Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Kittle
Almost 6 years old | Australian Cattle Dog Mix
If you're looking for a loyal companion who will happily be your shadow, snuggle up
next to you, and show you just how much he loves his person, Kittle might be your guy.
Kittle has spent the last seven weeks working hard on himself, building confidence,
learning obedience, and figuring out how to navigate the world around him. And boy,
has he come a long way!
This handsome boy has manners!
Kittle knows all the important commands and takes his training seriously. He is also fully
e-collar conditioned and understands how to respond appropriately to the e-collar as
part of his training and communication with his handler.
• Place: Kittle can settle on his bed and stay there until he hears his release word,
"Free."
• Heel: He walks nicely by his person without pulling, darting, or reacting to other
dogs.
• Recall: When he hears "Come," he knows he needs to return to his handler, even
when there are distractions around
• Sit: Kittle will hold his sit until he is released or given another command.
• Off: No jumping on people, counters, or other surfaces — when he hears Off,"
all four paws belong on the floor.
• Kennel: He is fully kennel trained and comfortable with his kennel.
• Leave It: Whether it's food, trash, or a particularly fascinating smell, Kittle
understands that "Leave it" means it's time to move along.
What is Kittle like with other dogs and animals?
Kittle has had an interesting history with dogs, so his safety and the safety of others
were taken very seriously while getting to know him. He was fully muzzle conditioned
before his behavior around other dogs was evaluated.
What we discovered? Kittle is generally neutral around other dogs. He has been
successfully around altered males and females without issue. His one exception is intact
males, whom he is not particularly fond of.
Kittle can also live with cats with a proper, thoughtful introduction. As with any dog,
introductions should be handled carefully and at a pace that allows everyone to feel
comfortable and safe.
He doesn't need to be the life of the dog park — and honestly, he'd probably be
perfectly happy sticking close to his favorite person instead.
What is Kittle like with people?
Kittle can be a little aloof at first and needs some time to decide that you're one of his
people. But once you've earned his trust, you've got a friend for life.
Kittle has a previous bite history, but through his training and evaluation, it became
clear that these incidents were associated with panic when he felt trapped and the
anxiety of the shelter environment. During his board-and-train, he learned new ways to
handle those big feelings and how to respond differently when stressed or
overwhelmed.
In a home environment, Kittle is a BIG cuddler and loves being close to his person. He
also tends to prefer men over women.
Adventures with Kittle
Kittle has enjoyed plenty of outings, both on and off leash, including places like
Hovander and private fields. He has done well in a variety of environments and generally
sticks close to his person.
Kittle can be alert in the car, especially when there is activity happening around him,
but he is actively learning that he doesn't need to monitor everything around him and is
working on settling down and relaxing during car rides.
He's still learning that he doesn't always have to be "on duty." Kittle isn't quite sure how
to completely relax and just be a dog yet, so having a patient person who can continue
helping him build confidence and practice settling will mean the world to him.
Kittle's forever home
Kittle isn't looking for just anyone — he's looking for his person. Someone patient
enough to let him warm up, confident enough to continue his training, and willing to
show him that the world can be a safe and wonderful place.
In return, you'll get an incredibly loyal companion who wants nothing more than to be
by your side, follow you on adventures, and eventually curl up next to you for a good
cuddle.
A personal note from his trainer, Sydney:
"Kittle has come a long way from the stressed dog he was when he first came to me to
the confident, loving dog he is now. I now get greeted by lots of love and excitement to
see me and to work. I would say that his progress may make me cry because l am so
proud of him.
He is an affectionate, sensitive guy that had a tough 5 years, and I am so
glad I could make it a bit more possible for him to go and live the pampered and
spoiled life he deserves with his new person.
Kittle has already done so much work. Now he's ready for the part he's been waiting for:
A forever home. A forever person. A forever family. *
