Dougie – Lincolnshire

Dougie was rescued by GSDR and went into kennels on the 27th October 2021 when he was 1 to 2 years old, he had been bought as a guard dog, but he was still a puppy and too young.

He is very friendly with humans and is not excited by cats or dogs, he is curious and wants to play, that is all.  He would be very manageable if properly trained, he has no malice in him, although remember, he will begin to guard once he has his own family.

Dougie has lived outside with other dogs in a home garden, and was very good with the resident child, whom Dougie loved.  The resident bitch Caucasian was not happy to have Dougie in the household, so he had to go back into kennels.

Our volunteer Pete has been walking Dougie out for the past couple of years.  When Dougie was first walked, he could be excitable and due to still being young was difficult to control, but with discipline and by setting boundaries, Dougie has settled down and walks nicely on a slip lead, he is kept close as he is very big and likes to play when unexpected, the glint in his eyes tell you when he is going to play.

Dougie lopes along when out and takes no notice of anything, dogs, cats or vehicles, however, if another dog barks at him, he will respond back, but not be aggressive. Dougie has been castrated. Dougie loves his food and is not happy to go for a walk if he has not had his breakfast, and loves treats a bit too much, so treats are only given after a walk before he goes back into kennels, or he will not walk any further without a constant treat supply.

An ideal home for Dougie would be in the Country with a large garden or land with a very strong perimeter security.  He has failed as a guard dog once, but this trait will develop when he gets a home of his own, in kennels he has no family or home to guard.

Dougie needs a home where he can live outside, maybe a small holding or farm type home.  He may in time when he gains confidence, change his mind and gradually transform into being a house dog if given the chance.

When in the kennel paddock, Dougie will jump up at the kennel staff when they take their eyes off the ball, and knock them flying as part of what he believes to be a game and does not know his own strength, this is due to have had not training as a puppy, and will need someone who has the time and strength to give Dougie the training he deserves, he will quieten down once he has his own home, boundaries set and gets into a routine.

Dougie needs owner(s) who is very experienced with Shepherds/large dogs and are physically strong to be able to control Dougie when he is excited and in a playful mood.

Because Dougie does not know his own size and strength, we will not re home Dougie with small children at present.  Although Dougie has not reacted to cats, he would need to be carefully introduced once in a forever home.  Dougie could live with other dogs.