Errol is a 6 year old male Collie cross German Shepherd. He is fostered in Norwich Norfolk. This stunning boy has come to us recently from another rescue that is, unfortunately, having to relocate all of its dogs. Errol is initially a shy boy but his cheeky character shines through once he has relaxed and learned to trust people.
Errol needs another dog in his new home for confidence and reassurance and would also be ok in a larger pack. Errol will need someone with patience and experience to build his confidence as he is not very worldly wise having spent the last few years tucked away in kennels.
Errol has not been on a lead or on walks prior to coming to us but is learning fast, he will need continued practice in his forever home. Errol is a sweet boy with big potential to be an amazing family dog. He will need a calmish environment with no children under the age of twelve. When you adopt a Safe Rescue dog, you MUST use a slip lead.
This will keep your dog safe: your new dog will be nervous and will not trust you, and you will not know which situations might upset your dog. If your dog panics, then a slip lead is the only way to prevent your dog from escaping (many dogs can escape from a collar and/or harness).
It will take AT LEAST 3-6 months for your dog to settle in and for you to know your dog fully (longer for nervous dogs). The slip lead must ALWAYS be used during this settling-in period. Even after your dog is settled, it is safest to use the slip lead in situations where your dog may become scared (e.g. visiting new places, around unfamiliar people, at the vet), and in situations where unexpected triggers might happen (e.g. around bonfire night).
Nervous dogs may always need to wear a slip-lead as a backup safety measure. The slip lead is a safety device and must NEVER be used as a training tool.
Using the lead to apply pressure to the dog’s neck is damaging. If your dog pulls on the lead, then we can advise you on training methods that avoid harm. Once your dog is settled, you may want to consider using a harness (together with the slip lead) if your dog is comfortable with being handled when it is fitted.
Most harnesses are not escape-proof, but harnesses with a strap behind the ribcage (e.g. Ruffwear Webmaster or Perfect Fit Harnesses) are safer. Retractable / extendable leads must never be used on our dogs. Adopted dogs must be collected from the rescue and transported straight home in a crate.
