May I introduce Sam. He is microchipped and now neutered. We were contacted by a veterinary practice who asked us if we could help Sam as his owner wanted to book him in to be put to sleep, and they did not feel Sam had been given a fair chance, especially based on his history of which there is a summary below which explains a lot of his issuers poor lad:

“Feb 2020 – Paid to see a behaviourist in Kidderminster who recommended smacking the dog to correct him and buying a electric shock collar. Long discussion about behaviour, explained positive reinforcement only. Very friendly dog, did bark at me before entering the room but then fine once in, does jump up but ignored and then stopped by the end of consult. Recommended more mental stimulation as very clever dog. Walked twice daily for 30 mins but not let off lead. Recommended muzzle training as many people are scared of him as he barks and launches at strangers. O does not want to muzzle train.

Feb 2020 – Booked in discuss behaviour – Ignore bad behaviour and use positive reinforcement only – Feed dry food in treat ball and wet food in kong to mentally stimulate more (very clever dog) – Purchase a Halti lead to aid walking – Recommended neutering @ 1 year old as not nervous and may help with behaviour

March 2020 – Re-iterated everything said previously. Adv use of shock collars is actually illegal in UK. Not rewarding negative behaviour and positive reinforcement. Strongly advised halti. Owner says behaviour is better now

June 2020 – Sam is becoming increasingly possessive over owner and is starting to mouth/bite at her. Is fine when owner has been around him for long periods of time but behaviours normally present before leaving house and returning. Owner called back re behaviour. Jumps at owner when she leaves the house to go to work. Doesn’t bite but does just open mouthed so does catch owner sometimes too. Also did do this to her friend the other day. As owner works nights and sleeps in the day, Sam only has a few hours with the owner. Advised it sounds like attention seeking/excitement and not aggression. Owner thinks isn’t well socialised so advised to continue meeting with confident family members to improve socialisation (understand is difficult currently due to covid 19). Also explained castration may help with his excitement which owner is happy to do when he is old enough (we need to wait until he is fully grown). Strongly advised more mental stimulation and exercise for Sam as he is a very clever dog. Owner happy with this and will contact us if needs more assistance.

Oct 2020 – Owner could not put a muzzle then we tried for few times but dog jumping on us and by body language susp he will bite therefore postponed the vacc for a day in the week when there is more of us here Owner to try put a muzzle on before coming in.

Nov 2020 – Owner was unable to place a muzzle, and is now terrified of her dog. Says he is fine at home, but she has zero control of him when she is out. Examination – observed from a distance while owner walked him onto the scales in reception. Very lively, long coat so cannot tell body condition. unable to approach for PE or vacc with no muzzle on, as he launches and barks aggressively. Plan – gave owner list of several recommended behaviourists to contact. Needs muzzle training and more support. Owner is too scared of him now + says she will rehome him.

Jan 2021 – Restart vaccinations. According to history owner can’t muzzle and owner has no control over him. Adv because vaccine has been delayed so many times now restart needed. Today we got him in and owner had him so lead though consulting room door, he was distracted enough that i could vaccinate at back end. I had no concerns from visual exam from afar. In lovely condition, healthy looking  ***CPE will be impossible in this dog***

Feb 2021 – Vacc in the practice, owner was holding his head and I’ve managed to quickly give him inj.

July 2021 – Owner called yesterday as wanting to rehome Sam as behaviour is becoming worse. Has bitten dad before and they have spoken to a behaviourist but this is not helping. Owner wanted this sorting yesterday so emailed a list of rescue centres. Owner did mention euthanasia as wanted this dealt with. Advised we would not do this as first point of call as owner must exhaust all other options first. Tried to call owner today to see how she got on but no answer so left voicemail with a list of rescues to try.

Jan 2022 – Client called yesterday for advice about PTS / rehoming due to aggression. Sam has been collected today by German Shepherd Elite.”

The vets who Sam was under have done everything they possibly could to advise Sam’s owner of suitable routes forward, but sadly it does not appear that the owner has followed their advice, and by leaving it longer and longer, the issues continued to escalate.

It is going to be a long path for Sam to fully trust again and to be properly handled, as he is sensitive around his neck due to the electric collar no doubt, however he now is happy to have a lead on, is now muzzled trained and not only goes out with the kennel staff, but with experienced volunteers.

Sam still has a long way to go but when he is ready for a home, he is going to need a very experienced and understanding home to continue his training and socialisation safely and calmly.

Location:

Cornwall - KENNELS

Sex:

Male

Age:

DOB 25.6.19

Neutered:

Yes

Good with children:

No

Good with other dogs:

Unknown

Good with cats:

Unknown