Adopt Me!

Xylo

When I first came to the SPCA in Newtown they decided to name me Xylo because I was so thin you could see all my bones and they said I reminded them of a Xylophone. I have put on some weight since then, so that makes me very happy. I get along well with almost every dog I have ever met I love to wrestle with the more active puppies but I also like to just hang out with the older dogs, and I like people a lot too!

I love the Clicker Training game so much that I pay really close attention to the trainer and I try to get everything right! I am not a really active dog, although I do like a good run and I have plenty of energy for a young family, but I would be happy snoozing by the fire as well. 

I have recently moved to the SPCA in Waikanae for a few weeks so please come and check me out there if you think you might love me!

-More on Xylo 

Meg

Meg is a lovely girl who has been in protective custody for the last 6 months! She came to us quite out of control but her behavior has been increasingly better as time has gone on. She plays with many of the other dogs very well and is now one of the calmer dogs of her age in the kennels. She is fantastic in a crate and knows many of the basic cues that I introduce to the dogs at the SPCA. Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, Target, Focus, loose leash walking and walking with a Halti! She hasn't spent much time in a real home environment although she was in foster care for some time. She is a higher energy dog but learning manners quickly. 

More pictures of Meg

Bruno

Bruno came down from Palmerston North SPCA when Jazz went up. He had been at the SPCA there for a few months and just like Jazz, needed a change of scenery! Bruno looks like a brute of a dog but is in fact not a bully at all. He loves attention and cuddling but is a bit hand shy sometimes. When I first starting training with him, he seemed extremely confused. It has taken two sessions just to build his confidence enough to get a reliable sit where he looks even remotely comfortable. He enjoys the "target" game and is having a much easier time making eye contact now that his confidence has grown. He takes treats very gently and seems almost apologetic as he snuffles them out of your hand. He acts mildly worried about other dogs but gets along just fine with a roommate he has been living with since arriving in Waikanae. 

- More on Bruno

Kip

Kip is a dog that has had a lot of previous obedience training. He is energetic and very motivated and training will be your best bet when building a bond with him. He does not cosy up to just anyone! So, you will need to make an effort to show him how reliable and confident you are. He makes friends with other dogs, but slowly, he likes to take his time when getting to know anyone. I enjoy training with him because he is so enthusiastic! He is a big dog and could use a nice comfy dog bed to curl up on in your bedroom! I would recommend someone who has had dogs before and would be comfortable with a confident boy like Kip. A new dog owner would be good too if you are committed to continued training and expanding his mind!

More on Kip

Bolt

Bolt seems worried most of the time. He is quiet and cautious and although he is happy to co-habitat with other dogs (especially young dogs) he don't play a lot. Many dogs who are stressed don't play, because you have to feel relaxed to play and Bolt is hardly ever relaxed. Although he is also not particularly reactive. He is cautious of new people and new situations, but once introduced will accept people readily. We took time making friends and he has enjoyed the training we have done (I can tell because he wags his tail when he sees me now). Although even with training Bolt is cautious, it takes time and patience to show him what you want without worrying him. It took 2 sessions to teach him how to respond to the "Sit" cue, mostly I think because he felt more comfortable standing (easier to get away if something scary happens). But now that he has figured out that sitting can be fun (and includes treats) he sits very quickly and on a verbal cue. I have a feeling a lot of his training will be like this, slow but solid. 

-More on Bolt