The Pluses
- Friendly
- Loves to cuddle
- Cute
- Adorable
- Funny
- Strikingly handsome
- Athletic
- Easily trainable
- Good leash manners
- Calm
- Enjoys car rides
Crate trained
I crate trained Adi when I took him in. He is happy to sleep and spend time in a crate and does so regularly, in the ones outside that serve as kennels. I have not closed the door on a crate for many years, as I have not needed too.
However, as part of his integration into his new home, I recommend using a crate, as he will see this as his space and a safe place. [See “Protocols”.]
Non destructive (with non-edible objects)
Outdoors, we always have shoes on the steps. Adi learned a long time ago not to touch them. He also ignores plant pots, tools and most other objects that may be lying around or stored within his reach.
Indoors, he does not damage the dog beds, duvets nor anything else; there are shoes at the entrance, cushions, rugs, etc. and all is left alone and intact.
Calm at the vet’s
Like our other animals, Adi has been taught that vet visits are fun! He is happy to go to the vet’s and will allow the vet (male or female) to examine him.
Adi’s skin is sensitive when it comes to jabs, so please be mindful when he needs vaccines. I opt for muzzling him, to avoid unnecessary drama as I would not want him to snap.
With the other dogs, I get them to lie down, place a treat by their front paw and tell them to “leave”. Once the vet has administered the injection(s) the dog is then given the command to take the treat. This means that the dog is not held down during the procedure. We have been working up to this with Adi, but are not there yet.
Please continue to reinforce that the vet’s clinic is a happy place to visit by giving him high-value treats after he is examined and asking him to perform tricks/commands while he is there, rewarding him with treats. I also have the vet do this.
The Minuses
- History of destructive behaviour
- History of killing livestock
- History of separation anxiety
- Requires exercise (physical and mental)
- Athletic
- Difficult to read (body language)
- May snap if startled / feels threatened
Foodstuffs
Although he’s had a long run of good behaviour (years), and thus earned the title of “Non destructive”, all bets are off when it comes to food! He’s got into the chicken food (we now keep it in secure bins) and taken bags of nut shells to his crate.
He’ll supplement his diet during fig and chestnut season, so if you have any fruit or nut trees, please be aware that Adi is an omnivore with a penchant for consuming anything he finds lying around!