From the paddock to the Capital

Animal Details 

Name: Loki 

Breed: Kelpie 

Gender: Male desexed 

Age at Adoption: 11 months (now 3.5 years)

Owner: Inga D

History 

Inga first reached out when she was doing her research on finding the right dog for her.  

After a brief discussion, we identified that Inga was a super active, athletic, outdoor-loving person with an eye for Adventure. Inga exercises for a minimum of 2 hours most days and has wanted a dog to be her companion for a long time. Inga also works long hours, but she wanted a dog that would run with her every day and be capable of hiking long distances. Inga wanted an intelligent and trainable dog.

We identified that a working breed dog would most likely meet her needs. Inga was referred to the Australian Working Dog Rescue Institute (AWDRI) 

AWDRI provide rehoming for all working dog breeds in Australia. From Cattle dogs to Mareemas, this organisation works to find owners who want dogs with drive and go. Dogs that will be high energy and need someone willing to give them outlets for their needs. 

Inga requested our assistance to attend a Meet and greet at a Foster carer for AWDRI in Mittagong NSW. We travelled together, attended the property with our tester dog Poppy, and met five potential adoption candidates. 

Assessment 

Loki was still residing with his brother, whom Inga had shown interest in also. 

On meeting and reviewing the dogs, Loki showed the most interest in Inga. He displayed the most neutral and happy behaviours when meeting Poppy, the testing dog and overall basic health exam showed no severe abnormalities. 

He was not as confident as his brother, which is common when litter mates are raised together. One dog will be more pushy and outgoing than the sibling. Because Inga wanted a dog who would be more inclined to want to follow her lead and need her guidance, we identified Loki as the best match. 

We did identify that Loki had some skin allergies and advised Inga that he would potentially need ongoing Veterinary care for this condition. We gave estimates for costs associated with this type of issue dependent on it being a seasonal allergy or something more chronic. Inga was happy to go ahead and could budget for these health concerns. 

Outcome 

Inga and Loki have developed a fantastic bond and are an excellent combination. Inga has shown great dedication to learning about Loki, his breed and his needs. 

She has participated in Advanced level obedience, Agility training and Sheep trialling with Loki. He is her companion on holidays and adventures and has been precisely the pet she needed in her life. 

Cost to Client from the Pet Teacher -  

$500 including travel costs, written report and formal behavioural assessment   

Review from Inga

I know nobody who is as professional and experienced when it comes to dog training. Alicia absolutely knows her stuff. She's got a solid veterinary nursing education on top of her dog training skills. I thank her for all the great advice she has provided for me and my Loki. The day I picked him up as a rescue she accompanied me to help assess his character and health. Best choice ever