Trixie

Who is Trixie?

 Trixie is approximately 2 years old.  She is a mongrel with a fairly even mix of black and tan colouring.  She is already neutered and will be chipped before leaving the Home. She is a very distinctive looking dog whose breeding, we believe, includes a splash of Dachshund and a dollop of Whippet.

Why did Trixie come into the Home?

She arrived in to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as a stray in March 2007.  She has had a long stay with us as she is in need of quite a specific home but we could not have foreseen that this highly active, highly intelligent dog would stay in quite so long.

What is Trixie like?

The Behaviour Staff, Kennel Hands and Volunteers who have worked with Trixie have described her as smart, cheeky, aloof, affectionate, giddy and single-minded.  This variety of impressions highlights how quirky and unique Trixie is, but also shows that her relationships with people will vastly differ on a measure of how much she trusts and respects you.  If Trixie learns to respect you from the boundaries you set and the interaction and activities you carry out then she will form a very strong and affectionate bond with you.

Why has Trixie been seen by the Behaviour Unit?

Trixie has spent time with the Behaviour Unit primarily for issues around food and toy possession.  She also displays issues which arise from specific breed traits such as her high chase drive.  Recall as a means of controlling chase will need plenty of work as we've found that once off lead she will lead you on a merry dance with her evasive tactics.  There is a lot to take on board with Trixie in terms of settling into her new home and training with her.  Owners need to be black and white with ground rules and boundaries.  She has been described as affectionate, so will need a loving home, but too much love and not enough clear rules and mental stimulation will allow this dog to run rings around you.  Owners must be willing to take on the advice of the Behaviour Unit staff who have worked with Trixie and follow her ongoing training program. 

What kind of home is Trixie looking for?

Trixie must live in a semi-rural to rural environment where there is a low dog population.  She has a complex attitude to dogs.  She'll be playful and boisterous with some, wary of others and haughty and challenging with yet others.  She could live in a house or a flat.  The key element here is the compulsory secure garden.  She is very active and will need to dash chaotically around in an enclosed space regularly!  Nothing is straight-forward with Trixie, she can also jump over great heights so sufficiently tall boundaries are needed.

What kind of owners is Trixie looking for?

Due to Trixie's requirements in terms of consistency, training and firmness she is not suitable for homes with children.  She is to live in an adult-only home with between 2 and 4 family members maximum for reasons of consistency.  There is a lot to take on with Trixie.  But we are sure that there is someone out there who will enjoy the challenge, form a strong bond with her and love having her as part of their home.   Staff have described her as feisty, cheeky with a great sense of humour.  She will make a super student and a loyal companion if approached correctly from day 1.

I Think I would fit that criteria, what should I do next?

Contact a member of the Behaviour team on 02076277884, or email [email protected] and quote the reference 07/05416.  Trixie will need some further training in her new home. To receive advice and guidance regarding this training from the Behaviour Unit staff that have worked with her, potential owners should be prepared to come into the Dogs Home for a minimum of two visits.

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