Sassy is a 7 year old female Chihuahua Cross. She is fostered in Hingham, Norfolk. I met Sassy in Romania in the shelter where she was with a small pup (Dude).
Sassy had been brought in as the owner didn’t want them anymore – we are not sure whether Dude is her pup as they are not alike at all but are very bonded and Sassy protected him like her own.
Sassy is a sweetheart, but she is very fearful and scared, I’m not sure what has happened to her in the past but her scars run deep.
Sassy needs someone who will love her unconditionally, with loads of love, cuddles and treats, she deserves a first-class home – Sassy needs an all-adult home, and could live with another small chilled-out dog.
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.
