can be pretty stressful for Dusty right now; the world is a scary place. Dusty is best walked in quiet areas or at quiet times of the day whilst he builds up his confidence with the world around him.

Once Dust forms a bond with you, he wants to be by your side and to please you, this gorgeous boy shows that incredible loyal German Shadow trait, we can just see him following his new human around the house ‘helping’ and keeping you on your toes with his goofy antics.

Dusty is looking for an active family that can provide him with plenty of mental stimulation through training, puzzles, games and treat dispensers, he is clever boy that will need to keep his quick mind busy. Dust will need regular exercise and would love to eventually go on different adventures and outings with his new family.

Dusty is conflicted around other dogs, whilst he has made 1 dog friend in the shelter, others he is not so much a fan of and lashes out when he is feeling unsure. Dusty will need slow, positive socialisation with other dogs, his new family would benefit from working with a trainer to gain strategies and techniques to keep Dusty calm and engaged when other dogs around. For now, Dusty needs to be the only pet in his new home, he is not suited to a home with cats or other small pets.

Dusty deserves so much better than the life he has had so far, now in the pound at just 15 months old, he is ready to start living his life and experiencing the world 1 day at a time, seeing all it has to offer. Dusty is desperate to love and trust, he is ready to completely give himself to someone that can give him all the time and energy he needs.