Zapp
Reference Number: 36540
Background: Stray
Breed: Medium Cross Breed
Gender: Male
DOB: 10/6/2023
Size: Medium
Weight: 19kg
Desexed: Yes
Adoption Fee: $401
Requirements:
Experienced owners
Must meet all family members in the home
Kids (6yrs+)
Dog selective
Must meet all dogs in the home
Commands I know:
Sit
Down
Stay
Roll Over
Meet Zapp,
You wouldn’t guess it looking at him now, but Zapp came to us in rough shape - he skinny, scared, and unsure of the world. But wow, has he come a long way! With time, patience, and a little TLC, Zapp has started to shine. He’s still got a shy side and may have the occasional moment of uncertainty, but he’s proven just how adaptable and resilient he really is.
Zapp is best suited to experienced dog owners who can help guide him through the world when it feels a little overwhelming. In return, you’ll get a loyal dog who thrives with connection and kindness. He forms bonds quickly and deeply - once you’re in his circle, you’re in it for life.
He's gentle, friendly, and full of character. Once he feels safe, Zapp becomes curious, playful, and super affectionate - always up for fun and eager to interact. He’d do great with active people or families who love getting out and about. And when it comes to other dogs? Zapp is a social butterfly! He’s keen to make friends and enjoys being part of the gang as long as they are on his level.
Clever and highly trainable, Zapp is just waiting for someone to keep showing him how good life can be. If you're ready for a dog who might start off a little unsure but will reward your love with loyalty, laughter, and endless cuddles, Zapp might be your guy!
Ideal Home: Zapp is fine to live in either a standalone home or on a farm/acerage, with a medium to large yard and high, secure fencing.
Family: Zapp is open to meet kids from 6 years and up. Reason for this is simply because Zapp still has moments of timidity - we feel that old children will be more mindful of this and understand his needs a little better.
Zapp is fine to live with people who work full-time hours as he shows no signs of separation anxiety. He is independent and able to spend time in the yard on his own, but would also love to be inside with his new family too. He is a smart boy, so leaving him alone with treat puzzles/enrichment would be a good idea, too.
Furry Friends: Zapp is dog selective. He prefers gentler dogs that are easy going and calm, compared to super playful, boisterous dogs. He feels very comfy around dogs that match his energy levels while high energy dogs tend to scare him a little - this is where he will revert back to his shy and reserved nature. When with dogs that he feels comfortable with he will play, walk, socialise and even lay down with them and just be around them.
As we cannot test in this environment, we are unsure how Zapp would go living with, or meeting, cats/pocket pets. This would be up to the discretion of his new owners.
Training & Development: Zapp would benefit from post-adoption training such as training at home to cover basic commands/obedience. Group classes should also be considered so that he can build his confidence around other dogs. And, if you're so inclined, one on one training with a pro just to get some skills in managing his timidity - but this is optional as he is already quite manageable already.
Zapp may jump on you to say hello, he usually does this with people he feels comfortable with. However, he is quickly learning not to jump up at all.
With additional training and time to settle into a new routine Zapp could be the type of dog that you could take to a dog friendly café or social setting.
Zapp is still learning his name, but he knows commands such as sit, down, stay and roll over. He is a smart boy and very trainable.
He is food motivated too but can sometimes be overzealous when taking treats from you. Having treats on you during training to mark good behaviour would be an excellent idea as he is very responsive to them.
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: Zapp has low to medium-range energy needs & would benefit from exercise, play, or walks from 30-60mins a day to keep him healthy and happy. Zapp likes to play with toys. He will play will all toys but can get bored - however if you were to play with him and the toy then he will continue to play without losing focus. He also likes to go for walks, socialise with other dogs and enjoys personal play with his handlers.
Zapp walks well on lead but he can pull sometimes at the start of the walk. But half way through he will have stopped pulling. . He is fine to be walked on either a harness or martingale.
Staff Comments: Zapp is a very sweet, timid boy who is learning to enjoy life and be a 'dog' again. He loves to cuddle and is a very smart and trainable dog.
The 3-3-3 Rule of Adopting a Dog
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.
